MapleStory Gold Farming & Leveling Guide – Based on Real In-Game Testing

With the launch of a new MapleStory server just around the corner, many players are gearing up for the grind. This guide, drawn from test server runs and Web2 version experience, outlines high-efficiency paths to both farming mesos and leveling up quickly. While there may be tweaks once the official server launches, the core strategies should remain effective for early planning.

In terms of gold farming, three main paths emerged from testing—each with its own strengths depending on how much time or money you’re willing to invest.

One strategy revolves around a four-person boss-hunting squad. Ideal for players with either endgame accounts or a willingness to spend. The best team comp? A tank like Hero or Paladin, an assassin-type like Night Walker or Dual Blade, one CC-heavy mage like Ice/Lightning or Wind Archer, and a ranged DPS like Bowmaster. When the gear drops are lucky, a single item can be worth weeks of grinding. Downside? It takes time to build this kind of team, and your daily returns aren’t always steady—most of the income depends on rare loot drops. But for players who can afford to play the long game, it’s arguably the most lucrative route.

The second method is all about raw efficiency—pure gold grinding with fast map clearing. Teams of Bowmasters or Poison Mages dominate here. They clear mobs at lightning speed and rake in mesos quickly. This setup suits full-time grinders, though it’s not without drawbacks. Bowmasters require more manual play, while gearing a Poison Mage gets expensive. And this path skips bosses altogether, so there’s a ceiling on profit.

The third approach is a mix of growth and income—a balanced squad designed for stable returns over time. Think one Dark Knight, one Bishop, and two Bowmasters. The Bishops offer double EXP buffs and support, while the Bowmasters handle the heavy lifting. You won’t set any records for clearing speed, but it’s a solid team for players focused on both progression and farming. Great for small spenders or casual team-focused players.

Leveling up in MapleStory efficiently means knowing where to go at the right times. Based on tests, here’s a streamlined path from level 10 to 140 that skips the fluff.

From level 10 to 22, head to “Scrapyard 3” in Savage Terminal. It’s crowded with mobs—ideal for those early levels. Move to “Hazzard’s Turf 3” until around 30. Then dive into theme dungeons like Ellinel Fairy Academy or Gold Beach. These offer tons of EXP with storyline quests.

Once you hit the 60s, “Silent Swamp” in Ellinia becomes a solid grinding spot. From 66 to 70, “Stairway to the Sky I” in Orbis offers tight mob spawns. In the 70s and 80s, “Desolate Desert” or “Research Lab C-2” (with its hidden map) work well for longer sessions.

After 88, try “The Afterlands,” a story dungeon with good EXP. In the mid-90s, “Toy Factory Line 3” lets you push through quickly. Just before hitting triple digits, farm Normal Zakum for decent loot, though EXP bonuses don’t apply.

Levels 101 to 120 go smoothly in “Steep Cliff 4” at El Nath. From there, head to “Fairy Tale Village” to grind and collect level 140 gear. By 130, you should be comfortable grinding in “Cafe <3>” at Wastes Tower Floor 2. It’s packed with mobs and great for long sessions.