Originally announced 2026-09-02. Written as part of our launch history series.
On 2026-09-02, Nexon put three Founder's Package tiers on sale for MapleStory Classic World. The Nexon Classic World FAQ lists them: Snail, Orange Mushroom and Zakum. This piece looks back at that date and at what each tier is for.
Where the sale sits in the timeline
The sale came late in a long run-up. The mapleclassic.wiki News timeline records the first announcement on April 1, 2025, in Nexon's 20th anniversary developer video led by original designer Nemi. Closed Online Test 1 went live on April 1, 2026. Closed Online Test 2 followed on August 1, 2026.
On August 21, 2026, Nexon set Grand Launch for October 21, 2026 in its Ossyria Exploration Report, according to the wiki. The package sale opened twelve days later.
What each tier is for
The FAQ states that all three tiers include Founder's Access from October 6, 2026. The higher tiers add more items. The tiers are described as follows.
- Snail Package: the entry tier. It grants Founder's Access on October 6. It is not sold on Steam.
- Orange Mushroom Package: the middle tier. It carries more bonus items than Snail. It is not sold on Steam.
- Zakum Package: the top tier. It is the only tier sold on Steam.
In practice, the Snail tier is for players who want early access and nothing more. The Orange Mushroom tier is for players who want early access plus extra items. The Zakum tier is the top of the range. These are plain readings of Nexon's tier descriptions, not Nexon's own marketing language.
One note on naming. Zakum is the name of a package tier. It is not a boss that players can fight at launch.
The Steam-only-Zakum detail
Nexon's FAQ confirms that the Steam version offers only the Zakum tier. The other tiers are sold through Nexon's own store. The FAQ does not give a reason in the facts we hold, so we do not offer one here.
The practical result is simple. A player who buys on Steam gets the top tier. A player who wants Snail or Orange Mushroom buys through Nexon's own store.
Prices are not reproduced here
This article does not list prices. Nexon's FAQ says prices can change, and Nexon is the authority on them. Check the current Nexon store or Steam page before buying.
The FAQ also covers tier upgrades after purchase and whether Founder's Package items expire. We do not restate those answers. Nexon says the exact mechanics are set out in the FAQ, and the current text should be checked before relying on any item long term.
What it means now
It is now October 2026, and the sale is no longer the next milestone. Nexon published the FAQ and Founder's Access pre-download instructions for Nexon Launcher and Steam on September 29, 2026. Founder's Access begins October 6, 2026 for players with a qualifying package.
Nexon says progress made during Founder's Access carries directly into Grand Launch, with no wipe between the two. Grand Launch is October 21, 2026, when MapleStory Classic World opens to everyone. Players without a package can wait for that date. Players with one start earlier, and the FAQ says their progress stays.
Frequently asked
- What are the Founder's Package tiers?
- Snail, Orange Mushroom and Zakum. All three include Founder's Access from October 6, 2026, and the higher tiers add more items, according to Nexon's FAQ.
- Why does Steam only sell the Zakum Package?
- Nexon's FAQ confirms the Steam version offers only the Zakum tier, and the other tiers are sold through Nexon's own store. The facts we hold do not give a reason.
- Does progress from Founder's Access carry into Grand Launch?
- Yes. Nexon says progress made during Founder's Access carries directly into Grand Launch, with no wipe between the two. Grand Launch is October 21, 2026.
