The when

MapleStory Classic World release date

The two dates that matter, the road that led here, and what is actually in the game on day one.

Answer

Grand Launch is October 21, 2026. Players who bought a qualifying Founder's Package start earlier, on October 6, 2026 (Founder's Access), and their progress carries into Grand Launch. Nexon has published dates but not opening times; we will add the time the moment it is announced.

Source: Nexon's Classic World FAQ, September 29, 2026.

Timeline

April 1, 2025
Announced
Nexon revealed MapleStory Classic World in its 20th anniversary developer video, led by original designer Nemi. [mapleclassic.wiki News timeline]
April 1, 2026
Closed Online Test 1
The first closed online test went live. [mapleclassic.wiki News timeline]
June 1, 2026
IGN Live trailer
A special trailer aired at IGN Live 2026. [mapleclassic.wiki News timeline]
August 1, 2026
Closed Online Test 2
The second closed online test went live. [mapleclassic.wiki News timeline]
August 11, 2026
Mobility skill adjustments
Nexon published a patch adjusting mobility skills. [mapleclassic.wiki patch page]
August 21, 2026
Launch dates set
Grand Launch was set for October 21, 2026 in Nexon's Ossyria Exploration Report. [mapleclassic.wiki News timeline]
September 2, 2026
Founder's Packages on sale
Three Founder's Package tiers went on sale: Snail, Orange Mushroom and Zakum. [Nexon Classic World FAQ]
September 29, 2026
FAQ and pre-download
Nexon published the Classic World FAQ and Founder's Access pre-download instructions for Nexon Launcher and Steam. [Nexon news]
October 6, 2026
Founder's Access begins
Players with a qualifying Founder's Package can start. Progress carries into Grand Launch. [Nexon Classic World FAQ]
October 21, 2026
Grand Launch
MapleStory Classic World opens to everyone. [Nexon Classic World FAQ]

What is in the game at launch

Two continents: Maple Island (levels 1 to 10) and Victoria Island (level 10 and up). [mapleclassic.wiki]
Victoria Island's towns: Henesys, Ellinia, Perion, Kerning City, Lith Harbor and Sleepywood. [mapleclassic.wiki]
Four job branches (Warrior, Magician, Bowman, Thief) plus Beginner, with first and second job advancement. [mapleclassic.wiki]
66 monsters including six bosses. [mapleclassic.wiki]
221 quests at launch. [mapleclassic.wiki]
Crafting with six professions, party quests, a Citizenship system, guilds and the Free Market. [mapleclassic.wiki]
Runs inside the existing Global MapleStory client, on Nexon Launcher or Steam, with a macOS beta and gamepad support. [Nexon Classic World FAQ]

Just as important is what is not in the game at launch: third job, Orbis and El Nath are held back for later.

Platforms

Classic World runs inside the Global MapleStory client, through Nexon Launcher or Steam, with a macOS beta and gamepad support. Steam sells only the Zakum Founder's tier; see Founder's Packages for the comparison and the FAQ for pre-download, Mac and controller questions.

Frequently asked

When does MapleStory Classic World release?

Grand Launch is October 21, 2026. Players with a qualifying Founder's Package get Founder's Access from October 6, 2026, and progress made then carries into Grand Launch.

Can I pre-download Classic World?

Yes. Nexon published pre-download instructions for both Nexon Launcher and Steam on September 29, 2026.

What carries over from Founder's Access to Grand Launch?

Nexon says progress made during Founder's Access carries directly into Grand Launch; there is no wipe between the two.