The world is crumbling. Both proactive and reciprocal tariffs are in full swing, making global markets unstable. On a typical human summer morning, Johnny wakes up to two things: an email from his employer announcing yet another round of mass layoffs, and alerts from his portfolio that his stocks have dipped down by another 10% from their book value. While rent isn't a worry since he still lives comfortably at home, Johnny knows he might just be next. At least he finds some solace in the fact that his auction house racked him up another cool 30 million Artale mesos overnight. A small victory in the midst of chaos.

In this environment, where the market is tanking and layoffs are inevitable, only a few industries benefit from this instability. One of those is gaming, particularly games that rely on grinding and min-maxing, even if those games are over 20 years old. With tens of thousands of players out of work and others looking to maximize their time and resources, the world of Artale MapleStory is primed for a massive surge in popularity. If you're looking to capitalize on the upcoming wave of gamers in 2025, now is the best time to set your account up for success.

Welcome to the most "unethical" guide to getting rich in Artale MapleStory, a throwback to the nostalgia-filled days of Old School MapleStory. With the official release of Artale in October 2024, players were welcomed with enormous success before the game settled into a healthy player base. Artale simulates the experience of what MapleStory was like in 2006, complete with all the charm and flaws of the original game—no quality of life updates and all the bugs that even the most loyal fans can't help but chuckle about.

But despite all its downsides, Artale is unique in that it's the only Old School MapleStory game that's officially licensed and still running strong. It's the version that players are allowed to play, unlike the more "polished" versions of the game that make you pay for every slight advantage. In the world of Artale, things are simpler—and that's why it's recession-proof.

In the midst of this, players, whether they are about to face unemployment or looking to take advantage of the influx of newly unemployed gamers, should prepare themselves for a unique opportunity. The first-ever summer for the Northern Hemisphere with an official Nexon-licensed Old School MapleStory game is just around the corner. Artale is set to blow up—and this is how you can get in early and reap the rewards.

The Recession-Proof World of Artale MapleStory

As the world enters 2025 with economic instability on the rise, Artale is set to become a hub for those looking for distraction—and profit. While the global economy suffers, Artale will experience an influx of new players. Many of these newcomers will be gamers, unemployed or looking for a fresh start, who have decided to invest their time in grinding for in-game wealth rather than real-world assets.

In an environment like this, the Artale market will see significant volatility. With so many players vying for limited resources and opportunities, it's important to be prepared for what's to come. The key to making money in Artale isn't just grinding for mesos—it's about understanding the nuances of the game's economy and capitalizing on the flood of new players who will soon join the fray.

Step 1: Hoard Valuable Items

When a new wave of players hits, one thing is certain: they'll need gear. The best way to capitalize on this is by hoarding valuable items that are essential for progression. The number one rule when anticipating a huge surge of players is to stockpile everything you think will be in demand. One of the most sought-after classes for new players in Artale is the Cleric, a versatile and beginner-friendly class that's perfect for solo players and parties alike.

Clerics start the game with a wooden wand and, by level 40, need to upgrade to the Yellow Umbrella for a significant damage boost. The Yellow Umbrella is a must-have for Clerics and will likely see a spike in demand as more players choose to level up this class. But don't stop there. At level 50, Clerics has several upgrade paths available, including the Zakon Branch, Hard Wand, and Mystic King. These are essential items that new players will need, so stock up while you can.

However, there's a delicate balance to strike. Don't waste your resources on scrolls or items that aren't essential. While some scrolls may see a temporary spike in value, they are unlikely to hold their worth once the initial influx of players begins to farm them in droves. Stick to the necessities—like the Yellow Umbrella, Zakon Branch, Hard Wand, and Mystic King—and avoid hoarding ancillary items that won't provide long-term value.

Step 2: Invest in Popular Classes Like Night Lords

When most people think of Old School MapleStory, they think of Night Lords—the iconic class is known for its dexless builds, star-throwing mechanics, and high mobility. Night Lords are the ultimate “bay class” for many Artale players, and they are expected to be in high demand. Whether you're planning to play a Night Lord yourself or simply looking to profit off their popularity, investing in Night Lord-specific items is a smart move.

Claws for attack 60%, clean claws, and scrolls for Night Lords will all be in high demand. When new players flock to Artale to recreate their childhood memories, Night Lords will undoubtedly be a top choice. As such, you should stock up on scrolls and claws for attack and keep an eye on the auction house for deals. If you're lucky enough to find an above-average claw at a good price, buy it. Triple Throw skill books are also essential for Night Lords, and they're likely to see a surge in value once the player base grows.

Since the market will be flooded with new players, the demand for these items will skyrocket. But be strategic: the auction house is bound to see more downtime than a McDonald's ice cream machine, so there's no need to rush into purchases too soon. Once the wave of new players settles, the prices of pets and snowflakes will likely drop, so avoid buying these items prematurely.

Step 3: Understand the Market Fluctuations

With so many new players entering the game, the economy will become volatile. Roll coins, for instance, are bound to fluctuate in price. As new players join, they'll likely spend roll coins on items they feel will help them progress. However, the value of roll coins is likely to decrease as new money floods into the system. This presents an opportunity for players to buy roll coins when the price is low and sell them when the value increases.

Additionally, with the surge of new players, pets and snowflakes—which are typically acquired via real-money transactions—will see significant drops in value. Hold off on purchasing these items until the market stabilizes. Once the player base becomes more established, the price of pets and snowflakes will likely rebound.

Step 4: Capitalize on the Boom

With the summer of 2025 fast approaching, Artale is set to explode in popularity. As the only officially licensed Old School MapleStory game, it's the go-to choice for nostalgic players looking for an authentic MapleStory experience. But to make the most of the boom, players need to act quickly. The influx of new players will undoubtedly lead to a massive increase in demand for key items, gear, and services. By hoarding the right items, investing in popular classes, and understanding market fluctuations, you can set yourself up for massive profits.

Artale is recession-proof, and its popularity will only continue to grow. If you play your cards right, you'll be able to rake in millions of mesos before the summer of 2025 arrives. So prepare yourself, stock up on essential items, and get ready for the ride of your life. The world may be crumbling, but Artale is about to soar to new heights.

MMOexp MapleStory Artale Team