The Nostalgia of MapleStory Worlds: Artale and the Hell Levels

Welcome to Artale, the Old School MapleStory-inspired server in MapleStory Worlds, where nostalgia meets the challenge of slow, rewarding progression. For veterans of pre-Big Bang MapleStory, this server rekindles memories of grinding, exploring expansive maps, and tackling infamous "hell levels." Today, we’ll dive into the journey to level 30 in Artale, reliving the classic MapleStory experience and uncovering tips for navigating this old-school grind.

A Journey Through Victoria Island

Nostalgic Grinding Spots

Starting in Artale is a trip down memory lane. The journey to level 30 is packed with visits to iconic training spots:

Construction Site: Octopus monsters provide a reliable grind early on.

Subway at Kerning City: Bubblings is another nostalgic hotspot for leveling up, offering a steady experience in a familiar setting.

End of the Tunnel: Venturing to the dungeon with higher-level mobs is both thrilling and dangerous, as losing 10% experience on death feels brutal compared to modern MapleStory.

Exploration is key in Artale. The absence of teleport systems common in contemporary MapleStory adds a layer of immersion, making Victoria Island feel vast and alive. Every step and every map unlock a new wave of nostalgia.

Hidden Streets and Perion’s Boars

Hidden streets define the charm of early MapleStory. In Perion, players can grind on boars, especially in hidden maps near the town. While some mechanics have been updated for Artale, the essence of these locations remains intact.

One standout map, tucked away deep within the wilderness, holds a special place for many players. The walk to these maps feels adventurous, offering a sense of scale and discovery absent in modern iterations of the game.

The Hell Levels: 30–35

The transition from level 30 to 35 is infamously known as the hell levels in Old School MapleStory. This phase is challenging for several reasons:

1. Second Job Advancement:

-While reaching level 30 unlocks the second job advancement, the benefits are minimal at first. Most second-job skills lack immediate power, leaving players to rely on basic first-job attacks like Slash Blast or Double Stab.

2. Lack of Training Spots:

-Without later additions like the Mushroom Kingdom or theme dungeons, players grind at weaker mobs for efficiency or risk high potion costs at stronger areas.

3. Limited Mesos:

-Early-game meso management is tough. Potions drain resources quickly, forcing players to make strategic decisions about training spots.

4. Mastery and Slow Scaling:

-For most classes, damage output is inconsistent due to the low skill Mastery at this stage, resulting in frustratingly unpredictable hits.

Class-Specific Struggles

The second job offers minor upgrades, but each class faces unique struggles:

Warriors: Rely heavily on Slash Blast and Power Strike. Without skills like Hyper Body or Rage, grinding feels slow.

Thieves: Assassins and Bandits gain limited utility with skills like Drain and Savage Blow, which are lackluster at low levels.

Mages: While Ice Lightning Mages get Thunderbolt for mobbing, damage and mana usage are inefficient early on.

Bowmen: Arrow Bomb and Iron Arrow are great but limited by low damage consistency.

Tips for Surviving the Hell Levels

1. Optimize Training Spots:

  Stick to efficient mobs like boars or bubblings to save Artale mesos while maximizing experience.

2. Sell Valuable Drops:

  Items like high-level weapons or rare equipment can be sold for mesos to fund potion expenses.

3. Party Play:

  Grinding with others improves efficiency and reduces potion consumption.

4. Mastery First:

  Prioritize Mastery skills to stabilize damage output and make grinding smoother.

How to Access Artale in MapleStory Worlds

Currently, Artale is only available in the Americas. If you’re outside the region, you’ll need a VPN. Here’s how:

1. Download and Install Surfshark VPN:

Connect to a U.S.-based server.

2. Create a Nexon Account:

Ensure your region is set to the U.S. during account creation.

3. Launch MapleStory Worlds:

Log into Artale and disconnect the VPN for seamless gameplay.

Artale is slated to launch in Europe starting in January, so fans worldwide will soon join the nostalgia trip!

Looking Ahead: Level 35 and Beyond

Once you survive the hell levels, new opportunities open up. Ludi PQ at level 35 becomes a haven for party quest enthusiasts. However, the grind to level 70 remains a test of patience and perseverance, capturing the essence of Old School MapleStory.

Conclusion

Artale in MapleStory Worlds is a love letter to pre-Big Bang MapleStory. Its nostalgic design, challenging grind, and community-focused gameplay remind us of a time when every level felt like an achievement. Whether you’re a veteran revisiting old memories or a new player seeking a classic MMORPG experience, Artale is worth exploring.

MMOexp MapleStory Artale Team