MapleStory M is a 2D anime-style MMORPG for mobile that recreates the classic Maple World experience through gacha-based progression and social guild play.
Product velocity
Steady
Daily rank 🇺🇸
#188
▲8Games · grossing
Sentiment
4.5
157k reviews
Nemesis
Black Desert Mobile
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
The app removes the friction of desktop-only play for legacy fans, allowing them to maintain character progression via auto-battle loops while occupied.
For Fans of classic 2D MMORPGs and anime-style fantasy games seeking mobile-optimized social and progression gameplay.
Key features
Automated combat progression through dungeons and fields, reducing manual effort and increasing session duration.
Randomized acquisition of outfits and pets, driving high-margin cosmetic revenue.
Multiplayer social structures for boss raids and leaderboard competition, increasing long-term retention.
How much does it cost?
Freemium model relies on micro-transactions for gacha-based character customization and combat power acceleration.
Velocity
Steady developmentnew contentseasonal eventsUX improvementsShow more...
MapleStory M maintains a steady development pace, shipping 9 distinct versions over the observed window, averaging approximately one release every 3-4 weeks. The development team consistently delivers new content, including bosses, character jobs, and seasonal events, confirming its status as a live-service title. While the release cadence is steady, the frequency of major content drops remains consistent, ensuring regular engagement for the player base. The app is currently in a stable release cycle with no signs of deceleration.
Who built it?
NEXON Company
13+ apps tracked · Games
メイプルストーリーM 協力マルチプレイ/MMORPG
FC 모바일
KartRider Rush+
프라시아 전기
HIT : The World-MMORPG/MMO・ギルド
넥슨온
EA SPORTS FC Online M
던파ON
넥슨플레이
넥슨퍼스트
메이플핸즈+
마비노기 모바일User Sentiment
What do users think recently?
Fresh user feedback skews frustrated. Users appreciate nostalgic gameplay loop allows long-term fans to relive childhood memories on mobile devices and auto-battle features allow busy players to progress through content without constant manual input, but report aggressive pay-to-win mechanics and rng-heavy progression walls frustrate players who do not spend money.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
Weekly average review rating
What users say, by theme
- Nostalgic gameplay loop allows long-term fans to relive childhood memories on mobile devices
- Auto-battle features allow busy players to progress through content without constant manual input
- Aggressive pay-to-win mechanics and RNG-heavy progression walls frustrate players who do not spend money
120 of 698 recent reviews analyzed · high confidence · Frustrated overall
Read the full review analysisUnlock 2 more frustration themes and 1 user request, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for MapleStory M: Fantasy MMORPG
How's the Games market?
MapleStory M holds a #107 Grossing position in the US Role Playing category, with the gap between Free and Grossing ranks signaling monetization friction.
Read the market outlookThe rivals identified
By Pearl Abyss Corp.
With 15 releases in the last six months and a massive user base, it represents the most aggressive, high-fidelity competitor in the mobile MMORPG space.
- High-fidelity graphics engine pushes mobile hardware limits beyond standard anime-style MMORPG visual expectations.
- Aggressive bi-weekly update cadence ensures constant content injection, keeping the player base engaged and retained.
- Deep, complex life-skill systems provide non-combat progression paths that differentiate it from pure combat-focused titles.
Unlock the head-to-head verdict: where this rival wins, and where it loses.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for MapleStory M: Fantasy MMORPG
Where is it heading?
The mobile MMORPG market is consolidating around high-fidelity titles that offer more transparent progression and better technical optimization. MapleStory M is currently exposed to churn due to its aging technical foundation and aggressive monetization, which will likely compress revenue as users migrate to more modern alternatives.
- Storage requirements exceeding 10GB cause device overheating, which limits the addressable device pool and accelerates churn among casual users.
- Automated account bans without clear recourse create a perception of unfairness, driving negative sentiment that outweighs the nostalgic gameplay appeal.
The SWOT
- Iconic IP provides immediate nostalgic brand recognition
- Lower hardware barrier enables broader device accessibility
- Native controller support improves boss encounter precision
- Localized community events mitigate moderation perception
Next best moves
Ship native controller support because touch controls are the top-cited frustration for bossing → increase high-level player retention
+ 1 more prioritized moveThe counter-intuitive read
The 10GB storage footprint is a greater threat…
Read the full takeFeature gaps
Native controller support (available in rivals but missing here) +1
Since the last report: Technical bloat and automated moderation failures have emerged as critical retention risks, compounding existing monetization friction. The increased review volume provides higher confidence that these technical barriers are now the primary drivers of negative sentiment.
Bottom line
The nostalgic core retains legacy fans, but technical bloat and aggressive monetization are eroding the funnel. Addressing the storage footprint and moderation transparency would stabilize the player base, as current churn is driven by these specific friction points.
Unlock 3 critical frictions, 2 market threats, 1 more prioritized move and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeFAQ
Is MapleStory M still worth playing for free?
How does MapleStory M compare to Black Desert Mobile?
Is the game safe for children?
What are some alternatives to MapleStory M?
Sources
- [1] Play Store Listing, source
Report last updated