MapleStory Classic World is live for Founder's Access buyers since October 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM PDT, and it opens to everyone at Grand Launch on October 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM PDT. You install it from the Nexon Launcher or from Steam, and no beta key is required.
The two launch windows
Nexon published both dates in its official Classic World FAQ. Founder's Access is the paid early window; Grand Launch is the free-for-all opening.
| Window | Date and time | Who can play | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founder's Access | Tuesday, October 6, 2026, 11:00 AM PDT (2:00 PM EDT / 8:00 PM CEST / 4:00 AM AEST on October 7) | Players who bought a Founder's Access package | Nexon Launcher or Steam |
| Grand Launch | Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 11:00 AM PDT (2:00 PM EDT / 8:00 PM CEST / 4:00 AM AEST on October 22) | Everyone, free | Nexon Launcher and Steam |
Install through the Nexon Launcher
The Classic World client is a separate download inside the Nexon Launcher, so the launcher itself can be prepared before launch day.
- Download and install the official Nexon Launcher from Nexon's website.
- Log in with your Nexon account.
- On launch day, find MapleStory in your library, switch on the MapleStory Classic World toggle, and download the standalone client.
Install through Steam
Steam treats Classic World as part of the existing MapleStory install, so the base game has to be installed and fully updated first.
- Open your Steam Library and select MapleStory (App 216150).
- Click Install and pick the drive you want to use.
- Let the base download finish and let Steam apply every pending update.
- On launch day, choose the MapleStory Classic World option and finish that download.
Link your Nexon account to Steam
Nexon recommends linking before launch. There are two official routes.
- Web (recommended): sign in to your Nexon account on the official site, open Account Settings, and link the Steam profile from the browser. Nothing has to be downloaded first.
- In game: launch MapleStory through Steam after the download finishes and sign in with your Nexon credentials when prompted to confirm the link.
Pre-download checklist
Nexon's pre-download instructions say the recommended order for Steam players is: fully install and update MapleStory, link the Nexon account, then wait for the Classic World option to appear. Launcher players only need a working, logged-in Nexon Launcher before launch day.
Do you need a beta key?
No. The earlier beta tests are over and the FAQ states plainly that Founder's Access buyers can start playing with no beta key. A key is not sold separately and is not part of the Founder's Access flow.
Price and Founder's packages
This site does not publish Founder's Access prices or package contents, because the official FAQ that this page is built from does not list them. See official Nexon page: Founder's Access pre-launch sales for the current packages, prices and regional availability.
macOS support and shared IGNs
The two Nexon FAQ answers on macOS playability and on whether in-game names are shared between MapleStory and MapleStory Classic World are cut off in the copy we were able to source. Check the official FAQ for macOS support and name-sharing details rather than trusting a forum summary.
What to read next
- Classes — the five starting classes and the advancement tree.
- Leveling Guide — the early route to level 35 and the level cap rules.
- Updates — what is in the launch build and what is not.
- Classic vs Modern — how Classic World differs from live MapleStory.
Sources
- MapleStory Classic World FAQ (Nexon) — launch dates, install, account linking, beta-key answer.
- Founder's Access pre-download instructions (Nexon) — Steam and Launcher preparation steps.