MapleStory holds a special place in the hearts of nostalgic MMORPG enthusiasts. One of its lesser-known servers, Artale, captures the essence of old-school MapleStory, embracing classic gameplay mechanics, simpler times, and community-focused content. For those looking to play as a Mage, this guide covers everything you need to know to excel in Artale’s magical world.
Why Choose a Mage?
Mages in Artale are a powerful and versatile class, boasting some of the highest damage potential in the game while excelling at crowd control and utility. With skills that allow you to teleport, heal, and deal massive area-of-effect (AoE) damage, Mages are a fantastic choice for both new and veteran players.
Pros:
- High damage potential.
- Exceptional AoE skills for mobbing.
- Early access to teleportation for increased mobility.
- Variety of elemental attacks to exploit weaknesses.
Cons:
- Low HP, requiring careful positioning.
- Reliance on MP and frequent potion usage.
- Weak early game compared to other classes.
The Path of the Mage
1st Job Advancement: Magician
At Level 8, head to Ellinia to become a Magician. Ensure your INT stat is at least 20 before making the job advancement. Speak to Grendel the Really Old to begin your magical journey.
Stat Distribution:
- Focus on INT exclusively.
- Avoid adding points to STR, DEX, or LUK unless you’re playing a niche LUK Mage build.
Key Skills to Max:
- Improved MP Recovery: Boosts your MP regeneration rate.
- Improved Max MP Increase: Increases your maximum MP, crucial for survival and spellcasting.
- Magic Claw: Your primary attack skill, perfect for training.
- Magic Guard: Essential for survival, as it transfers damage to MP instead of HP.
2nd Job Advancement: Cleric or Wizard
At Level 30, choose between becoming a Cleric or a Wizard.
- Cleric: Focused on supportive skills like healing and Holy attacks, ideal for party play.
- Wizard: Split into Fire/Poison or Ice/Lightning paths, offering greater offensive capabilities.
Cleric Skill Highlights:
- Heal: Restore HP for yourself and your party while damaging undead monsters.
- Holy Arrow: A single-target Holy attack useful against undead enemies.
Wizard Skill Highlights:
Fire/Poison: Specializes in high-damage Fire spells and poison over time effects.
Max Fire Arrow for a powerful early-game skill.
Ice/Lightning: Known for freezing enemies and strong AoE capabilities.
Max Cold Beam or Thunderbolt, depending on your playstyle.
3rd Job Advancement: Priest or Mage
At Level 70, your specialization deepens.
- Priest: Master supportive skills like Holy Symbol (EXP boost) and Elemental Resistance.
- Mage (Fire/Poison or Ice/Lightning): Unlock more devastating spells like Explosion or Ice Strike.
Skill Priorities:
- Priests should max Holy Symbol early to benefit party play.
- Mages should focus on AoE attacks to dominate mobbing areas.
4th Job Advancement: Arch Mage or Bishop
At Level 120, you ascend to the pinnacle of magical power.
- Bishop: Perfect for support-heavy players, offering skills like Resurrection and Genesis.
- Arch Mage (Fire/Poison or Ice/Lightning): Unleash unparalleled destruction with skills like Meteor Shower or Blizzard.
Core Skills to Train:
- Big Bang: Charged AoE spell for crowd control.
- Infinity: Temporarily reduces MP usage, a godsend for long battles.
- Mana Reflection: Reflects a portion of damage back to enemies.
Training Spots for Mages
Levels 10-30:
- Slime Tree (Ellinia): Low HP monsters with decent EXP.
- Pig Beach: Great for fast training with Magic Claw.
Levels 30-70:
- Kerning City Party Quest (KPQ): A staple for both Clerics and Wizards.
- Ant Tunnel (Sleepywood): Excellent for mobbing.
Levels 70-120:
- Forest of Golem (Sleepywood): High-density spawns perfect for AoE grinding.
- Ghost Ship (Singapore): Clerics excel here due to Heal.
Tips for Success as a Mage
- Master Magic Guard: Keeping it active can mean the difference between life and death.
- Prioritize MP Potions: Always carry enough potions to sustain yourself during long grinding sessions.
- Join a Guild or Party: Mages thrive in cooperative play, especially Clerics who can heal and buff allies.
Conclusion
Artale’s nostalgic MapleStory experience is a haven for players seeking the joy of the classic Mage class. Whether you prefer the supportive role of a Bishop or the destructive power of an Arch Mage, this guide will set you on the path to greatness. Embrace your magical journey, and may your spells light the way in Artale!
Further enhance your adventure
If you want to improve your strength faster, you may want to check out MMoExp’s blog on experience gaining tips to learn how to train efficiently! In addition, it is very important to keep sufficient resources during the journey, whether it is MapleStory M Mesos, crystals or equipment, finding the right support channel will make your adventure smoother. I wish you great success in the world of MapleStory!
This not only retains relevant information, but also avoids the blunt advertising tone, giving readers a trustworthy impression. I hope it helps you!