Best Games Like MapleStory to Play Now

MapleStory has been around for almost two decades, and it’s still running strong. But you might want to check out some alternatives after all these years – in which case, I am here to help, even though MapleStory is a pretty unique game with very few completely like it.

Below, you have the best games like MapleStory. These are recommended by a veteran gamer (myself), passionate about casual games too, and not by any AI or automated matching mechanics, as most of the websites use nowadays. Let’s start!

NosTale – Anime MMORPG

One of the few games out there that really gives you that complete MapleStory vibe, but being very modern and offering plenty of improvements at the same time.

Tame wild animals, train them and use them tactically in battle, built your own home and explore the vast world in this game which is probably the best alternative to MapleStory out there.

La Tale

Another game that has the same colorful, casual and cute approach like MapleStory, offering similar graphics – so you will feel right at home when you play it.

Choose from 10 distinct Classes, over 50 potential Job Specialties, and hundreds of unique weapons, pets and gear to create your own Hero of legend.

Elsword

Elsword is a free-to-play MMORPG that uses classic side-scrolling game mechanics in an immersive manga inspired world. As a result, it looks and feels a lot like MapleStory.

Exploration and progress for tons of characters, PVP and a lot more await you in this great game you should try out now.

Pixel Worlds: MMO Sandbox

An underrated game that, for some strange reason, is rarely mentioned when it comes to MapleStory alternatives, although it comes with a similar, 2D side-scrolling mechanic and is a great game overall.

As its title suggests, this game has pixel graphics (which I personally love) and lets you create your own worlds, play with your friends and spend hours having fun: trading, farming, fishing or exploring the dungeons (among the many other things you can do). Highly recommended.

If you are into the farming part of the game, make sure to check out my previous article listing all the Farming Simulator games in order.

AdventureQuest Worlds: Infinity

Featuring weekly updates, 100+ Classes, 10,000+ weapons, absolutely crazy storylines, and the freedom to play and be whatever your heart desires. This game promises to be the perfect choice for games looking for MapleStory Alternatives.

At the moment of writing this article, the game is not yet released – but you can play the original AQ game, AdventureQuest Worlds, which is a bit dated but still a great choice until the sequel launches.

SoulSaverOnline

While it does look and feel a bit dated, you will still feel right at home trying Soul Saver Online, especially if you’re already enjoying MapleStory.

In this game, spirits unable to pass to the afterlife wreak havoc on the living, leading to a chaotic world where two factions, Justice and Chaos, battle demons and corrupted souls. Amidst this turmoil, the ambitious monk Yangak rises to power, betraying his master and emperor in a quest for dominance.

Awesomenauts

A really unique game, which is part DOTA & LoL, part MapleStory. In other words, we’re talking about a MOBA game, but in a 2D, side-scrolling world. Really cool, even though it might sound strange at first.

Classes, upgrades, creeps, turrets, bases, and tactical depth are all present in this 3 versus 3 game. Worth trying, even if it comes with a different approach.

If these titles become too light and easy for you, I recommend checking out my list of the best horror games available on Steam.

The Ultimatest Battle

The Ultimatest Battle is a real-time, 2D platform game in which two teams compete in different game modes with an almost completely destructible environment.

Again, a slightly different approach to the traditional MMORPG genre, but still fun and bringing enough MS vibes to be on this list. Plus, it’s really fun and fast-paced – you will love it!

StarBreak

StarBreak is a unique skill-based action platformer MMO where you explore strange sci-fi worlds alongside dozens of other players, kill legions of dangerous aliens and fight epic boss battles.

So if you want to play MapleStory in space – this is the perfect choice for you!

Lost Ark

Lost Ark is a free-to-play, top-down MMORPG. With similar controls and gameplay progression to MapleStory but better graphics and a more modern game engine.

The game is constantly adding new updates with more late-game content in terms of raids and dungeons. With a consistently high active player base, it’s worth trying out.

Dragon Nest

Dragon’s Nest is a free-to-play fantasy MMORPG released in 2010 and still receiving updates to date.

It features an overall very similar vibe to MapleStory and is worth trying out if you want to invest dozens of hours in a similar world.

Pokemon Scarlet/Violet

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are the latest releases in the main Pokemon game series and feature a large open world to explore, alongside the classic gym and Pokemon championship challenges.

With a DLC that introduced even more content, there’s a lot to explore in this vast open world.

Old School RuneScape

Old School RuneScape is a renewed version of the 2007 game with regular content updates and expansions.

If you’re looking for the old and classic MMORPG experience similar to MapleStory, OSRS is definitely worth trying, as it is also one of the OGs when it comes to MMOs.

World of Warcraft

In a list of MMORPGs, World of Warcraft cannot be missing. Overall, it is the most popular MMORPG to date and it’s been consistently releasing solid updates that always bring back players and help it maintain a stable community.

So, even though it’s different in style and approach, it is the core MMO that we’re talking about here and a must-play game for both veterans and older players, as well as younger ones.

Honkai: Star Rail

Honkai: Star Rail is a gatcha JRPG that features equally cool effects to MapleStory and an extremely fun turn-based combat system.

If you want a more modern approach to MapleStory but with anime graphics (and don’t mind the gatcha system), Honkai: Star Rail is a great choice.

And this would be it! Difficult to find any modern games that are like MapleStory because 2D and MMOs no longer seem to be popular.

But you still have plenty of alternatives above. If you know any other that I did not mention, let me and the readers know by commenting below.

Or just keep reading: Best Parkour and Freerunning Games You Must Play.