MapleStory M Tier List – The Ultimate 2025 Class Ranking and Meta Breakdown

If you’ve been around MapleStory M for a while, you know that choosing the right class isn’t just about playstyle — it’s about power, progression speed, and meta relevance. Every update can completely shake up who dominates bossing, farming, and PvP. So yeah, having an up-to-date MapleStory M tier list in 2025 is essential if you want to stay ahead of the curve.

I. Introduction to MapleStory M Tier List

As someone who’s been grinding since the early days (back when Bishop was meta and Demon Slayer ruled boss fights), I’ve seen classes rise, fall, and get reworked entirely. So this isn’t just another list — this is a hands-on, experience-driven breakdown of who’s actually performing in the current patch.

A. Overview

This tier list ranks every playable class in MapleStory M based on:

• Damage output (raw DPS)

• Bossing capability

• Farming efficiency

• Ease of play

• Utility & team support

B. Ranking Methodology

The rankings are built around:

1. Endgame performance (Chaos and Hard bosses)

2. PvE farming speed

3. Solo vs. team flexibility

4. Community consensus from 2025 patch discussions

C. Meta Analysis

The current meta heavily favors burst-DPS hybrids — classes that can dish out consistent AoE and sustain under pressure. Adele, Kanna, and Hoyoung remain dominant due to their versatility, while older warriors like Hero and Dark Knight still hold strong in niche bossing setups.

D. 2025 Update

The early 2025 balance patch added buffs to Blaster, Luminous, and Mercedes, while slightly toning down Cadena’s chain combo scaling. It didn’t dethrone the top-tier heroes, but it made mid-tier classes a lot more viable for casual players.

E. Community Consensus

Across Reddit, Discord, and guild discussions, players agree that the S-tier lineup this year feels the most balanced in recent memory — no single class completely overshadows the rest.

II. Tier List Structure and Rankings

A. Overview

Here’s how the MapleStory M 2025 Tier List is structured:

B. S Tier Classes (2025 Meta)

• Adele – unmatched in DPS and bossing

• Kanna – queen of farming and support

• Hoyoung – hybrid burst + mobility monster

• Cadena – top-tier chain damage dealer

• Kain – reliable mid-range powerhouse

C. A Tier Classes

• Ark – powerful hybrid attacker

• Angelic Buster – strong in burst phases

• Bishop – still the best healer/support

• Blaster – high skill, high payoff

• Night Walker – lethal in bossing

D. B and C Tier Classes

B Tier: Aran, Buccaneer, Kaiser, Shade, Phantom
C Tier: Mihile, Jett, Mechanic, Evan

E. Ranking Criteria

The ranking system is primarily weighted toward endgame PvE and boss performance since that’s where class balance truly matters.

III. Top Tier and Strongest Classes

A. Strongest Overview

If you want the best return on investment, these are your go-to heroes.

B. Best Class Selection

1. Adele – unmatched sword AoE and boss scaling

2. Kanna – the best EXP farming class, period

3. Hoyoung – balanced burst, mobility, and fun

4. Kain – smooth skill rotation and top PvE clear speed

C. Meta Assessment

The S-tier meta revolves around balancing burst phases and off-cooldown DPS uptime. Classes with consistent sustain + self-buffs win this patch.

D. Performance Analysis

Adele dominates solo bosses due to her burst windows, while Kanna shines in team dungeons for her EXP boost and mob control. Hoyoung, on the other hand, remains a strong hybrid choice — less sustain, but incredible mobility.

E. Current Meta

2025’s meta rewards versatility. Single-skill spam classes are falling behind as hybrid playstyles take over.

IV. Class System Overview

A. Overview

There are over 40 playable classes, each tied to a job line (Explorer, Cygnus, Nova, Resistance, etc.).

B. Introduction

Every class has distinct mechanics — combos, buffs, or resource systems.

C. Mechanics

Examples:

• Adele uses Ether Swords for burst skills.

• Kanna uses Spirits to amplify farming.

• Ark swaps between Normal and Specter modes.

D. Selection Strategy

If you’re new, pick based on what content you enjoy:

• Bossing: Adele, Hoyoung, Kain

• Farming: Kanna, Cadena, Ark

• Support: Bishop, Battle Mage

E. Beginner Tips

Avoid high-APM classes (like Blaster) until you’re comfortable with mechanics.

V. Adele and Kanna Classes

A. Adele

The undisputed queen of MapleStory M.
Her Ether swords create explosive AoE zones, and her burst combos melt bosses in seconds.

Strengths:

• Top-tier bossing DPS

• Easy rotation

• Great survivability

Weaknesses:

• Linear playstyle

• Long cooldowns

B. Kanna

Kanna is the farming goddess of MapleStory M. Her skill “Tengu Strike” clears entire maps effortlessly.

Strengths:

• Best EXP/hour

• Great party buffs

• Excellent mob control

Weaknesses:

• Weak in single-target bossing

• Needs mana management

VI. Hoyoung and Cadena

A. Hoyoung

A martial artist with incredible movement and combo-based play. High ceiling but rewarding once mastered.

Pros: Burst AoE + mobility
Cons: Timing-dependent

B. Cadena

Her chain combo system is one of the flashiest — fast, aggressive, and versatile.

Pros: High scaling DPS
Cons: Requires gear investment

VII. Blaster and Ark

A. Blaster

Blaster’s combo-driven gameplay gives him massive potential. With the 2025 buff, he’s finally competitive.

Pros: Explosive burst
Cons: Complex execution

B. Ark

Ark is a hybrid attacker who swaps forms for damage boosts. Excellent mid-tier bossing class.

VIII. Mage Classes Overview

A. Fire/Poison Mage

Still one of the best AoE nukers for mob maps.

B. Ice/Lightning Mage

More control-oriented — great for farming frozen mobs.

C. Mage Role

Great AoE damage but limited survivability.

D. Specialization

Elemental damage synergy makes them solid A-tier picks.

IX. Kain and Demon Slayer

A. Kain

Balanced between melee and ranged. Smooth gameplay and consistent damage output.

B. Demon Slayer

Still a fan favorite thanks to his lifesteal and dark energy mechanics.
Pro Tip: Great for solo boss attempts.

X. Night Walker and Marksman

A. Night Walker

Shadow-themed assassin with high burst potential.
Excellent for: Boss burst phases.

B. Marksman

Long-range archer, great for stationary bosses.
Struggles: Requires precision aim and timing.

XI–XIII: Other Notable Classes

• Angelic Buster: flashy animations, strong DPS in short fights.

• Aran: fun combo play, good mobbing but lower DPS.

• Bishop: essential in party raids for healing and buffs.

• Buccaneer: great sustain, decent farming, very tanky.

• Cannon Master: strong AoE but limited boss potential.

XIV–XVI: Mid to Lower Tier Highlights

Dark Knight

Still tanky and reliable, but overshadowed by newer heroes.

Dual Blade

Fast and flashy, but suffers from low burst DPS.

Evan

Classic dragon-themed mage — stylish but power-crept in 2025.

XVII–XXVIII: Specialized and Legacy Classes

• Kinesis & Luminous: strong burst mages with crowd control.

• Mercedes: mobile archer; buffs improved her consistency.

• Zero: tag-team style, complex but satisfying.

• Beast Tamer: fun hybrid with unique animal modes.

• Demon Avenger: tankiest class in the game.

XXIX. Class Comparison and Selection

XXX. PvE and PvP Rankings

A. PvE Tier

• S: Adele, Kanna, Hoyoung

• A: Ark, Kain, Bishop

• B: Buccaneer, Dark Knight, Phantom

B. PvP Tier

• S: Hoyoung, Cadena, Kain

• A: Blaster, Shade, Night Walker

• B: Aran, Evan, Kaiser

XXXI. Damage and Farming Tier

XXXII. Bossing and DPS Rankings

A. Bossing Guide

Bossing success = high burst windows + survivability.

B. DPS Rankings (2025)

1. Adele

2. Kain

3. Hoyoung

4. Cadena

5. Ark

C. Damage Output

Classes with self-buffs dominate, especially when paired with Bishops.

D. Combat Effectiveness

Hoyoung shines in movement-heavy fights like Lucid, while Adele crushes in Chaos Root Abyss.

At the end of the day, MapleStory M isn’t just about chasing numbers — it’s about finding the class that fits your rhythm. Sure, Adele and Kanna are statistically top dogs, but if you love flashy mechanics or challenging combos, classes like Blaster or Hoyoung will keep the game fun for years.

The MapleStory M tier list in 2025 is more balanced than ever — with buffs across the board and fewer dead classes. So whether you’re starting fresh or returning after a break, you’ve got plenty of viable choices to explore.

And remember: the best class is the one that keeps you logging in every day to grind just one more level.