MapleStory Server Flags Explained: What Do They Mean?

Browsing MapleStory private servers can be confusing with all the terminology. This guide explains every flag, rate, and term you'll encounter.

Version Numbers Explained

v62 (Version 62)

Release: May 2007 Era: Pre-Big Bang Features:

1. Original MapleStory experience
2. 4th job max level 200
3. Original party quests
4. Slow, grind-heavy leveling
5. Simple mechanics
6. Nostalgic gameplay

Who It's For: Purists who want authentic old-school MapleStory

v83 (Version 83)

Release: September 2009 Era: Pre-Big Bang (Advanced) Features:

1. More content than v62
2. Additional party quests
3. Better class balance
4. Cygnus Knights available
5. Aran class
6. Still pre-Big Bang feel

Who It's For: Players who want pre-BB with more content

v176 (Version 176)

Release: 2015 Era: Post-Big Bang Features:

1. Modern MapleStory feel
2. Many classes available
3. Link skills system
4. Commerci content
5. Gollux boss
6. Boss matchmaking

Who It's For: Players who prefer modern mechanics

Other Common Versions

v55: Very old school, minimal content v75: Middle ground between v62 and v83 v92: Early Big Bang era v95+: Post-Big Bang variations Latest: Current official version (constantly updating)

Experience Rates (EXP)

What Rates Mean

1x EXP: Official rate, very slow

1. Level 200 takes 6+ months
2. Hardcore grinding required
3. Authentic experience

2-3x EXP: Slightly accelerated

1. Still challenging
2. Level 200 in 2-4 months
3. Balanced progression

5-10x EXP: Moderate rates

1. Most popular choice
2. Level 200 in 1-2 months
3. Good balance of grind and progress

20-50x EXP: High rates

1. Fast leveling
2. Level 200 in 1-2 weeks
3. Focus on end-game content

100x+ EXP: Very high rates

1. Extremely fast leveling
2. Instant gratification
3. End-game focused servers

Which Rate Is Best?

Choose Lower Rates (1-5x) If:

1. You love grinding
2. You want authentic experience
3. You prefer slower progression
4. You enjoy the journey

Choose Higher Rates (10-50x) If:

1. You have limited playtime
2. You want to try multiple classes
3. You prefer end-game content
4. You don't enjoy grinding

Drop Rates

How Drop Rates Work

1x Drop: Official rates

1. Items are rare
2. Grinding for drops takes time
3. Economy stays valuable

2-5x Drop: Balanced

1. Still requires farming
2. Good for self-found gameplay
3. Healthy economy

10x+ Drop: High drops

1. Easy to find items
2. Less trading needed
3. Items lose value faster

Meso Rates

Often listed separately from drop rates:

1. 1x Meso: Official money gain
2. 2-3x Meso: Balanced economy
3. 5x+ Meso: Easier funding

Server Types

Classic/Vanilla

Meaning: Official content only, no customs Experience: Pure nostalgia For: Purists who want unchanged gameplay

Semi-Custom

Meaning: Official content + minor additions Experience: Familiar with QoL improvements For: Players wanting enhanced classic experience

Custom

Meaning: Heavily modified content Experience: Unique gameplay For: Players seeking something different

PvP-Focused

Meaning: Player vs Player emphasis Experience: Competitive combat For: Players who love PvP

PvM-Focused

Meaning: Player vs Monster emphasis Experience: Bossing and grinding For: PvE enthusiasts

Economy Types

Free Market Only

1. Player-driven economy
2. Supply and demand pricing
3. No admin shops

NPC Shops

1. Fixed prices from NPCs
2. More stable economy
3. Less player interaction

Donation-Based

1. Real money purchases available
2. May affect balance
3. Check for pay-to-win

Vote Points

1. Vote for server to earn currency
2. Buy items with vote points
3. No real money needed

Special Features

HP Washing

Available/Not Available

1. Method to increase HP beyond normal
2. Important for some end-game content
3. Check if allowed on server

Multi-Client

Allowed/Not Allowed

1. Can you run multiple game clients?
2. Useful for mules or farming
3. Server specific rule

Auto-Ban System

Active/Manual

1. Automated hacking detection
2. Can cause false positives
3. Check appeal process

GM Activity

High/Medium/Low

1. How active are administrators?
2. Important for events and support
3. Look for active communities

Common Terms & Abbreviations

Community Terms

GMS: Global MapleStory (official version) KMS: Korean MapleStory JMS: Japanese MapleStory EMS: European MapleStory Pre-BB: Pre-Big Bang (before 2010 update) Post-BB: Post-Big Bang (after 2010 update) Godly: Perfectly scrolled item Clean: No scrolls used yet Passed: Successfully scrolled Bricked: Failed all scrolls FM: Free Market (trading area) PQ: Party Quest LHC: Lion Heart Castle HT: Horntail (boss) Zak: Zakum (boss)

Player Terminology

Funded: Has good gear/money Unfunded: Poor gear/no investment F2P: Free-to-play (no donations) P2W: Pay-to-win Whale: Heavy donor Mule: Secondary character Main: Primary character Alt: Alternative character Leech: Power-leveling service AFK: Away from keyboard Grinding: Repetitive monster killing

Red Flags to Watch For

Dangerous Signs

🚩 "DONATE FOR MAX LEVEL" Extreme pay-to-win 🚩 "10000x RATES" No progression, boring quickly 🚩 "NO RULES/NO GMS" Likely full of hackers 🚩 "NEW SERVER (LAUNCHED YESTERDAY)" May not last long 🚩 Constant Wipes Announced Unreliable server management

Green Flags (Good Signs)

Positive Indicators

✅ Active Community (500+ players) Server is established ✅ Regular Updates Dedicated developers ✅ Clear Rules Posted Professional management ✅ Anti-Cheat System Maintains fairness ✅ Active Discord Good communication ✅ 1+ Year Online Stable and reliable

How to Choose Your Server

Step 1: Decide on Era

Do you want pre-Big Bang or post-Big Bang?

Step 2: Choose Rates

How much time can you invest?

Step 3: Check Features

What special features matter to you?

Step 4: Test Community

Is the player base friendly and active?

Step 5: Read Reviews

What do other players say?

Understanding Server Descriptions

Example: "v83 Low-Rate 3x/1x/1x Semi-Custom"

Breaking It Down:

1. v83: September 2009 version
2. Low-Rate: Slow progression
3. 3x/1x/1x: 3x EXP, 1x Drop, 1x Meso
4. Semi-Custom: Some custom content

Example: "v62 Vanilla 2x/2x/2x Classic"

Breaking It Down:

1. v62: May 2007 version
2. Vanilla: No custom content
3. 2x/2x/2x: 2x all rates
4. Classic: Traditional gameplay

Conclusion

Understanding server terminology helps you find the perfect match. Don't be intimidated by the jargon - now you know what it all means! Pro Tip: Try multiple servers before committing. Most servers let you test the experience before investing serious time. --- Ready to find your perfect server? Browse our verified server list with detailed information for each server! New to private servers? Read our how to play guide to get started.