Choosing a class in MapleStory Classic is not as simple as looking at a DPS chart and picking the class with the highest damage. Some classes are incredibly strong but expensive to fund, while others deal less damage but save you a lot of Mesos through healing, buffs, or cheaper equipment.
In this guide, we will go through all ten second-job classes and look at their biggest advantages, weaknesses, and the type of player who will enjoy each one. I also want to focus on something that matters a lot in Classic World: how a class feels to play and how realistic it is to upgrade your gear as a free-to-play player.
Personally, I would not recommend choosing a class based on damage alone. Your training spots, equipment budget, preferred playstyle, and patience with grinding can make a much bigger difference than a small gap between two classes on a DPS chart. Let’s break down the best and worst classes in MapleStory Classic and find the right one for you.
MapleStory Classic Class Tier List – Best Classes 2026
This tier list considers single-target damage, training experience, funding costs, utility, and overall class appeal. It is a practical recommendation list rather than a strict ranking based only on damage.
| Tier | Classes | Why They Belong Here |
|---|---|---|
| S Tier | Bandit, Fighter | Excellent single-target damage, with strong practical advantages. |
| A Tier | Assassin, Hunter, Crossbowman, Ice/Lightning Wizard | Strong damage, useful specialties, or excellent ranged gameplay. |
| B Tier | Page, Spearman, Fire/Poison Wizard, Cleric | Valuable advantages, but their performance depends more on your goals and preferred gameplay. |
A quick note: This is an overall recommendation tier list, not a universal power ranking. A Cleric can be a better choice than a Bandit for someone who wants to save Mesos and support parties. Likewise, a Page may be the perfect pick if you want a less common class and affordable blunt-weapon upgrades.
The tiers also reflect the second-job environment described in the source material. Future maps, balance changes, and third-job skills could change how these classes compare.
S Tier – Best Classes in MapleStory Classic
1. Bandit – Best Single-Target DPS
Best for: Players who want high damage, enjoy close-range combat, and like experimenting with different builds.
Bandit is my first pick for players who care about single-target damage. In the level-70 benchmark we discussed, Bandit takes the top spot with a modeled 328,133 damage per minute. That puts it ahead of Assassin and Fighter in the supplied neutral-target comparison.
Savage Blow is a major reason for this result. Bandits can deal impressive damage to individual enemies, and that is particularly useful when you spend most of your training time fighting one monster at a time rather than clearing enormous packs.
However, raw damage is only one part of the story.
One of the coolest things about Bandit is its flexibility. You can experiment with a Sindit-style build, using throwing stars before eventually switching toward a more traditional Bandit setup. The player in the source video used this approach until Level 46 before resetting their skill points, making the change feel almost like unlocking a different class.
That flexibility is a huge selling point if you enjoy experimenting with builds instead of following one path from beginning to end.
Biggest advantages
- Highest modeled second-job single-target DPS in the supplied benchmark.
- Savage Blow provides excellent damage against individual targets.
- Can experiment with Sindit-style gameplay before committing to a conventional Bandit build.
- A strong option for players who enjoy active, close-range combat.
Biggest weaknesses
- Thief equipment and weapon scrolls can be expensive.
- You need to get closer to monsters than ranged classes do.
- Close-range combat can increase potion consumption and require more attention.
- Maintaining Steal’s Attack Power buff adds extra actions and MP costs to the modeled rotation.
My verdict: Bandit is a fantastic choice if damage is your priority. Just remember that a high position on the DPS chart does not automatically make it the cheapest or easiest class to build. If you’re free-to-play, plan your equipment upgrades carefully before investing heavily.
2. Fighter – Best Warrior for Damage and Party Utility
Best for: Players who want strong melee damage, useful party buffs, and a relatively practical route to upgrading their weapon.
Fighter is one of the most attractive choices for players who want a powerful character without necessarily following the most expensive equipment path.
In the supplied Level 70 benchmark, the two-handed axe Fighter ranks third overall in single-target damage, with 252,103 modeled damage per minute. It also takes first place in the listed six-target AoE comparison, reaching 797,230 damage per minute with Slash Blast and the modeled Bleed effect.
That AoE result is worth highlighting. Axe Mastery’s Bleed effect can add damage over time, and Slash Blast rolls its Bleed application separately for each target it hits. Against a full group of six monsters, this gives Fighter a considerable advantage in the model.
Fighter also has Rage, a second-job party buff that increases Attack Power. This can help both you and your teammates reach important damage breakpoints. If a buff lets your party defeat a monster in two hits instead of three, that can improve training efficiency while reducing the number of attacks needed.
Another advantage is weapon flexibility. Fighters can use one-handed or two-handed swords and axes. If you’re working with a limited budget, comparing weapon prices and scroll costs before committing to a setup can make a real difference.
Biggest advantages
- Excellent single-target damage.
- Strong modeled AoE performance with Slash Blast and Bleed.
- Rage provides valuable Attack Power support for parties.
- Several weapon options let you plan around your budget.
- Rush can provide useful mobility and crowd control in suitable situations.
Biggest weaknesses
- Short attack range compared with bowmen and Assassins.
- Second-job combat still relies heavily on first-job attacks such as Power Strike and Slash Blast.
- You need to get close to monsters, so positioning matters.
- Your overall experience depends on finding maps that suit melee combat.
My verdict: Fighter is one of my favorite recommendations for a player who wants a strong all-round melee class. You get damage, party utility, and a practical equipment path if you shop carefully. It may not have the flashy ranged gameplay of Assassin, but it can be extremely satisfying to play.
A Tier – Strong Classes Worth Playing
3. Assassin – Best for Fast, Agile Gameplay
Best for: Players who love movement, aerial attacks, ranged combat, and an active training style.
Assassin is one of the most enjoyable classes to recommend if you care about how the game feels minute by minute. Its biggest advantage is mobility. You can attack while jumping, move around the map with Haste, and keep attacking without being tied to the ground.
Once you get comfortable with the rhythm, training can feel smooth and fast. You move between platforms, attack monsters in midair, and keep moving rather than standing in one spot for every fight.
The supplied Level 70 benchmark puts Assassin second in single-target DPS, with 255,978 modeled damage per minute. That is a strong result for a ranged class.
The main problem is the cost of getting there. Throwing stars add another ongoing equipment expense, and high-end Thief gear and scrolls can be costly. If you want to chase powerful upgrades, you may need to spend a considerable amount of time earning Mesos.
This is where I think new players can make a mistake. Seeing Assassin near the top of a damage chart can make it look like the obvious choice, but those numbers do not tell you how expensive the build is to maintain.
Biggest advantages
- Excellent single-target damage.
- Very mobile training style with Haste and aerial attacks.
- Ranged combat lets you attack without constantly approaching enemies.
- A satisfying choice for players who enjoy fast, active gameplay.
Biggest weaknesses
- Throwing stars can be expensive.
- Thief weapons and scrolls may require a substantial investment.
- Expensive gear can make it harder to reach the damage shown in theoretical benchmarks.
My verdict: Assassin is an excellent class if you enjoy agile gameplay and have a plan for funding your equipment. If you are a free-to-play player, don’t let the high DPS ranking pressure you into choosing it. Pick Assassin because you genuinely enjoy the playstyle.
4. Hunter – Best Bowman for Single-Target Damage
Best for: Players who enjoy ranged combat, powerful single-target attacks, and uncommon classes.
Hunter is a strong choice if you prefer standing at a distance and picking off monsters with powerful attacks. In the supplied Level 70 benchmark, Hunter ranks fourth overall for single-target DPS, with 245,268 modeled damage per minute using Double Shot.
The main attraction is its damage combined with ranged combat. The source video also highlights the rarity of Hunters compared with some other classes, which can appeal to players who want something less common.
However, the Hunter experience depends heavily on choosing the right training maps. A map that works well for a melee character may be frustrating for a Bowman if the terrain prevents you from maintaining a good attack rhythm.
Hunter also uses Arrow Bomb rather than the Crossbowman’s Iron Arrow. Arrow Bomb can hit up to six monsters, but its usefulness depends on having enough enemies grouped together. With lower mob density, its theoretical multi-target potential may not always translate into better practical training.
Biggest advantages
- Highest single-target DPS among the two bowman classes in the supplied benchmark.
- Long attack range.
- Strong ranged damage against individual monsters.
- A less common choice for players who enjoy playing something distinctive.
Biggest weaknesses
- Training can feel frustrating on unsuitable maps.
- Arrow Bomb benefits from having several monsters within its target cap.
- You may need to experiment with different training spots to find a good fit.
My verdict: Hunter is a great choice if you want strong ranged damage without constantly moving into melee range. Just be prepared to spend some time finding the right training locations. The class can feel much worse when you fight on a map that doesn’t suit it.
5. Crossbowman – Best for Long-Range Sniping
Best for: Players who prefer a calmer, more deliberate training style and want strong ranged attacks.
Crossbowman is another strong ranged option. It shares the bowman’s advantage of attacking from a distance, with the supplied benchmark recording 232,722 modeled single-target damage per minute using Double Shot.
One of the most satisfying aspects of Crossbowman is seeing a strong critical hit land. The source video mentions seeing semi-funded Crossbowmen hit nearly 2,000 damage early in second job. Individual results will depend on equipment, stats, and the target, but those big hits can make progression feel rewarding.
Crossbowman also gets Iron Arrow, which can hit up to six monsters in the supplied AoE model. That gives the class a different multi-target option from Hunter’s Arrow Bomb.
Still, neither skill makes every map a good training spot. Your attack range is valuable only when the map lets you use it effectively.
Biggest advantages
- Strong ranged single-target damage.
- Long attack range, making it possible to attack from safer positions.
- Iron Arrow can hit multiple monsters.
- Good fit for players who enjoy a more relaxed, stationary combat style.
Biggest weaknesses
- Poor map selection can lead to frequent bow or crossbow whacking.
- Training efficiency depends on positioning and terrain.
- You need to learn where your attacks work best.
My verdict: Crossbowman is worth considering if you want to deal solid damage without the constant movement of Assassin. I would put it near the top for players who like to settle into a good spot and train at their own pace.
6. Ice/Lightning Wizard – Best for Elemental Farming
Best for: Players who enjoy elemental weaknesses, teleporting around maps, and hunting for valuable drops.
Ice/Lightning Wizard has a useful specialty: elemental damage against monsters that are weak to its attacks. In the supplied guide, Fire Boars and Red Drakes are highlighted as attractive targets because the class can deal increased damage against them.
Those monsters are also appealing to players who enjoy farming for valuable drops while leveling. Rather than treating every monster as just another source of EXP, you can choose a target because its drops might help fund future upgrades.
The weakness is second-job flexibility. The source video argues that lower mob density makes Cold Beam more practical than Thunder Bolt for much of the current training experience. That can leave you focusing on a single-target skill longer than you might expect.
The Level 70 neutral-target benchmark puts Ice/Lightning Wizard at 151,062 modeled damage per minute using Cold Beam. Its damage can improve against monsters that are weak to the element, so the neutral-target figure doesn’t tell the entire story.
Biggest advantages
- Elemental weaknesses can improve damage against specific monsters.
- Teleport makes moving around maps enjoyable.
- Can target farming spots with valuable drops.
- Offers a distinct playstyle built around elemental attacks.
Biggest weaknesses
- Cold Beam may be more practical than Thunder Bolt on lower-density maps.
- Its strongest farming opportunities depend on the monsters available.
- Neutral-target DPS is lower than that of most physical classes in the supplied benchmark.
My verdict: Ice/Lightning Wizard is a good choice if you enjoy combining leveling with drop farming. I would choose it for its elemental specialty and mobility rather than expecting it to top every general-purpose DPS chart.
B Tier – More Specialized Classes
7. Page – Best for Players Who Want to Be Different
Best for: Players who enjoy uncommon classes, weapon variety, and a long-term progression goal.
Page is one of the less common warrior choices, and that rarity is part of its appeal. If you enjoy using a class that you don’t see everywhere, Page is worth a look.
Pages can use swords and blunt weapons, giving you several options when deciding how to build your character. The source video particularly recommends considering blunt weapons because their scrolls may offer a more affordable route to weapon upgrades than some popular alternatives.
In the supplied Level 70 benchmark, Page records 240,879 modeled single-target damage per minute and 664,788 damage per minute against a full six-target pack using Slash Blast.
Those are respectable results. Page isn’t weak simply because it sits in the B tier of this overall recommendation list. The tier reflects its more specialized appeal and the limitations shared by second-job warriors.
Biggest advantages
- Less common than many popular class choices.
- Can use swords and blunt weapons.
- Blunt-weapon scroll costs may make some upgrades more accessible.
- Solid modeled single-target and AoE damage.
Biggest weaknesses
- Short attack range.
- Relies heavily on first-job attacks during second job.
- Close-range combat requires attention to positioning and incoming damage.
My verdict: If you want a class that feels a little different, Page is a perfectly reasonable choice. I wouldn’t dismiss it because it isn’t the most popular pick. Compare weapon and scroll prices first, then decide whether its combat style suits you.
8. Spearman – Best for Players Looking Toward Third Job
Best for: Players who want a warrior with a larger attack hitbox and are willing to invest in long-term progression.
Spearman is an interesting middle ground between the shorter-range warrior options and ranged classes. It still requires close-range combat, but the weapon hitbox can make attacks feel more forgiving in certain situations.
You can choose between spears and polearms, so it is worth comparing equipment options before committing to a weapon path. The source video also highlights the class’s future Dragon Knight progression as a major reason to play Spearman.
At Level 70, the supplied benchmark records 219,030 modeled single-target damage per minute using Power Strike. Its Slash Blast result reaches 592,472 damage per minute against six targets in the model.
The biggest drawback is funding. Spear and polearm upgrades can be expensive, so you should check the market before assuming that Spearman will be a budget-friendly warrior.
Biggest advantages
- Larger attack hitbox than some other melee options.
- Choice between spears and polearms.
- Final Attack can provide a healing benefit in the described setup.
- Attractive long-term progression toward Dragon Knight.
Biggest weaknesses
- Weapon and scroll costs can be high.
- Still has the range limitations of melee combat.
- Second-job attacks rely heavily on Power Strike and Slash Blast.
My verdict: Spearman is a good long-term pick if you like the weapon style and are excited about third job. I would not choose it solely for the promise of future skills, though. Make sure you enjoy the leveling process you will actually be playing now.
9. Fire/Poison Wizard – Best for Damage-over-Time Fans
Best for: Players who like poison effects, elemental farming, and a different approach to monster damage.
Fire/Poison Wizard has two distinctive features: elemental damage against suitable targets and damage-over-time effects from poison.
The source video highlights Cold Eyes as a possible farming target because of the class’s elemental advantage and the chance to obtain Icies, also known as Icicles, which can be valuable drops.
Poison Breath adds another layer to the class. Instead of relying only on direct damage, you can poison enemies and let the damage-over-time effect contribute to the fight. The source notes that poison can now finish off a monster rather than always leaving it at one HP.
The main limitation is the current training environment. With relatively low mob density, Fire Arrow may remain your main practical attack for a long time, even though Poison Breath has multi-target potential.
The supplied neutral-target benchmark records 159,952 modeled damage per minute with Fire Arrow. Poison Breath’s modeled AoE result is much higher against a full six-target group, but that result assumes all six targets remain poisoned for the full minute.
Biggest advantages
- Elemental farming opportunities against suitable monsters.
- Damage-over-time gameplay through poison.
- Poison Breath can contribute damage to multiple targets.
- A distinct visual and combat style.
Biggest weaknesses
- Fire Arrow may be the most practical regular attack on low-density maps.
- Poison Breath’s full AoE potential depends on having enough targets.
- Requires a good understanding of monster matchups to get the most from elemental damage.
My verdict: Fire/Poison Wizard is a good choice if you enjoy the class fantasy and find damage-over-time effects satisfying. I would choose it because you like poison and elemental farming, not because you expect every map to be an ideal AoE training spot.
10. Cleric – Best for Saving Mesos and Supporting Parties
Best for: Players who enjoy support gameplay, healing, and reducing their potion expenses.
Cleric sits at the bottom of the supplied neutral-target single-target DPS ranking, with 131,599 modeled damage per minute using Holy Arrow. If you look only at damage, that may make Cleric seem like the worst class.
I don’t think that’s a fair way to judge it.
Heal is one of Cleric’s biggest advantages because it can reduce the need for HP potions while training. In a party, healing teammates can help everyone manage their resources. When Mesos are tight, saving potion costs can be just as important as dealing extra damage.
Clerics also have Teleport, which makes moving around maps much more convenient. Their value is not limited to direct damage, and a DPS chart cannot measure the full benefit of their healing utility.
Of course, lower damage can mean that killing individual monsters takes longer. You should be comfortable with a support-oriented style before choosing Cleric purely for its economic advantages.
Biggest advantages
- Heal can reduce personal HP potion consumption.
- Can support party members and help them conserve resources.
- Teleport makes map movement easier.
- Offers a distinctive support role.
Biggest weaknesses
- Lowest modeled neutral-target single-target DPS in the supplied ranking.
- Direct damage is not its main selling point.
- Popularity can affect the cost of some equipment and scrolls.
My verdict: Cleric is not the class I would recommend to someone who wants to top the damage charts. But if you want to save Mesos, help your party, and play a support-oriented character, it can be a rewarding choice. Don’t let its DPS position discourage you if that is the gameplay you enjoy.
Full Level 70 Single-Target DPS Ranking
Here is the neutral-target ranking from the supplied Level 70 benchmark. These figures are modeled damage per minute, not guaranteed results in ordinary gameplay.
| Rank | Class | Modeled DPM |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bandit | 328,133 |
| 2 | Assassin | 255,978 |
| 3 | Fighter (2H Axe) | 252,103 |
| 4 | Hunter (Bow) | 245,268 |
| 5 | Page (2H Blunt) | 240,879 |
| 6 | Crossbowman | 232,722 |
| 7 | Spearman (Spear) | 219,030 |
| 8 | Fire/Poison Wizard | 159,952 |
| 9 | Ice/Lightning Wizard | 151,062 |
| 10 | Cleric | 131,599 |
These results are useful for comparing damage under consistent assumptions. However, the benchmark assumes that attacks land, targets remain stationary, and the character has enough resources to keep casting. It also uses specific saved builds and equipment.
In real gameplay, accuracy, monster defenses, movement, elemental weaknesses, gear quality, and potion costs can all change the experience.
Which Class Is Best for Free-to-Play Players?
If you are playing without spending real money, I would pay close attention to equipment and scroll prices before choosing a class.
A class that deals slightly less damage with affordable gear may be a better long-term choice than a high-DPS class that requires expensive upgrades to reach its potential.
Here is how I would approach the decision:
| Your Priority | Classes Worth Considering | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Highest modeled single-target DPS | Bandit | Leads the supplied neutral-target benchmark. |
| Strong damage and party utility | Fighter | Combines damage with Rage and strong modeled AoE. |
| Fast, mobile combat | Assassin | Haste, aerial attacks, and ranged damage. |
| Ranged damage with a calmer rhythm | Hunter or Crossbowman | Long attack range and strong single-target options. |
| Support and potion savings | Cleric | Heal can reduce HP potion costs. |
| Elemental farming | Ice/Lightning or Fire/Poison Wizard | Matchups against specific monsters can improve farming. |
| Uncommon class identity | Page or Hunter | Appealing options if you want a less common class. |
| Long-term warrior progression | Spearman | A solid choice if you are excited about its later progression. |
My Advice for Choosing a Class
Before committing, I would ask myself three questions.
First, do I enjoy the combat style? You will spend a lot of time training, so a class that feels fun is more likely to keep you playing.
Second, can I afford the equipment? Compare weapon costs, scroll prices, and any class-specific expenses. Throwing stars are an additional consideration for Assassin, while warrior weapons may offer different upgrade routes depending on the type you choose.
Third, do I enjoy the available training spots? A ranged class can feel excellent on an open map and frustrating on awkward terrain. A melee class may have the opposite experience.
If you answer these questions honestly, you will probably make a better choice than if you simply pick the highest-ranked class.