MapleStory DPS Tier List 2025 – The Ultimate Class Power Ranking for Every Player

I. Introduction to MapleStory DPS Tier List

If you’ve ever argued with guildmates about which class “really” hits the hardest, you’re not alone. Every MapleStory player has gone down that rabbit hole at least once — comparing DPM charts, checking boss clears, or watching YouTube videos of someone soloing Chaos Slime in record time.

So, let’s settle the debate (for now). The MapleStory DPS Tier List 2025 breaks down which jobs dominate the meta right now, based on updated damage per minute (DPM) data and real in-game performance.

A. Tier List System

This ranking uses simulated DPM numbers (under realistic conditions, not perfect lab setups) — factoring in mobility, buff uptime, and bossing efficiency.

B. DPS Ranking Explanation

DPS = Damage per second, while DPM = damage per minute. Since MapleStory classes have different burst windows, DPM provides a better average measurement.

C. Class Balance

Nexon’s 2025 balance patch closed gaps between extremes, but S-tier classes like Adele and Kain still reign supreme.

D. Tier List Purpose

This isn’t just about flexing your numbers — it helps you decide which class fits your playstyle while remaining viable for bossing and endgame grinding.

E. Player Base Overview

The community’s more balanced than ever: veterans still love old-school jobs like Night Lord and Bishop, while newer players gravitate toward flashy releases like Ark and Lara.

II. Tier List Structure and Rankings

A. Overview

The current 2025 MapleStory DPS Tier List organizes jobs into five performance categories: S, A, B, C, D — based on raw output, consistency, and utility.

B. Tier Categories

• S Tier: Top-performing jobs with absurd burst or sustained DPS.

• A Tier: Strong, meta-stable picks viable in all content.

• B Tier: Balanced, easier to play, but fall short in extreme bossing.

• C Tier: Situational or outdated mechanics.

• D Tier: Niche or low-reward classes needing major buffs.

C. S Tier Jobs

• Adele

• Kain

• Night Lord

• Cadena

• Ark

D. A Tier Jobs

• Hero

• Dark Knight

• Bowmaster

• Demon Avenger

• Corsair

• Lara

E. B Tier Jobs

• Mercedes

• Dual Blade

• Marksman

• Bishop

• Paladin

III. DPS Chart and Damage Ranking

A. Overview

DPM charts simulate 40-minute boss fights — measuring overall contribution during bursts and sustained phases.

B. Damage Ranking

Top DPM performers average over 500 billion damage per minute (on controlled setups), with Adele and Cadena leading the pack.

C. DPM Mechanics

Key factors include:

• Buff uptime percentage

• I-frame availability

• Burst cooldowns

• Boss hitbox size

D. Calculation

The DPM metric assumes full buffs (Echo, Maple Warrior, etc.) but no unrealistic setups like god-tier Reboot stat lines.

E. Chart Interpretation

High DPM ≠ easy play. Some S-tier jobs demand near-perfect mechanics to reach their ceiling (looking at you, Cadena).

IV. Top DPS Classes Overview

A. Overview

These are the current kings of damage output and boss clears.

B. Highest Damage Dealers

1. Adele – Still unmatched in burst control.

2. Kain – Complex but deadly once mastered.

3. Cadena – Highest skill ceiling in the game.

4. Night Lord – Reliable burst, consistent scaling.

5. Ark – Hybrid style that blends fluid movement and heavy damage.

C. Strongest Rankings

• Adele and Kain: Top-tier for both bossing and mobbing.

• Cadena: Requires effort but rewards mastery.

• Night Lord: Classic, efficient, and flashy.

D. Elite Selection

Players aiming for top DPM charts often main one of these five — they’re meta fixtures for a reason.

V. Hero and Warrior Classes

A. Hero Overview

Heroes are the foundation of melee gameplay. Big swords, clean skills, high survivability.

B. Mechanics

Rage stacks, combo finishers, and the all-mighty Raging Blow drive Hero’s kit.

C. Buccaneer Guide

Buccs are a hybrid of tank and DPS — great burst during Serpent Screw phases.

D. Damage Output

Hero ranks mid-A tier, Buccaneer in upper-B, both with consistent damage curves.

E. Specialization

Excellent for bossing teams needing melee frontliners.

VI. Wind Archer and Bowman Classes

A. Wind Archer Ranking

A-tier powerhouse known for fast, fluid rotations and strong mobility.

B. DPS Mechanics

Their Song of Heaven spam rotation delivers constant DPS without downtime.

C. Bowmaster

Higher burst but lower uptime — depends heavily on position.

D. Corsair

Technically a Pirate, but plays like a ranged gunner with heavy burst windows.

E. Ranged Specialization

Bowman classes thrive in long boss fights where dodging and sustained attacks matter.

VII. Adele and Lara Characters

A. Adele Guide

Adele remains the benchmark of MapleStory balance — high burst, incredible AoE, and smooth control.

B. Damage Analysis

Her Blossom + Storm combo annihilates bosses within seconds, consistently topping charts.

C. Lara Tier

Lara sits comfortably in A-tier. Her spirit-based mechanics scale well but are harder to optimize.

D. DPS Mechanics

Mana management and positioning define her output.

E. Modern Ranking

Adele is still the queen — if you want meta dominance, she’s it.

VIII. Ark and Kain Classes

A. Ark Ranking

Hybrid melee/magic DPS that excels in movement-heavy fights.

B. Damage Output

Ark’s Specter State gives massive damage buffs but needs precise control.

C. Kain Tier

S-tier class with deep mechanics and fluid mobility.

D. DPS Mechanics

Chain attacks and Malice management — complex but rewarding.

E. Overview

Both Ark and Kain define modern MapleStory design — powerful but mechanically demanding.

IX. Kanna and Support Classes

A. Kanna Ranking

Once a Reboot god, now balanced — still A-tier for mobbing, lower for bossing.

B. Support Role

Provides utility through spawn control and team buffs.

C. Bishop Tier

Still the go-to healer for endgame content.

D. Utility Ranking

Support classes don’t top DPM charts, but they make everyone else stronger.

E. Specialization

Best for players who like multitasking and team synergy.

X. Battle Mage and Paladin Classes

A. Battle Mage Guide

An underrated A-tier pick — mixes support auras with solid AoE.

B. Tier Ranking

Strong mid-game, scales with investment.

C. Paladin Tier

Top-tier defensive class. Can tank bosses that would one-shot others.

D. Damage Mechanics

Their burst isn’t insane, but uptime is unmatched.

E. Hybrid Role

Perfect for players who enjoy surviving while supporting.

XI. Beast Tamer and Shade Classes

A. Beast Tamer

A quirky hybrid class — very flexible but underplayed.

B. Tier Ranking

Upper-B tier for overall balance.

C. Shade Tier

Another underdog — solid burst, but mobility issues.

D. Damage

Shade excels in single-target burst but lacks AoE versatility.

E. Alternative Picks

Fun but niche — great for veteran players bored of meta picks.

XII. Phantom and Mihile Classes

A. Phantom Ranking

Stylish but complex. Stealing other classes’ skills sounds fun until you realize you’re managing five hotbars.

B. DPS Mechanics

Good burst but punished hard for mistakes.

C. Mihile Tier

C-tier overall — outdated kit, but tanky.

D. Damage Output

Average sustained DPS with limited scaling.

E. Legendary Classes

For nostalgic players, not competitive bossers.

XIII. Mechanic and Zero Classes

A. Mechanic

A-tier for automation lovers — turret setups melt bosses.

B. Tier Ranking

Efficient but reliant on setup time.

C. Zero Tier

Unique tag-team system keeps it B-tier overall.

D. DPS Mechanics

Combo chains and burst management define Zero gameplay.

E. Specialization

Great solo farmer; tricky for new players.

XIV. Dawn Warrior and Illium

A. Dawn Warrior

Smooth, mobile, and flashy — strong mid-tier DPS.

B. Tier Ranking

High-A in mobbing, mid-A in bossing.

C. Illium Tier

One of the hardest classes to master — strong when optimized.

D. Damage

Magic bursts rival Archmage potential, but mobility limits usage.

E. Variants

Dawn Warrior is beginner-friendly; Illium suits experts.

XV. Blaze Wizard and Wild Hunter

A. Blaze Wizard

Explosive burst mage with flashy skills and strong midgame.

B. Tier Ranking

A-tier overall, thrives in boss content.

C. Wild Hunter

B-tier — versatile, but clunky AI limits pet utility.

D. Mechanics

Blaze Wizard’s flame cycles grant incredible uptime.

E. Specialization

Both excel at mobbing, less so in burst phases.

XVI. Mercedes and Demon Slayer

A. Mercedes

Fast, agile, combo-heavy — but punishing to play perfectly.

B. Tier Ranking

Mid-B tier due to low burst payoff.

C. Demon Slayer

A-tier powerhouse with infinite sustain.

D. Damage

Mana-free mechanics let you spam endlessly.

E. Variants

Mercedes = agility; Demon Slayer = endurance.

XVII. Cannoneer and Ice Lightning

A. Cannoneer

B-tier hybrid with wide AoE and solid bossing tools.

B. Tier Ranking

Good mobber, mediocre burst.

C. Ice Lightning Mage

A-tier, powerful elemental burst and sustain.

D. DPS Mechanics

Combining Chain Lightning and Frozen Orb for devastating combos.

E. Specialization

Great pick for players who like flashiness with manageable mechanics.

XVIII. Night Lord and Xenon

A. Night Lord

Still the fan-favorite bossing class. Huge burst, satisfying crits.

B. Tier Ranking

S-tier with perfect uptime.

C. Xenon Tier

High mobility hybrid with balanced DPS.

D. Damage Analysis

Xenon scales well with investment, B-tier base but A-tier late game.

E. Specialization

Night Lord remains iconic — consistent, stylish, and deadly.

XIX. Pathfinder and Angelic Buster

A. Pathfinder

A-tier archer with one of the best mobbing kits in the game.

B. Tier Ranking

High boss damage when managed well.

C. Angelic Buster

Stylish pop-star Pirate — solid A-tier in burst-heavy fights.

D. DPS Mechanics

Time your Finale Ribbon with cooldowns for top results.

E. Overview

Both are fun, flashy, and strong mid-late game classes.

XX. Cadena and Aran

A. Cadena

The undisputed S-tier melee DPS — insane burst but punishing rotations.

B. Tier Ranking

Top of the DPM chart in 2025.

C. Aran

Classic combo class — reliable, mid-A tier.

D. Damage

Aran’s swing combos deliver consistent DPS with low downtime.

E. Specialization

Cadena = skill ceiling; Aran = accessibility.

XXI. Luminous and Evan

A. Luminous

A-tier light mage with powerful AoE bursts.

B. Tier Ranking

Consistent damage but less mobile.

C. Evan

Dragon-based magic DPS with scaling potential.

D. DPS Mechanics

Rotating between burst phases and mana control.

E. Mage Specialization

Both excel in long boss fights where downtime is minimal.

XXII. Bowmaster and Corsair

A. Bowmaster

Classic ranged DPS. Consistent, no-nonsense class.

B. Tier Ranking

High-A for sustained DPM.

C. Corsair

Modernized Pirate, top-tier when mastered.

D. Damage

Corsairs rely on cooldown windows for maximum output.

E. Variants

Both are solid endgame bossers, Bowmaster simpler to play.

XXIII. Jett and Demon Avenger

A. Jett

Still meme-tier, unfortunately. D-tier.

B. Tier Ranking

Fun concept, poor numbers.

C. Demon Avenger

Top-A tier — unique HP-based mechanics, massive sustain.

D. Damage

High survivability lets you focus purely on DPS uptime.

E. Overview

Demon Avenger proves tanks can deal serious damage too.

XXIV. Hayato and Marksman

A. Hayato

Fast-paced melee with samurai flair.

B. Tier Ranking

Mid-A for mobbing, mid-B for bossing.

C. Marksman

High crit damage but struggles with mobility.

D. Mechanics

Requires positioning to maximize Snipe and Piercing Arrow.

E. Variants

Both are fun but gear-dependent.

XXV. Dark Knight and Kinesis

A. Dark Knight

Classic, tanky warrior with lifesteal sustain.

B. Tier Ranking

High-A due to survivability and consistent DPS.

C. Kinesis

Psychic mage — very mobile and burst-heavy.

D. DPS

Top-tier control-based magic burst class.

E. Variants

Dark Knight = durability; Kinesis = precision.

XXVI. Fire Poison and Thunder Breaker

A. Fire Poison

Archmage specializing in DoTs and AoE explosions.

B. Tier Ranking

A-tier for endgame bosses, B-tier for mobbing.

C. Thunder Breaker

Melee brawler with combo mechanics.

D. DPS

Impressive burst but suffers from long cooldowns.

E. Specialization

Elemental users thrive in long engagements.

XXVII. Dual Blade and Blaster

A. Dual Blade

Stylish assassin with fast combo chains.

B. Tier Ranking

Upper-B tier — great fun, high mobility.

C. Blaster

Technical, hard-to-master melee DPS.

D. DPS

Insane burst potential when played perfectly.

E. Specialization

Both reward precision; Blaster demands muscle memory.

XXVIII. Kaiser and Night Walker

A. Kaiser

Transforming warrior with solid burst windows.

B. Tier Ranking

B-tier overall.

C. Night Walker

Top-S tier for stealth burst and boss kills.

D. Damage

Night Walker’s bats and mark system deliver elite single-target damage.

E. Variants

Night Walker is a hidden gem for solo bossers.

XXIX. Mobbing and Bossing Tier Lists

A. Mobbing

Best mobbers: Adele, Wind Archer, Luminous, Ice Lightning, Kanna.

B. Bossing

Best bossers: Kain, Night Lord, Cadena, Adele, Demon Avenger.

C. Overall Ranking

Balanced classes like Dark Knight and Hero perform well in both.

D. Comparison

• Bossing favors burst-heavy kits.

• Mobbing favors wide AoE and mobility.

E. Final Takeaway

Pick what feels good to play — meta shifts every few months, but fun lasts forever.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, MapleStory’s DPS tier list is just a reference — not a rulebook. You can clear any boss with enough practice and funding, even if your class sits in B-tier.

If you love high-skill classes, go for Cadena or Kain. If you prefer comfort, try Dark Knight or Bowmaster. And if you just want the top meta? Adele is still the goddess of DPS.

Whatever you choose, remember: fun beats meta every time. Keep grinding, keep experimenting, and maybe one day, your class will be the next S-tier on the chart.