Hello.

The theme of this post is mindfulness: finding moments in the game that help the mind settle.

Among MapleStory's many maps, I imagine most of you have at least one personal favorite. The fact that terms like “AFK map” and “guild house” exist suggests that players place real value on the comfort of a favorite map—a place that feels like home.

For this post, I have gathered a few places that have stayed with me—quiet, pleasant spots to revisit from time to time.

Aqua Road : Snowy Whale's Island

Snowy Whale's Island is the only place in Aqua Road where you can see snow on the ground. The BGM also changes to the El Nath theme.

During the most recent snowman event, now more than two months ago, this island was the destination for a hidden mission. Normally, though, players have little reason to visit, making it a good place to spend time alone. It is a shame you cannot enter the igloo.

There is also a sand island in the corresponding position on the opposite side of the map. I like this detail: it makes sense given that the island is closer to Korean Folk Town than to El Nath. Those who prefer summer to winter might enjoy coming here instead of Whale's Island.

Sleepywood : Sleepywood Hotel Sauna

The classic maps are generally well regarded, but the Sleepywood Hotel stands out to me for how well it fits the town's atmosphere. It is a shame that only the sauna rooms are accessible.

The VIP Sauna, now a permanent event, is also part of the Sleepywood Hotel, so you can enter it here as well as through the event notifier.

Arcana : Grove of the Spirit Tree

The Grove of the Spirit Tree, reached from Arcana's Forest of Thunder, is a place you have to pass through during Arcana's story quests. Now that all story quests from Vanishing Journey up to, but not including, 기어드락 can be skipped, however, newer players may not be familiar with it.

You can enter through the portal in the wooded area where the spirits shown above are gathered. It is an instanced map, so it feels like a secret cave all your own.

I remember retreating to this quieter map when Arcana's town and the Deep Forest beside it were both quite crowded. Looking back, it is a reminder of how much things have changed.

Kerning City : Weapon Store

I have long been fond of the cozy feel of Kerning City's Weapon Store, and that has not changed. The refined ores stacked neatly in the background look particularly appealing.

El Nath : General Store and Weapon Store

All of El Nath's buildings have their charm, but I especially like these two. The sunlight streaming through the windows conveys a sense of warmth amid the cold particularly well.

Ludibrium : Residents' Houses

On the way to Eos Tower in Ludibrium, you pass through a residential area where you can visit the residents' homes.

The glove and shoe makers' houses

Corin's house — the windows were boarded up because of the anxiety he developed after being abducted by aliens.

Nemi's house

Alongside these occupied homes, there is also, rather unusually, an empty house on the second level.

My favorite map in Ludibrium is the two-story empty house. It seems to have stayed with quite a few other players as well, which makes me think the coziness of that LEGO-built home left a lasting impression.

Maple Home

Maple Home turned this idea into a dedicated feature. Since its introduction, it has received regular renovations and new furniture items. Participation is entirely optional, and unlike the maps above, it lets you decorate to create the atmosphere you want. That is a considerable advantage.

The most recent update added presets for the entire Maple Home, continuing the steady improvements to its ease of use.

You can obtain furniture like this in the event beginning on March 5.

The Newly Added Guild Castle

This recently added feature builds on the same idea as Maple Home.

Unlocking everything looks likely to take a fair amount of time. Once the castle gains a level, however, it will not lose it over time, so it is best to take a gradual, long-term approach.

The map's quality is on an entirely different level from Maya's House, which was often used as a guild house and frequently became a source of disputes. The various features and layout options also allow for customization, so I think it could be a good fit for players who have wanted a space like this. Regular renovations, much like those for Maple Home, have also been mentioned.

An Unusual, Comforting BGM

Finally, there is a map I have never visited myself but have long associated with a feeling of comfort: the bathhouse in Showa Town, which is not available in KMS. Its BGM is quite distinctive. I do not know whether ASMR was around back then, but intentional or not, this may be the only BGM in MapleStory that gives me that same feeling.

Thank you for reading.