With the recent launch of MapleStory Universe, players everywhere are racing to level up quickly and stack as much NESO as possible before the event ends. But how do you do it efficiently if you’re unsure where to start? If you're new to MapleStory Universe, you've probably been wondering how to speed up your progress and mint a Hero before time runs out.

Luckily, GAM3S.GG has put together an in-depth guide to help you navigate the early stages, level up fast, and unlock minting your first character. Follow this guide to make the most out of your time and get ahead in the game!

Your First Steps in Leveling Up

After spending some time with the tutorial, adjusting your controls, and getting a feel for the map, you might find yourself wondering what to do next. Once you've completed the initial quests, your next move is to tackle the four theme dungeons. These areas are designed to help you level up quickly while gearing you up for the next stages of the game.

Here’s where you should head:

• Ellinel Fairy Academy
• Gold Beach Resort
• Riena Strait
• Secret Forest of Elodin

You can easily locate these dungeons by pressing F1 to open the Guide Dashboard. Select a quest and click Move to get transported directly to the location.

These dungeons are not just about gaining XP. They introduce you to new environments, enemies, and game mechanics that will prepare you for your upcoming job advancement. Make the most out of each run to collect essential gear and experience points.

Unlock the 3rd Job Advancement

Hitting level 60 is a big deal in MapleStory Universe. It’s the point where your character starts to feel less like a rookie and more like a true contender. This is where the 3rd job advancement questline comes in. Unlike the theme dungeons that had you bouncing from one area to another, this questline is much more linear.

To check out your available quests, hit J to open the Quests dashboard. Go to the Available Quest tab to see what’s up next. Follow the quest markers, take down the targeted enemies, and complete the required tasks.

It might seem like a simple grind, but don’t sleep on it. This job advancement is a game-defining moment. The skills and abilities you unlock here will pack a serious punch and give you the firepower you need for the tougher dungeons ahead.

Reaching Level 65

After wrapping up your 3rd job advancement, the next target is hitting level 65. The fastest way to do that? Head to the Mushroom Castle Theme Dungeon. You can easily locate it through the Guide Dashboard and teleport right in.

This place is a goldmine for XP. The mobs here are plentiful, and they drop tons of experience points, making it a perfect spot for grinding. But do not just rush through the quests. Take your time and farm those mobs along the way. The extra XP will stack up quickly, and you might even pick up some useful loot in the process.

Mushroom Castle is also a great testing ground for your newly unlocked 3rd job skills. This is where you get to put them to work and really feel the power boost. Get comfortable with your new abilities and use this grind to fine-tune your combat style.

Defeat Balrog

Hitting level 65 means it is time to take on Balrog, one of the first big boss fights in MapleStory Universe. This encounter is a solid test of your combat skills and a chance to snag some valuable loot. Here is how to get started:

1. Press F2 to open the Reward Dashboard.
2. Press P to form a party or go solo.
3. Enter the arena and get ready to face Balrog.

Balrog is not the toughest boss out there, but do not underestimate him. Keep some potions on hand and stay on the defensive, especially if you are going in alone. Take your time to learn his attack patterns and look for openings to strike.

Taking down Balrog can net you some decent rewards that will come in handy for the next stage of your journey. Plus, it is a good warm-up for tougher encounters down the line. 

Utilizing Runes

While grinding through areas like Mushroom Castle or any dungeon, you will start to notice glowing orbs popping up — those are runes. At first, they might not seem like a big deal, but they can seriously turn the tide in your favor.

Runes are collectible buffs that appear as you defeat mobs. Once you use them, you will unlock temporary boosts like increased attack power, defense, or other handy effects. These are not just flashy visuals. They give you a real edge, especially when the fights start getting more intense.

The good thing is you do not need to go hunting for them. Just keep farming and they will naturally show up. A lot of players overlook them while rushing through quests, but if you are trying to be efficient, make sure to grab and activate them whenever you can.

Mint your First Character

Time to mint your first character. If you have made it this far, cleared the main dungeons, Kill Balrog, reached level 65 and finished the prerequisite, then you are ready. Minting is one of the most satisfying features in MapleStory Universe because it lets you turn your grind into something that actually matters.

This is not just for bragging rights. When you mint your character, it becomes a tradable NFT. All those hours spent leveling up, collecting gear, and pushing through quests now have real value. You are not just chasing stats anymore. You are building something that can exist outside the game.

To mint your character, open the main menu or exit to the title screen and look for the Mint button. From there, you will set your character’s name. Choose wisely because once you mint, that name is permanent. The best part is that minting is completely free. No gas fees, no hidden costs. Just hit Mint and you are all set.

That wraps up your early journey in MapleStory Universe, from completing theme dungeons to unlocking your 3rd job and finally minting your first character. If you’ve followed this guide, you should now be level 65 and ready to take on what’s next. But this is only the beginning. There’s still a lot more to discover in MSU, and plenty of upcoming guides will walk you through deeper systems like advanced boss fights, gear building, and the NESO economy. Keep grinding!