NEXPACE has announced the Winter V update for MapleStory N (MSN), scheduled to roll out on December 18, 2025. The update marks a significant expansion of content and gameplay systems, including the introduction of the Fifth Job Advancement, the V Matrix skill customization system, and new areas and bosses from the MapleStory universe. In addition to these major content additions, the update includes quality of life changes and enhancements to MSN’s web3 features.
Fifth Job Advancement and Boss Encounters
The central feature of the update is the Fifth Job Advancement, which allows characters to reach a new stage of progression and unlock advanced abilities. Complementing this is the V Matrix system, a skill customization tool where players can manage Nodes to enhance or create abilities. This system, originally part of the classic MapleStory experience, now serves as a core progression mechanic in MSN, enabling players to refine their combat style and prepare for the more challenging bosses and content introduced in this update.
Winter V adds several well-known regions to the game, including Vanishing Journey, Chu Chu Island, and Lachelein. These areas bring new content centered on the Arcane Symbol and Arcane Umbra equipment systems, giving players more opportunities for gear progression. The update also introduces new bosses such as Guardian Angel Slime and Lucid, which are designed to provide fresh challenges aligned with the new power curve. The Cygnus Knights class has received a full remaster, improving its viability in mid-to-late game content.
Gameplay Improvements and NESO Economy
Alongside new content, NEXPACE has implemented changes to streamline progression and improve the overall player experience. The required experience points (EXP) to reach level 200 have been reduced, allowing players to access Fifth Job content more quickly.
Character and equipment presets have been added to make switching builds easier, and party systems have been upgraded to facilitate smoother group play. Boss mechanics have been refined to clarify battle patterns without reducing their challenge, helping players better understand and master encounters.
MSN’s web3 economy receives updates as part of Winter V. NESO rewards from boss fights have been adjusted to align more closely with player effort, and the in-game currency can now be transferred on-chain.
The update also introduces a limited AFK farming system, enabling players to gather resources passively. This feature is intended to reduce the need for extended grinding sessions while maintaining meaningful rewards for activity.
Winter Events and Web3 Ecosystem
The Winter V update coincides with seasonal events running from December 18, 2025, to February 26, 2026. The Mega Burning event will provide two bonus levels per level gained, accelerating progression for new and returning players. Alongside this, the Vlessing Winter event will offer unique rewards and collaboration items. Together, these events aim to engage both long-term players and newcomers.
MSN operates on the Henesys Layer 1 chain, offering gas-free gameplay and a web3-enabled economy. NXPC, the platform’s utility token, can be used for minting NFTs via Fission and burned through Fusion to reclaim tokens. On November 27, NEXPACE conducted its first NXPC token burn, permanently removing over 3.8 million tokens from circulation. Quarterly burns will continue, with 20% of revenue from player activity allocated to each event. Public reports provide on-chain proof of the token removal process.
Alongside the token burn, the NXPC whitepaper was updated to clarify temporary and permanent token removals, Fusion and Fission rates, and treasury allocations. The Builder Program was also expanded to support developers in creating tools and content for the MapleStory Universe (MSU) platform.
$50 Million Ecosystem Fund
NEXPACE announced a $50 million Ecosystem Fund on November 20, 2025, aimed at expanding the MSU universe. The fund supports projects in AI, digital finance, and user-generated tools to strengthen the in-game economy. Strategic partners include Chainlink Labs, Altos Ventures, Hashed, and GSR, with the goal of attracting new developers and growing the global player base.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When does the Winter V update for MapleStory N launch?
The update is scheduled to begin rolling out on December 18, 2025.
What is the Fifth Job Advancement?
The Fifth Job Advancement is a new progression stage for characters, unlocking advanced skills and combat abilities.
What is the V Matrix system?
V Matrix is a skill customization system that allows players to manage and enhance Nodes to refine character builds and strategies.
Which new regions and bosses are included?
The update adds Vanishing Journey, Chu Chu Island, and Lachelein, along with bosses such as Guardian Angel Slime and Lucid.
What changes have been made to early game progression?
EXP requirements to reach level 200 have been reduced, and character/equipment presets and party system improvements make progression smoother.
How does the update impact the web3 economy?
NESO rewards have been adjusted, AFK farming has been added, and NXPC tokens have been burned to reduce circulation, with ongoing support for token-based systems like Fission and Fusion.
What seasonal events are included in Winter V?
The Mega Burning event and the Vlessing Winter event will run from December 18, 2025, to February 26, 2026, offering bonus levels and unique rewards.
