New players are sent to Maple Island, a floating island specifically designed to be beginner-friendly. Unlike in many other MMORPGs, players in Maple Story cannot choose a job when they create a character. Rather, every character starts with the "Beginner" job. When characters meet certain requirements, they can complete the first job advancement and become a Warrior, Magician, Bowman, Pirate, or a Thief about maplestory powerleveling. Further class progression is only allowed within the scope of the first class advancement chosen. There are four class advancements available progressing through out the game. Some players chose not to get jobs and experience the Maple world in a permanent beginner state. Others chose to isolate themselves in Maple Island; these players are called Islanders about maplestory powerleveling.

In addition to combat statistics, characters have "Fame". Although publicized by the game creators, fame serves little practical purpose besides fulfilling some quest and equipment requirements. Once characters reach level 15, they are able to raise or drop the fame of any other character once per day. A character cannot raise or drop the same character fame more than once per month. The maximum amount of fame a character may receive is 30,000. A ranking feature, available in certain versions of Maple Story, keeps track of players that are performing well in total ranking, job ranking, world ranking and fame ranking. Rank information is available from the region website of the player and can also be found in-game.

Players can form Guilds with other players. Guild creation costs a certain amount of maplestory powerleveling, depending on the version being played. Guild extensions and emblems, which have separate costs, are also available. The purpose of a guild is to be able to find and chat with others more easily, bond with other players, promote cooperation, and battle using teamwork. Members have their guild name listed under their character name along with the guild emblem, if applicable about maplestory powerleveling.