maplestory dragon
Image via Nexon

How to Fix MapleStory Disconnecting and Crashing

Dang old-timey games...

MapleStory is positively ancient by MMO standards, with even the current commercial version being around since 2012. The game has done a pretty good job of maintaining itself in spite of that, but even so, with that kind of age comes some inevitable creakiness, manifesting as disconnects and crashes. Here’s how to fix MapleStory disconnecting and crashing.

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How to Fix MapleStory Disconnecting and Crashing

The current version of MapleStory should be fully compatible with all modern computers, but there can be an occasional hiccup or disconnect that causes severe errors. In the event of these errors, you may not be able to connect to the game, or any attempts to do so result in hard crashes to your desktop. If you’re having these problems, here are some solutions you can try:

  • Check Server Status
  • Update Windows and drivers
  • Add exceptions in antivirus programs
  • Repair your Installation
  • Use a VPN

Related: How to Fix Warzone 2.0 Crashing on PC

Check Server Status

maplestory beach
Image via Nexon

Before you go dissecting your PC’s innards, you should probably make sure the problem is actually on your end. If there are any problems with MapleStory’s servers, that could be the cause of your inability to connect to the game. You can check the current status of the game’s servers by visiting Nexon’s server status page. If there are any outages, they’ll be shown on the graph.

Update Windows and Drivers

The next step is ensuring all your important files are up to date. If you’re running an outdated version of Windows or aren’t using the newest graphical drivers, your PC may be experiencing a compatibility disconnect with the current version of MapleStory. Go to your Windows settings to ensure you’re running the newest version of the OS, and check your graphical utility (NVIDIA, AMD, etc.) to do the same for your graphical drivers. If any are in need of an update, you know what to do.

Add Exceptions to Antivirus Programs

Antivirus programs can get a bit overzealous about blocking unfamiliar programs. If you can’t get into the game server or the program won’t launch, your antivirus may be blocking it. Open up your antivirus utility and find your whitelist. Add the MapleStory launch file to the list to create an exception and stop your antivirus from blocking it. You can also just turn your antivirus off temporarily to play the game.

Repair your Installation

Game files can occasionally go weird when installing the game or performing updates. If you think the problem is with your MapleStory files, there’s a quick solution. Open the Nexon launcher and click the little gear symbol on the MapleStory page. Under your configuration settings, click Repair Installation to perform a scan and clean of your game installation to remedy any file problems.

Use a VPN

Certain games can occasionally have difficulty connecting to regions with spotty internet connection. If you think your region is the problem, try using a VPN to connect from a more populous area. It’s a bit of an obtuse solution, but some users swear by it.

If you’re still having problems with the game, visit Nexon’s MapleStory support page to browse the help topics or submit a formal help request. They’ll get back to you as soon as they can with advice on what to do.


For more helpful info on MapleStory, check out our guide on the best MapleStory private servers and our DPS and DPM charts. Visit our Facebook page as well for more guides and news.

Author
Image of Daniel Trock
Daniel Trock
Since the first time he picked up a controller as a child, Daniel has been a dyed-in-the-wool gaming fanatic, with a Steam library numbering over 600 games. His favorite pastime, aside from playing games, is doing deep dives on game wikis to learn more about their lore and characters.