Early Map Versions

Early Map Versions refers to maps from MapleStory's beta and testing phases that differ significantly from their final release versions. During the game's development and testing period, particularly in Tespia (MapleStory's test server), many maps underwent substantial changes before being released to the live servers. These early versions often featured different layouts, monster spawns, NPC placements, or visual designs compared to what players eventually experienced in the official game.

This page documents some of the known early versions of MapleStory maps, showcasing how they evolved during development. Unlike Unused and Cut Content, which covers content that was removed or never implemented, this page focuses on maps that were released but existed in different forms during beta or testing phases.

Early map versions can be found through various sources, including:

• Tespia test server screenshots and patch notes
• Beta client data files
• Korean MapleStory community archives and forums

Victoria Island

Perion

Perion Map Evolution
KMS 1.11	KMS 1.21	KMS 1.34	KMS 1.36	KMS 1.41	KMS 1.90

Perion is the city that underwent the most changes during early MapleStory. In the oldest available client to date, KMS 111, there were not platforms in place for people to sell or trade items. Those were added later in v1.21, where Perion featured rows of long platforms to the left of the Warrior's Sanctuary. These platforms were most likely added because the city served as a popular trading hub where players would buy and sell items, essentially functioning as the game's first Free Market before the actual location was introduced. Between versions 1.21 and 1.34, the changes were minimal: a few objects were repositioned in the lower section of the map, and the map object of the gate for the entrance to the road leading to the Dungeon was added.

In KMS 1.36, the platforms were removed and NPCs were repositioned to utilize the newly freed space. Where the platforms once stood, a portal to the Perion Market was added. In KMS 1.41, some platforms were added to accommodate benches where players can sit. Finally, in KMS 1.90, the Perion Market portal was replaced with the Free Market portal we know today. This last version is nearly identical to what most players remember.

Kerning City

Kerning City Map Evolution
KMS 1.11	KMS 1.34	KMS 1.55

Kerning City didn't go through many changes, and by the looks of it, the city was being worked on during early KMS release versions. The oldest available client, v1.11 has a Kerning City that looks pretty much as a WIP. The map layout stayed the same until around v1.34, where they added the subway entrance. Later on, in v1.55 they added the storage NPC and its assets to the Kerning City map.

Music

A really interesting difference that was found out recently on the KMS v1.11 client, is the fact that Kerning City had a completely different song to the one we all know, called NothingLeft.

Not much is known about the song, who made it, and also what happened to it. We can assume, considering the rest of the tracks, that it was also made by CUDASOUND, however, there's no confirmation as of now.

Free Market

Free Market Map Evolution
KMS 1.36	KMS 1.64	KMS 1.82

Free Market has had a couple variations. It first began by being inside Perion itself, then, in KMS 1.36 it moved to a separate map, accessible only from Perion. The first concept of "Market" was in this version, with a portal displaying the words on a sign above the portal. This map was simple, only had some rows, and that's it.

Later, in KMS 1.64, the concept of "Free Market" was added. In the table above, we only display Perion FM. However, in that version, there was a Henesys, Perion and El Nath Free Market entrances. Contrary to the Free Market, they were only available from the cities the markets depict. In around KMS 1.81, Ludibrium Free Market was added.

Finally, in KMS 1.82, the Free Market was changed to being a single map accessible from different cities.