About the Dynamic Pricing System
Last updated
Last updated
Dear Maplers,
This note provides an overview of the Dynamic Pricing System—the mechanism that determines enhancement item pricing in MapleStory N.
MapleStory N features a player-participatory in-game economy, unlike traditional MMORPGs.
Instead of using fixed prices, the system is designed to dynamically adjust enhancement costs in real time based on player behavior data—specifically, enhancement attempts.
The system aims to distribute in-game resources naturally and efficiently according to player activity patterns.
This structure supports a balanced supply between high-demand and low-demand items, ensuring that player choices are reflected directly in the in-game economy.
The pricing process consists of two core stages:
1. Price Discovery Step
This stage is triggered when an item is newly introduced or enters a new enhancement range. To identify the price players are willing to pay, the system updates the cost every 60 seconds based on whether enhancements are attempted.
This initial period serves as a data collection phase, where prices may fluctuate significantly.
2. Price Change Step
Once a sufficient number of enhancement attempts is recorded, the system begins adjusting prices based on aggregate player activity and supply-demand estimates.
At this point, prices transition into a gradual and stable data-driven flow.
Enhancement prices are not assigned to each item individually.
Instead, items are grouped into approximately 2,000 categories, determined by:
Enhancement level range
Boss/non-boss classification
Equipment slot (weapon, armor, accessory, etc.)
For example, if a particular item slot and enhancement tier sees a large number of enhancement attempts, the entire category may experience a price increase.
This allows the system to operate as a responsive structure that reflects real-time player demand.
The system is currently in a transitional phase, shifting from the Price Discovery stage to the Price Change stage.
While some early volatility was expected, accumulated player data is allowing the system to move toward a more stable state.
Additionally, boss rewards and field hunting drops have been increased as of today, which is expected to improve the overall value and return on enhancement efforts.
MapleStory N is not built on fixed answers.
Instead, the system continuously observes player activity and adjusts accordingly based on collected data.
If the system reacts too slowly, it may fail to reflect player behavior.
If it reacts too quickly, it may lead to economic instability.
The goal is to maintain an optimal balance through steady, data-driven refinements.
The current algorithm is not final and will continue to evolve based on ongoing player interactions.
The in-game market system of MapleStory N is not a one-sided design.
It is built around your decisions and participation, and will continue to enhance based on actual gameplay data to deliver a more sophisticated and organic player experience.
Your ongoing engagement will help shape the future of MapleStory N.
Thank you for your continued support.
— The MapleStory N Development Team
