MapleStory introduces 4th Job tier, mounts, new village

Nexon's games portfolio continues to evolve, as they've announced the official release of MapleStory's much-anticipated '4th Job' tier of classes. These high-level professions offer a new level of power for the most dedicated players. The release notes that this will only affect a small portion of the userbase, which Nexon claims is currently hovering around the 5 million mark. Just as with the progression to the third job, there are specific criteria to unlocking your fourth job. You have to:

• be level 120 or higher
• speak with your 3rd job instructor, before traveling to your 4th instructor in the city of Leafre.
• You then have to obtain two items, the heroic star and heroic pentagon.
• You can do this by defeating the monsters Manon and Griffey.
• Alternatively, you can head to Eos Tower. On the 44th Floor you can purchase a 'Secret Letter of Spell' for 10 million mesos. Then go back to Leafre Village and speak to Chief Tatamo to get a set of Heroic Star and Heroic Pentagon.

Screenshots and details after the cut.

Beyond these classes, the update also includes a number of user interface improvements, such as an hp meter for foes, a new world map, and an automagic item organizer. The other big sell seems to be the inclusion of mount riding. Characters at level 70 can ride a 'Watch Hog', with an upgrade to a Silver Boar possible at 120, and finally a Red Dragon at level 200.

All of these additions can be found wrapped up in the town of Leafre, a high-level area dedicated to level 100+ characters. They tout high end loot and the toughest monsters in the game as draws for the newest area. To get there you're going to want to head to Orbis Station, and look for the really big blue bird. It'll take you right there. For more information, talk to Grendel in Ellinia – and don't forget to speak to everyone once you finally get to Leafre. You never know what they might have to say.