Now you’re probably wondering… where do I train? Well, ultimately, the
choice is yours. I have listed here some tried and true training methods,
and I’ve thrown some of my own into the mix. Please note that some are more
for funded mages become they consume more MP and HP. This will be listed,
so not to worry. At the bottom of each level section there is a monster/area
listed in caps. This is basically to summarize what I’ve explained, in one or
two words =].

TRAINING AREAS

Level 8-14

You’re going to want to go with slimes at this level. You should 2 or 3 hit KO
them, and at 10 exp apiece, they’re a good for leveling. In terms of where to
find them, I suggest either Henesys Hunting Grounds I (from here on referred
to as HHG), The Tree That Grew or the Slime Tree. The Tree that Grew is 2 maps
north of Ellinia, while the Slime Tree is one map south, inside a tree in the
far south-western area of the map. All of these options are high-spawn (except
possibly The Tree that Grew), so you shouldn’t have a problem. For the funded
mage I suggest HHG I because of the high spawn rate.

>SLIMES

Level 14-18

This is really where the funded and non-funded split up. The non-funded will
want to stick with slimes until level 16 or 17, at which point they will switch
to Orange Mushrooms, at Kerning City Construction Site (one map left
or Kerning City) or at HHG I. The funded mage has just acquired Magic Claw, so
they will definitely want to switch to Orange Mushrooms right at 14. You can
stay here until around level 21 for non-funded and 18 or 19 for funded.

>ORANGE MUSHROOMS

Level 18-22

Here the non-funded and funded are divided as well. The non-funded will be
sticking with Orange Mushrooms until about level 20 or 21. Then they will
switch to Pig Beach. Assuming you are starting from Henesys, Pig Beach can
be found by first going 4 maps left of Henesys. You will end up at a map called
Split Road. Here you will take the LAST ladder you see (meaning the left-most
one) up. Travel a little bit to the right and you will see a patch of Yellow
Flowers. Press up on these and you will be warped to Pig Beach. The funded mage
is going to change to Pig Beach at level 19 or so, because by now Orange
Mushrooms aren’t giving you as much experience.

>PIG BEACH

–I’ve gotten a suggestion here. According to Garrett, mages can efficiently
train at the Ant Tunnel at this level, without burning too many potions. If
this works for you, than that’s great. Thanks Garrett!–

Level 22-26

Here there are a few options and they funded and unfunded start to merge toward
each other. The non-funded will want to stick with Pig Beach till level 24 or
even 25. At this point they will switch to the Ant Tunnel, which can be found
on the left most side of the Dungeon-town Sleepywood. The funded mage will
switch right at 23 or even 22, for experience sake. You WILL use A LOT of
potions here, so be warned; however, you are literally right beside a town,
so restocking shouldn’t be a problem.

The second option here is PQ, also known as Party Quest. Because you are a mage
you are accepted into parties more frequently than a warrior of the same level.
However, even though you are a mage, you aren’t suitable (and thus people won’t
accept you) until about level 24. You may want to wait for level 25 for a PQ,
most parties like to have members at or over that level. PLEASE do not ask me
how to PQ, there are many guides for that and this is not one of them.

>ANT TUNNEL or PARTY QUEST

Level 26-30

I would have to say, the best option here is PQ. Now that you’re level 26
or so, everybody will want to accept you (well, most of them). Party Quests
are also fountains of money, but be warned: they can make you rich
(like giving you a 10% Overall DEX scroll, worth over 1mil) or making you lose
some money by giving you something like ores. Really it depends. Personally,
I think you’ve trained hard enough to get to level 26 or so, and PQ is one of
the most fun things in Maple Story. You deserve some fun, right? …Right?
Nearing level 28, you will be accepted in a matter of minutes (or seconds)
because mages really are THE most powerful character at this level. So all
that hard work DID pay off!

The second option here is to stick with Ant Tunnel. You will be coming back
here later, and if you’re funded chances are you’ve been here for a few levels.
This place will get REALLY boring later, so my advice is to PQ. It is your
character, so if you want to go from 22 to say 35 in one place, be my guest.

>PQ or ANT TUNNEL

You’re finally level 30, and it’s time for the Second Job Advancement!
Along with a new title for yourself, you get new skills and new equipment.
It’s time to advance!