We had fun with the MapleStory 2 closed beta session a few weeks back. But you know what this means: the game is pretty close to launching later this year.

Lo and behold, it is. Nexon announced that the game will be available for everyone on 10th October. When we mean “all”, we mean American clients. There’s still no word about a Southeast Asian release of MapleStory 2 yet.

As a bonus, Nexon also announced that players can reserve character names and participate in the Mushking Royale -the game’s Battle Royale mode- preseason starting 22 August (US time).

This version of the mode will have new features like the ability to play in 3-player squads. The top players will be awarded Founder’s Packs which contains exclusive items, cosmetics, and early access to the game. How early? Try 1st October.

While we wait with bated breath for the English version of South Korea’s MMO wonderland (amongst many others), why not check out our preview of the game? Be sure to also come back to Kakuchopurei since we’ll have a guide on this game in October. We’re nice like that.

Update: game’s out now. Here’s an ever-evolving guide to sort you out.