Skip to main content
 

1. What is Resource MCP?

Resource MCP is a Model Context Protocol server provided by MSU that allows Builders to search and use MapleStory Universe game resource assets directly from AI-powered development tools. Once configured, Builders can query tens of thousands of in-game assets — including Monsters, NPCs, Items, Skills, and Backgrounds — using natural language, without leaving their development environment.  

2. Prerequisites

  • An MSU Builder API key is required to use the Resource MCP.
  • The API key is used for authentication when making MCP calls.
For instructions on obtaining an API key, refer to the Getting Started with MSU Builder guide.
The default rate limit is set conservatively. To request an increase, contact the MSU Builder Team at contact_builder@nexpace.io.
 

3. Configuration

Add the following configuration to the MCP settings file of the AI tool you are using:
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "maple-lookup": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "<https://openapi.msu.io/v1rc1/resource/mcp>",
      "headers": {
        "x-nxopen-api-key": "YOUR_API_KEY"
      },
      "metadata": {
        "usage": {
          "initialization": "Standard MCP HTTP flow: (1) initialize request -> get mcp-session-id header, (2) send notifications/initialized with session-id, (3) call tools/list or tools/call",
          "imageSearch": "For image similarity: download CDN image, base64 encode, pass to search_similar with image_data parameter",
          "notes": [
            "Session ID must be included in mcp-session-id header after initialization",
            "notifications/initialized is required before tools can be called",
            "Image files may not be available on server - use image_data with base64 for external images",
            "search_similar with image_path may fail if files not in /mnt/efs/data - use CDN URL + base64 instead"
          ]
        }
      }
    }
  }
}

Configuration Fields

  • type: MCP connection method (http)
  • url: The MCP endpoint provided by MSU Open API
  • x-nxopen-api-key: Your MSU Builder API key
 

4. Usage

Once the MCP configuration is complete, Builders can search for resources using natural language queries in their AI tool. The following search types are supported:
  • Keyword search — Finds resources by exact or partial name match
  • Semantic search — Finds resources by meaning and context, even without an exact name
  • Hybrid search — Combines keyword and semantic search for broader results
Example queries
  • “Please find the red sword item”
  • “Please search for cute chair images.”
  • “Show me the pink character sprite”
The AI tool will internally call the MCP and return matching results.
 

5. Available Features

Resource MCP provides the following features:
  • Resource search
  • Category lookup
  • Tag lookup
  • Image-based similarity search
  • Sprite data lookup
  • Category-based listing
  • Image URL retrieval
 

6. Notes

6.1. MCP Is a Development Tool

  • Resource MCP is intended for use during AI-assisted development workflows.
  • It is not designed for production services or end-user-facing applications.

6.2. API Key Security

  • Keep the API key secure and do not expose it publicly.
  • Do not include the API key in source code repositories.
  • If the key is compromised, reissue it immediately.

6.3. Result Accuracy

  • Search results are returned based on keyword matching and similarity scoring.
  • Results may not always match the intended output. For more accurate results, provide specific and detailed search conditions.