Reading is my absolute favorite pastime. While I enjoy video games and TV, nothing quite compares to immersing myself in a captivating book series. My reading journey began with Harry Potter, branching out to sci-fi, fantasy, mysteries, and even non-fiction. However, my true literary passion ignited upon discovering the LitRPG genre. It quickly became an all-consuming obsession, and now it's the only type of reading I pursue. If you're curious about exploring the fantastic world of LitRPG, here are some of my top recommendations.
Our Top Pick: He Who Fights With Monsters
95
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The Path of Ascension
33
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Dungeon Crawler Carl
74
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Unsouled (Cradle Series)
32
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Beware of Chicken
30
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Defiance of the Fall
36
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Sufficiently Advanced Magic (Arcane Ascension)
30
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The Grand Game
15
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The Ritualist (The Completionist Chronicles)
30
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Level Up or Die (Underworld Series)
23
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A fantastic aspect of these books is their availability through Kindle Unlimited. Given the length of some series, a subscription offers significant savings. They're also accessible via Audible if you prefer listening.
What is LitRPG?
For newcomers, LitRPG stands for literary role-playing game. The stories incorporate RPG elements similar to video games. Sometimes characters are literally transported into a game, but the genre is much broader. While all LitRPG features game-like elements, not all are precisely like video games. The books listed below all feature leveling systems and power hierarchies the protagonists must navigate through experience. I've included a mix of progression fantasy and LitRPG, offering similar reading experiences.
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1. He Who Fights with Monsters
He Who Fights With Monsters
Book 1 of 11
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He Who Fights with Monsters is fast-paced, action-packed, and boasts some of the best dialogue I've ever encountered. Its unique leveling system and compelling characters make it a must-read for fantasy comedy lovers. This is my personal favorite LitRPG series, and each installment remains as enjoyable as the first. The story follows Jason Asano, who awakens in a magical world with newfound powers and a surprising lack of hair. His resilient and unconventional approach to his predicament allows him to navigate cannibals, monsters, and even complex relationships with ease. A fantastic read featuring a morally ambiguous protagonist you can't help but adore.
The series, penned by Shirtaloon, is currently eleven books strong, with more on the horizon.
2. The Path of Ascension
The Path of Ascension
Book 1 of 8
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The Path of Ascension deviates slightly from the norm; the protagonist isn't transported to another world. Instead, it presents a richly detailed universe centered around magical dungeon portals ("rifts") and powerful immortals with unique abilities. The story follows Matt, a young orphan who dreams of venturing into rifts to battle the monsters that claimed his parents' lives. His aspirations are dashed when he discovers his initial talent is underwhelming. He's forced to overcome his limitations and achieve power through hard work and determination. While the first book captivated me, the character development in books two and three cemented its place among my favorites.
3. Dungeon Crawler Carl
Dungeon Crawler Carl
Book 1 of 7
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Dungeon Crawler Carl is a relentlessly fast-paced adventure featuring an unconventional protagonist and a wonderful cat named Princess Donut (arguably the true star). The story follows Carl, who finds himself trapped with his ex-girlfriend's cat as the world ends. Together, they enter an underground dungeon hosting an intergalactic game show run by advanced alien races and a chaotic AI. It's a fun, action-packed adventure with witty dialogue and satisfying skill progression.
The seventh book, released in 2024, maintains the intrigue of the first. Author Matt Dinniman has also written other worthwhile books if you enjoy his style.
4. Unsouled (Cradle Series)
Unsouled (Cradle Series)
Book 1 of 12
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Similar to The Path of Ascension, the Cradle series doesn't involve dimensional travel. Instead, it immerses you in a deeply developed world with a unique power cultivation system and a likable protagonist. Unsouled is perfect for fantasy enthusiasts who aren't necessarily looking for hardcore LitRPG. The story follows Lindon, born "Unsouled" with seemingly no hope of mastering the sacred arts. Despite his determination and intelligence, he's destined to remain powerless until a celestial intervention provides a path forward.
The twelve-book Cradle series concludes satisfyingly. If you enjoy this series (and I highly recommend you do), explore Will Wight's other works; they're all excellent.
5. Beware of Chicken
Beware of Chicken
Book 1 of 4
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Beware of Chicken is the most unique series on this list. Unlike the action-packed adventures featured above, this is a story about a man who abandons the path to power to become a farmer. The story follows Jin Rou, a hardworking cultivator striving for martial arts mastery. After his death, an earthling enters his consciousness, leading the new Jin Rou to reject the cultivator's world and pursue a peaceful life as a farmer. In his quest for tranquility, he discovers unexpected friendships, family, and a surprising source of power.
Beware of Chicken is both unexpected and exceptionally good. If you desire a relaxing yet satisfying LitRPG fantasy read, this is it.
6. Defiance of the Fall
Defiance of the Fall
Book 1 of 15
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As the longest series, Defiance of the Fall is a significant commitment, but absolutely worthwhile. The story begins with Zachary Atwood, alone when the world integrates into the multiverse. Suddenly confronted by a "System" with quests and notifications, Zac must survive an invasion with only a hatchet and luck. As he fights to reach his family, he uncovers the secrets of his new existence and the multiverse.
With fourteen books and a fifteenth on the way, Defiance of the Fall offers much more than the first book suggests. Its intricate leveling system and skill progression are unique and engaging, and the story truly expands once Zac leaves Earth.
7. Sufficiently Advanced Magic (Arcane Ascension)
Sufficiently Advanced Magic (Arcane Ascension)
Book 1 of 5
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Arcane Ascension forgoes stat sheets and complex leveling systems. Instead, it plunges you into a world ruled by powerful beings who offer unique magic ("attunements") to those who survive their dungeon-like spires. The intricate magic system is uniquely fascinating, revealed as the protagonist enthusiastically explores its possibilities.
The first-person narrative follows Corin Cadence, who, after losing his brother in the Serpent Spire years prior, now faces its trials to earn his attunement. Within the spires, he encounters more questions than answers, which he must unravel with newfound friends at Lorian Heights Academy.
Sufficiently Advanced Magic was my gateway into LitRPG. With its Harry Potter-esque magic school setting and rich fantasy elements, it's an accessible introduction to the genre. Andrew Rowe also has several companion series expanding upon the main story.
8. The Grand Game
The Grand Game
Book 1 of 9
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For stealth game enthusiasts, The Grand Game is a fantastic choice. Unlike other entries, the protagonist is an assassin who prefers subterfuge. The story follows Michael, who finds himself in the Forever Kingdom with amnesia, beyond his name. Among other newcomers, he must learn to fight, advance through a monster-filled dungeon, and survive. As he levels up and acquires new skills, he uncovers more about this world, ruled by elites known as Powers, and his role in the Grand Game.
The Grand Game offers a unique take on the genre. While currently seven books long, books eight and nine are available for pre-order.
9. The Ritualist (The Completionist Chronicles)
The Ritualist (The Completionist Chronicles)
Book 1 of 11
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For excellent entry-level LitRPG, the Completionist Chronicles are ideal. It features familiar MMO RPG elements with unique twists that keep you hooked. The story centers on Joe, a wheelchair-bound ex-military medic injured in action. When a friend offers him a chance to fully immerse himself in a new virtual MMORPG, he accepts, finding a new life within the game. His unique background and skills lead him to a secret class, the Ritualist, where he levels his magic and skills through quests.
The series rapidly evolves in later books, transporting you to entirely new worlds, but remains engaging throughout.
10. Level Up or Die (Underworld Series)
Level Up or Die (Underworld Series)
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The Underworld series is a slow burn. Unlike stories where characters are transported to magical worlds, Level Up or Die takes place in the literal underworld. The story follows Elorian, a high-school gamer who finds himself trapped in the underworld with other gamers. Despite gaining magical powers and infinite leveling capabilities, no one is happy about their predicament. An ancient succubus brought them there to drain their power as they level up in the dungeons beneath the Earth's crust. Vampires, dragons, demons, and giant lava cats populate this adventurous series, making it a great introduction to LitRPG.
