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 the wonderful world of LitRPG, here are some of my top recommendations.
He Who Fights With Monsters
95 See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
The Path of Ascension
33 See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
Dungeon Crawler Carl
74 See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
Unsouled (Cradle Series)
32 See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
Beware of Chicken
30 See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
Defiance of the Fall
36 See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
Sufficiently Advanced Magic (Arcane Ascension)
30 See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
The Grand Game
15 See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
The Ritualist (The Completionist Chronicles)
30 See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
Level Up or Die (Underworld Series)
23 See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
A fantastic benefit of these books is their availability through Kindle Unlimited. Given the length of some series, a subscription offers significant savings. Audible subscriptions provide an alternative listening option.
What is LitRPG?
For newcomers, LitRPG stands for literary role-playing game. The stories incorporate RPG elements similar to video games. While some involve characters literally entering video games, the genre is far broader. All LitRPG features game-like elements, but not all mimic video games precisely. The books below share 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
See it at AmazonSee it at AudibleHe 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 remains my favorite LitRPG series, with each installment as enjoyable as the first. The story follows Jason Asano, who wakes up in a magical world with new powers and no hair. His resilient and unconventional approach helps him navigate cannibals, monsters, and even relationships. A fantastic book with a morally gray protagonist you'll adore.
The series is currently at book 11, with more to come from author Shirtaloon.
2. The Path of Ascension
The Path of Ascension
Book 1 of 8
See it at AmazonSee it at AudibleThe Path of Ascension deviates slightly from the norm; the protagonist isn't transported to another world. Instead, it presents a richly developed universe centered around magical dungeon portals ("rifts") and powerful immortals. The story follows Matt, an orphan who dreams of conquering rifts and the monsters that killed his parents. His initial setback—a weak talent—forces him to overcome adversity through hard work and determination. While the first book hooked me, the character development in books two and three solidified its place among my favorites.
3. Dungeon Crawler Carl
Dungeon Crawler Carl
Book 1 of 7
See it at AmazonSee it at AudibleDungeon Crawler Carl is a relentlessly fast-paced adventure. It features an unconventional protagonist and a wonderful cat named Princess Donut (arguably the true star). The story follows Carl, trapped with his ex's cat when the world ends, forcing them into an underground dungeon hosting an intergalactic game show run by advanced races and a chaotic AI. It's a fun adventure with great lines, action, and skill progression.
The seventh book, released in 2024, maintained the intrigue of the first. Author Matt Dinniman's other works are also worth exploring.
4. Unsouled (Cradle Series)
Unsouled (Cradle Series)
Book 1 of 12
See it at AmazonSee it at AudibleSimilar to The Path of Ascension, the Cradle series doesn't involve transportation to another universe. Instead, it immerses you in a deep, existing world with a unique power cultivation system and a likable protagonist. Unsouled is ideal for fantasy fans who may not be strictly LitRPG enthusiasts. The story follows Lindon, born "Unsouled" with seemingly no hope of mastering the sacred arts. Despite his determination and intelligence, he's destined for powerlessness until a celestial intervention provides a path forward.
The 12-book series concludes satisfyingly. Will Wight's other works are also highly recommended.
5. Beware of Chicken
Beware of Chicken
Book 1 of 4
See it at AmazonSee it at AudibleBeware of Chicken is the most unique series on this list. Unlike the action-packed adventures above, this is a tale of a man who abandons the path to power to become a farmer. The story follows Jin Rou, a cultivator striving for mastery until his death and subsequent merging with an earthling. The new Jin Rou rejects the cultivator's world for a peaceful farming life, discovering unexpected friendship, family, and power along the way.
This unexpected yet excellent series offers a relaxing LitRPG experience.
6. Defiance of the Fall
Defiance of the Fall
Book 1 of 15
See it at AmazonSee it at AudibleAs the longest series, Defiance of the Fall is a worthwhile commitment. The story begins with Zachary Atwood, alone when the world integrates into the multiverse. A new "System" with quests forces Zac to survive an invasion with only a hatchet and luck. His fight for his family unveils the secrets of this new existence and the multiverse.
With 14 books and a 15th on the way, this series offers a complex leveling system and intriguing story.
7. Sufficiently Advanced Magic (Arcane Ascension)
Sufficiently Advanced Magic (Arcane Ascension)
Book 1 of 5
See it at AmazonSee it at AudibleArcane Ascension forgoes stat sheets and complex leveling. It presents a world ruled by powerful beings offering "attunements"—a special magic—to those surviving their dungeon-like spires. The intricate magic system unfolds as the protagonist enthusiastically explores its uses.
The story follows Corin Cadence, who confronts the Serpent Spire trials to earn his attunement, uncovering more questions along the way. Andrew Rowe's companion series are also recommended.
8. The Grand Game
The Grand Game
Book 1 of 9
See it at AmazonSee it at AudibleFor stealth game fans, The Grand Game is excellent. Unlike others on this list, the protagonist is an assassin who prefers stealth. The story follows Michael, in the Forever Kingdom with amnesia, learning to fight and advance through a monster-filled dungeon. As he levels up, he uncovers more about this world ruled by elites called Powers and his place in the Grand Game.
While currently at seven books, books eight and nine are available for pre-order.
9. The Ritualist (The Completionist Chronicles)
The Ritualist (The Completionist Chronicles)
Book 1 of 11
See it at AmazonSee it at AudibleThe Completionist Chronicles are an excellent entry point to LitRPG. It features familiar MMO elements with unique twists. The story follows Joe, an injured ex-military medic, who finds a new life in a virtual MMORPG. His unique background leads him to a secret class, the Ritualist, where he levels up his magic and skills through quests.
The series expands rapidly, introducing new worlds, making it a consistently engaging read.
10. Level Up or Die (Underworld Series)
Level Up or Die (Underworld Series)
See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
The Underworld series is a slow burn. Unlike others where the protagonist is transported to a magical world, this takes place in the literal underworld. The story follows Elorian, a gamer who finds himself trapped in the underworld with other gamers. Despite gaining magical powers and infinite leveling, they're unhappy. They were brought there by a succubus intent on draining their power as they level up. Vampires, dragons, demons, and lava cats make this a great starting point for LitRPG.
