Reading is my all-time favorite hobby. While I enjoy playing video games and watching TV, nothing quite compares to diving deep into a compelling book series. My love for reading was sparked by the Harry Potter books and has since broadened to include sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, and non-fiction. However, it was the LitRPG genre that truly captured my heart. My fascination with LitRPG was immediate and all-encompassing, and now it's the genre I exclusively read. If you're curious about exploring this exciting world, here are my top recommendations that I believe anyone would enjoy.
Our Top Pick### He Who Fights With Monsters
95See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
### The Path of Ascension
33See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
### Dungeon Crawler Carl
74See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
### Unsouled (Cradle Series)
32See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
### Beware of Chicken
30See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
### Defiance of the Fall
36See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
### Sufficiently Advanced Magic (Arcane Ascension)
30See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
### The Grand Game
15See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
### The Ritualist (The Completionist Chronicles)
30See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
### Level Up or Die (Underworld Series)
23See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
A fantastic aspect of these books is their availability through a Kindle Unlimited subscription. Given the extensive series, subscribing can be a cost-effective way to enjoy them. They're also accessible via Audible if you prefer listening to your stories.
What Is LitRPG?
For newcomers, LitRPG stands for literary role-playing game. This genre integrates RPG elements similar to those found in video games. While some stories might involve characters entering a game world, the genre is much broader. All LitRPG books include game-like features, but not all mimic video games exactly. You'll find a leveling system and a power hierarchy in the books listed below, where the protagonist must progress through experience. My recommendations blend progression fantasy and LitRPG, offering a similar experience.
He Who Fights with Monsters
Our Top Pick### He Who Fights With Monsters
95Book 1 of 11See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
He Who Fights with Monsters is a fast-paced, action-packed series with some of the best lines I've ever read. Its unique leveling system and engaging characters make it a must-read for fans of fantasy comedy. This is my top favorite LitRPG series, and each new installment is as compelling as the first.
The story follows Jason Asano, who wakes up in a magical world inside a hedge maze, endowed with new powers and no hair. His determined yet off-balance approach to this new reality helps him navigate challenges like cannibals, monsters, and even personal relationships. Overall, it's a fantastic read featuring a morally complex protagonist you can't help but root for.
The series currently spans 11 books, with more on the way from the author, Shirtaloon.
The Path of Ascension
### The Path of Ascension
33Book 1 of 8See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
The Path of Ascension offers a unique take on the genre, focusing on a richly detailed universe centered around magical dungeon portals called rifts and powerful immortals with unique talents. Unlike traditional LitRPG, the main character isn't transported to another world.
The story follows Matt, a young orphan with dreams of diving into rifts to avenge his parents' deaths by fighting monsters. His hopes are dashed when he receives a detrimental Tier 1 talent, forcing him to overcome his limitations through sheer hard work and determination.
While the first book hooked me, it was the character development in books two and three that cemented this series as one of my favorites.
Dungeon Crawler Carl
### Dungeon Crawler Carl
74Book 1 of 7See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
Dungeon Crawler Carl is an exhilarating, fast-paced adventure that never lets up. It features an intriguing protagonist who defies typical tropes, and a delightful cat named Princess Donut, who arguably steals the show. This series is a standout in the LitRPG genre.
The narrative follows Carl, who, along with his ex-girlfriend's cat, finds himself in an underground dungeon during the apocalypse. They are thrust into an intergalactic game show, managed by advanced races and a chaotic AI. It's a thrilling journey filled with humor, action, and skill progression that will delight fans of the genre.
The seventh book, released in 2024, maintains the same level of excitement as the first. Matt Dinniman, the author, also has other noteworthy books if you enjoy his writing style.
Unsouled (Cradle Series)
### Unsouled (Cradle Series)
32Book 1 of 12See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
The Cradle series, like The Path of Ascension, doesn't involve the main character being pulled into another universe. Instead, it immerses you in a deeply developed world with a unique power cultivation system and a likable protagonist. Unsouled is a top pick for fantasy lovers who might not be fully into traditional LitRPG.
The series follows Lindon, born as an "Unsouled" with no apparent path in the sacred arts of his village. Despite his intelligence and determination, he seems doomed to remain powerless. However, a divine intervention offers him a way forward.
The Cradle series concludes with a satisfying end after 12 books. If you enjoy this series, I highly recommend exploring more works by Will Wight, as his writing consistently delivers quality.
Beware of Chicken
### Beware of Chicken
30Book 1 of 4See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
Beware of Chicken stands out as the most unique series on this list. While other books are filled with action and adventure, this one takes a different path, focusing on a protagonist who abandons the pursuit of power to become a farmer.
The story follows Jin Rou, a hardworking cultivator aiming to master martial arts and defy the heavens. After his death, someone from Earth takes over his consciousness and decides to leave the cultivator's life behind for a peaceful existence as a farmer. In his quest for tranquility, Jin Rou finds friendship, family, and an unexpected source of power.
This series is refreshingly unexpected yet incredibly engaging. If you're looking for a relaxing read that still satisfies your LitRPG fantasy cravings, this is the one.
Defiance of the Fall
### Defiance of the Fall
36Book 1 of 15See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
Defiance of the Fall is the longest series on my list, offering a long-term commitment that's well worth it. It starts with a bang and maintains its momentum as the protagonist faces one challenge after another.
The story begins with Zachary Atwood, who is alone when the world integrates into the multiverse. Confronted by a new "System" with notifications and quests, Zac must survive an invading force using only a hatchet and sheer luck. As he battles towards reuniting with his family, he uncovers the secrets of the multiverse.
With 14 books and a 15th on the way, Defiance of the Fall offers much more than just its first book. The unique and intriguing leveling system and skill progression keep readers engaged as Zac ventures beyond Earth.
Sufficiently Advanced Magic (Arcane Ascension)
### Sufficiently Advanced Magic (Arcane Ascension)
30Book 1 of 5See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
The Arcane Ascension series offers a different take on LitRPG, focusing on a world governed by god-like beings who grant "attunements" to those who survive their dungeon-like spires. The complex magic system is fascinating, and you learn about it alongside the enthusiastic protagonist.
The narrative follows Corin Cadence, who, after losing his brother to the Serpent Spire, must face its trials to earn his own attunement. Inside, he discovers more mysteries and forms new friendships at Lorian Heights Academy.
Sufficiently Advanced Magic was my gateway into LitRPG. Its magic school setting reminiscent of Harry Potter and rich fantasy world make it an excellent introduction to the genre. Andrew Rowe also has companion series that enhance the main storyline, making them worth exploring.
The Grand Game
### The Grand Game
15Book 1 of 9See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
For fans of stealth games, The Grand Game offers a thrilling series to explore. Unlike other entries on this list, the protagonist here is an assassin who prefers to navigate challenges covertly.
The story follows Michael, who wakes up in the Forever Kingdom with no memory except his name. Alongside other newcomers, he must learn to fight and advance through a monster-filled dungeon to survive. As he levels up and discovers new skills, he unravels the workings of this world, controlled by a group of elites called Powers, and his role in the Grand Game.
The Grand Game provides a fresh take on the genre that I thoroughly enjoyed. With seven books currently available and books eight and nine up for preorder, it's a series worth diving into.
The Ritualist (The Completionist Chronicles)
### The Ritualist (The Completionist Chronicles)
30Book 1 of 11See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
The Completionist Chronicles are perfect for those new to LitRPG. They feature familiar RPG elements with unique twists that make them incredibly engaging.
The series follows Joe, an ex-military medic now confined to a wheelchair. When an old friend offers him a chance to immerse fully in a new virtual MMORPG, he seizes the opportunity and discovers a new life within the game. As a Ritualist, a secret class, he levels up his magic and skills through quests.
The series evolves quickly in later books, taking readers to new worlds, but remains a fun read throughout.
Level Up or Die (Underworld Series)
### Level Up or Die (Underworld Series)
23See it at AmazonSee it at Audible
The Underworld series offers a slow burn unlike other entries where protagonists enter magical realms. Level Up or Die is set in the literal underworld.
The story follows Elorian, an average high school gamer who finds himself trapped in the underworld alongside other gamers. Despite being granted magical powers and the ability to level up infinitely, none are happy with their situation. An ancient succubus has brought them there to drain their power as they navigate dungeons beneath the Earth's crust. With vampires, dragons, demons, and giant lava cats, this series is packed with adventure and is an excellent introduction to LitRPG.
