Books have always been my greatest passion. While I enjoy gaming and streaming shows, nothing rivals the immersive thrill of a captivating book series. My love for reading sparked with the Harry Potter novels and grew to encompass sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, and even non-fiction. But it was the discovery of LitRPG that truly hooked me. Now, it’s the only genre I devour. If you’re curious about diving into the dynamic realm of LitRPG, here are my top recommendations for an unforgettable read.

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

All the novels listed here are accessible through a Kindle Unlimited subscription, a must-have for fans given the volume of books in these series. It’s a cost-effective way to enjoy them monthly. Plus, each is available on Audible for those who prefer audiobooks over reading.

What Is LitRPG?

For newcomers, LitRPG, or literary role-playing game, blends storytelling with RPG elements akin to video games. Sometimes, protagonists are transported into a game world, but the genre stretches far beyond that. Every LitRPG novel features game-like mechanics, though not always a literal video game setting. Expect leveling systems and power hierarchies that characters navigate through skill and experience. My list includes both LitRPG and progression fantasy, offering similar yet distinct adventures.

1. He Who Fights with Monsters

He Who Fights With Monsters

He Who Fights with Monsters is a whirlwind of action, humor, and sharp dialogue, set in a universe with a distinctive leveling system and compelling characters. It’s a standout fantasy-comedy and my favorite LitRPG series, with each book as gripping as the first.

Jason Asano awakens in a magical world’s hedge maze, bald and endowed with new abilities. His quirky, resolute approach helps him navigate cannibals, monsters, and tricky relationships. This thrilling novel features a morally complex protagonist you’ll root for throughout.

Currently at book 11, with more to come from author Shirtaloon, this series keeps delivering.

2. The Path of Ascension

The Path of Ascension

The Path of Ascension breaks from tradition, focusing on a universe of magical rifts—dungeon-like portals—and immortals with unique abilities, rather than a character pulled into another world. It’s a richly crafted setting.

Matt, an orphan, yearns to battle rift monsters that killed his parents. But a limiting Tier 1 talent shatters his dreams. Through sheer grit, he overcomes obstacles to forge his path to power. The series shines in books two and three with stellar character growth.

The first book hooked me, but the evolving narrative cemented its place among my favorites.

3. Dungeon Crawler Carl

Dungeon Crawler Carl

Dungeon Crawler Carl is a relentless adventure with a fresh protagonist and his unforgettable cat, Princess Donut, who steals the show. It’s among the finest LitRPG series for its wit and pace.

Carl, stuck with his ex’s cat when the world collapses, enters a dungeon hosting an alien game show run by advanced races and a wild AI. Packed with action, humor, and skill progression, it’s a genre fan’s dream. The 2024 seventh book maintains the series’ charm.

Author Matt Dinniman’s other works are worth exploring if you enjoy his style.

4. Unsouled (Cradle Series)

Unsouled (Cradle Series)

The Cradle series immerses you in a vivid world without transplanting its hero into another realm. With a unique power cultivation system and a relatable protagonist, Unsouled is ideal for fantasy fans new to LitRPG.

Lindon, born an “Unsouled,” faces a powerless fate in his village’s sacred arts. Despite his intelligence and drive, he’s destined to lag behind—until divine intervention offers a way forward. The 12-book series concludes satisfyingly.

Will Wight’s other works are equally compelling and worth a read.

5. Beware of Chicken

Beware of Chicken

Beware of Chicken stands out for its serene approach, trading action for a heartfelt tale of a man who shuns power to farm. It’s a refreshing LitRPG twist.

Jin Rou, a dedicated cultivator, dies, and an Earth soul inhabits his body. Rejecting the cutthroat world of cultivators, the new Jin Rou embraces farming, finding unexpected power, friendship, and family. This soothing read still satisfies LitRPG cravings.

Its uniqueness makes it a must-read for a relaxed yet engaging experience.

6. Defiance of the Fall

Defiance of the Fall

The longest series here, Defiance of the Fall is a gripping commitment. It kicks off explosively and keeps the momentum with constant challenges for its hero.

Zachary Atwood faces a multiverse integration alone, armed only with a hatchet and luck. Guided by a “System” of quests, he battles invaders to reunite with family, uncovering multiversal secrets. The 14-book series, with a 15th coming, boasts a complex leveling system.

The story expands thrillingly beyond Earth, keeping readers hooked.

7. Sufficiently Advanced Magic (Arcane Ascension)

Sufficiently Advanced Magic (Arcane Ascension)

Arcane Ascension skips intricate leveling for a world ruled by god-like beings granting “attunements” via dungeon trials. Its innovative magic system captivates as the hero masters it.

Corin Cadence, whose brother vanished in the Serpent Spire, faces its trials to earn his attunement. At Lorian Heights Academy, he unravels mysteries with new allies. Its magic school vibe echoes Harry Potter, easing readers into LitRPG.

Andrew Rowe’s companion series enrich this world, making them worth exploring.

8. The Grand Game

The Grand Game

Perfect for stealth game fans, The Grand Game features an assassin-style hero who sneaks past obstacles, offering a fresh LitRPG perspective.

Michael awakens in the Forever Kingdom, memoryless save for his name. Among newcomers, he navigates a monster-filled dungeon, learning to fight and survive. As he gains skills, he uncovers the elite Powers ruling this world and his role in their game.

With seven books out and two preordered, this series delivers a unique thrill.

9. The Ritualist (The Completionist Chronicles)

The Ritualist (The Completionist Chronicles)

The Completionist Chronicles are ideal for LitRPG newcomers, blending MMO-style RPG elements with unique twists that keep you turning pages.

Joe, a wheelchair-bound ex-medic, dives into a virtual MMORPG, seizing a new life. His unique skills lead to a secret Ritualist class, leveling magic through quests. The series later explores new worlds, maintaining its fun vibe throughout.

It’s a stellar entry point for genre beginners.

10. Level Up or Die (Underworld Series)

Level Up or Die (Underworld Series)

The Underworld series unfolds slowly, set in a literal underworld where gamers face a grim fate despite infinite leveling powers.

Elorian, a high-school gamer, lands in the underworld with fellow players. An ancient succubus drains their power as they level in dungeons filled with vampires, dragons, and lava cats. Packed with adventure, it’s a great LitRPG starting point.