10 LitRPG Books I Recommend You Start Reading in 2025

Reading is my absolute favorite pastime. While I enjoy video games and TV, nothing quite compares to losing myself in a captivating book series. My reading journey began with Harry Potter, branching out into sci-fi, fantasy, mysteries, and even some non-fiction. However, my true literary passion ignited upon discovering the LitRPG genre – a swift and complete obsession that now defines my reading life. If you're intrigued by the immersive world of LitRPG, here are some of my top recommendations.

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. Audible subscriptions provide an alternative listening option for those who prefer audiobooks.

What is LitRPG?

For newcomers, LitRPG stands for literary role-playing game. Essentially, the story incorporates RPG elements reminiscent of video games. While some narratives involve characters literally entering video games, the genre's scope is far broader. All LitRPG features game-like elements, but not all mirror video games precisely. The books below share common threads: leveling systems and power hierarchies that the protagonist must navigate through experience. I've included a blend of progression fantasy and LitRPG, offering similar reading experiences.

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1. He Who Fights with Monsters

He Who Fights With Monsters

95 Book 1 of 11

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He Who Fights with Monsters is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure boasting some of the best dialogue I've encountered. Its unique leveling system and compelling characters make it a must-read for fantasy comedy enthusiasts. This remains my favorite LitRPG series, with each installment maintaining the high quality of the first.

The story follows Jason Asano, who awakens in a magical world's hedge maze, possessing new powers but lacking hair. His resilient and unconventional approach helps him navigate cannibals, monsters, and even personal relationships. It's a fantastic read featuring a morally complex protagonist you'll instantly connect with.

The series, penned by Shirtaloon, is currently eleven books strong, with more on the horizon.

2. The Path of Ascension

The Path of Ascension

33 Book 1 of 8

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The Path of Ascension deviates slightly from the traditional LitRPG formula; the protagonist isn't transported to another world. However, it presents a richly developed universe centered around magical dungeon portals ("rifts") and powerful immortals with unique abilities.

The narrative follows Matt, an orphan who dreams of venturing into rifts to battle the monsters that claimed his parents' lives. His aspirations are initially dashed by a disappointing initial talent, forcing him to overcome weaknesses through hard work and determination.

While the first book captivated me, the character development in books two and three solidified its place among my favorites.

3. Dungeon Crawler Carl

Dungeon Crawler Carl

74 Book 1 of 7

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Dungeon Crawler Carl is a relentless, fast-paced adventure featuring an unconventional protagonist and a fantastic feline companion, Princess Donut (arguably the true star). What more could one ask for in a top-tier LitRPG series?

The story centers on Carl, who finds himself trapped with his ex-girlfriend's cat as the world ends. Together, they're thrust into an underground dungeon hosting an intergalactic game show run by advanced races and a chaotic AI. It's a fun-filled adventure brimming with witty dialogue, action, and satisfying skill progression.

The seventh book, released in 2024, maintained the intrigue of the first. Author Matt Dinniman has also penned other worthwhile titles for fans of his style.

4. Unsouled (Cradle Series)

Unsouled (Cradle Series)

32 Book 1 of 12

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Similar to The Path of Ascension, the Cradle series doesn't involve transportation to another universe. Instead, it seamlessly immerses you in a deep, existing world with a unique power cultivation system and a likable protagonist. Unsouled is perfect for fantasy lovers who aren't necessarily seeking hardcore LitRPG elements.

The narrative 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 twelve-book Cradle series concludes satisfyingly. Fans of this series should explore Will Wight's other works; they're equally excellent.

5. Beware of Chicken

Beware of Chicken

30 Book 1 of 4

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Beware of Chicken stands out as the most unique series on this list. Unlike the action-packed adventures featured above, this story takes a different route. It's a tale of a man who abandons the pursuit of power to become a farmer.

The narrative follows Jin Rou, a hardworking cultivator striving for martial arts mastery and defying the heavens. After his death, an Earthling's consciousness merges with his, leading the new Jin Rou to reject the cultivator's path for a peaceful farming life. In his quest for tranquility, he finds friendship, family, and an unexpected source of power.

Beware of Chicken is both unexpected and exceptional. If you crave a relaxing yet fulfilling LitRPG experience, this is it.

6. Defiance of the Fall

Defiance of the Fall

36 Book 1 of 15

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As the longest series on my list, Defiance of the Fall is a significant commitment, but well worth the time. The story begins with a bang and maintains its momentum as the protagonist tackles challenges.

The narrative opens with Zachary Atwood, alone when the world integrates into the multiverse. A new "System" with notifications and quests forces Zac to survive an invasion with only a hatchet and luck. As he fights towards his family, he uncovers the secrets of his new existence.

With fourteen books and a fifteenth on the way, Defiance of the Fall offers much more than the first book suggests. Its complex leveling system and skill progression are unique and captivating, and the story truly unfolds once Zac leaves Earth.

7. Sufficiently Advanced Magic (Arcane Ascension)

Sufficiently Advanced Magic (Arcane Ascension)

30 Book 1 of 5

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The Arcane Ascension series forgoes stat sheets and complex leveling systems. Instead, it plunges you into a world ruled by powerful beings who offer special 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. After losing his brother in the Serpent Spire years prior, it's his turn to face the trials and earn his attunement. He encounters more questions than answers within the spires, requiring the help of new friends at Lorian Heights Academy.

Sufficiently Advanced Magic was my gateway into LitRPG. Its Harry Potter-esque magic school setting and rich fantasy world make it an accessible entry point. Andrew Rowe's companion series, expanding upon the main story, are also recommended.

8. The Grand Game

The Grand Game

15 Book 1 of 9

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Stealth game enthusiasts will appreciate The Grand Game. Unlike other entries, the protagonist is an assassin who prefers subtlety over brute force.

The story follows Michael, who arrives in the Forever Kingdom with amnesia, retaining only his name. Among other newcomers, he must learn to fight and progress through a monster-infested dungeon. 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 perspective 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)

30 Book 1 of 11

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For those seeking accessible LitRPG, the Completionist Chronicles are an excellent starting point. It features familiar MMO RPG elements with unique twists that keep you engaged.

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 seizes the opportunity and finds a new life within the game. His unique background leads him to a secret class, the Ritualist, where he levels his magic and skills through quests.

The series evolves rapidly in later books, transporting you to entirely different worlds, but remains engaging throughout.

10. Level Up or Die (Underworld Series)

Level Up or Die (Underworld Series)

23

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The Underworld series is a slow burn. Unlike other entries where the protagonist is transported to a magical world, 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.