Top 10 LitRPG Books for 2025

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 the Harry Potter books, sparking a love for various genres—sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, even non-fiction—but I truly found my niche in LitRPG. The transition was immediate and complete; now, it's the only genre I read. If you're curious about the wonderful world of LitRPG, here are some of my all-time favorites:

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 is a great way to save money. They're also available on 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, the protagonist is literally transported into a game, but the genre is much broader. While all LitRPG features game-like elements, not all are exactly like video games. 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

Fast-paced, action-packed, and brimming with witty dialogue, *He Who Fights with Monsters* boasts a unique leveling system and memorable characters. It's 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 a sudden lack of hair. His unconventional approach to his predicament helps him navigate cannibals, monsters, and even relationships. A fantastic book with a morally grey 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

Unlike some entries, *The Path of Ascension* doesn't involve transportation to another world. Instead, it presents a richly detailed universe centered around magical dungeon portals ("rifts") and powerful immortals. The story follows Matt, an orphan who dreams of entering rifts to fight 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

A fast-paced adventure that never slows down, *Dungeon Crawler Carl* features an unconventional protagonist and a wonderful cat named Princess Donut (arguably the true star). The story follows Carl, who finds himself with his ex-girlfriend'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 was released in 2024 and maintained the quality of the first. Author Matt Dinniman has other worthwhile works.

4. Unsouled (Cradle Series)

Unsouled (Cradle Series)

Book 1 of 12

Similar to *The Path of Ascension*, the *Cradle* series doesn't involve dimensional travel. 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 aren't strictly into LitRPG. 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 offers a path forward.

The 12-book series concludes satisfyingly. Will Wight's other works are also recommended.

5. Beware of Chicken

Beware of Chicken

Book 1 of 4

This is the most unique series on the list. While others focus on action and adventure, *Beware of Chicken* takes a different approach. It's a tale of a man who abandons the pursuit of power to become a farmer. The story follows Jin Rou, a hardworking cultivator striving for mastery until his death and subsequent replacement by an Earthling. The new Jin Rou rejects the cultivator's path for a peaceful farming life, finding unexpected friendship, family, and power along the way.

Unexpectedly good, *Beware of Chicken* offers a relaxing yet satisfying LitRPG experience.

6. Defiance of the Fall

Defiance of the Fall

Book 1 of 15

The longest series on this list, *Defiance of the Fall* is a rewarding long-term commitment. The story begins with Zachary Atwood, alone when the world integrates into the multiverse. Suddenly burdened with a system providing notifications and quests, Zac must survive an invasion with minimal resources. As he fights for his family, he uncovers the secrets of this new existence.

With 14 books and a 15th on the way, this series offers a complex leveling system and intriguing story, expanding significantly beyond Earth.

7. Sufficiently Advanced Magic (Arcane Ascension)

Sufficiently Advanced Magic (Arcane Ascension)

Book 1 of 5

The *Arcane Ascension* series forgoes stat sheets and complex leveling. Instead, it presents a world ruled by powerful beings who offer unique magic ("attunements") to those who survive their dungeon-like spires. The complex magic system is intriguing, revealed as the protagonist enthusiastically explores its uses.

The story follows Corin Cadence, who confronts the Serpent Spire to earn his attunement, uncovering more questions than answers with the help of new friends at Lorian Heights Academy. This was my gateway into LitRPG, offering a Harry Potter-esque feel with a rich fantasy setting.

Andrew Rowe has multiple companion series expanding on this world.

8. The Grand Game

The Grand Game

Book 1 of 9

Ideal for stealth game fans, *The Grand Game* features an assassin protagonist who prefers subtlety. The story follows Michael, who arrives in the Forever Kingdom with amnesia, learning to fight and advance through a dungeon while uncovering the secrets of a world ruled by elites known as Powers.

Offering a unique take on the genre, the series currently has seven books with books eight and nine available for preorder.

9. The Ritualist (The Completionist Chronicles)

The Ritualist (The Completionist Chronicles)

Book 1 of 11

Excellent entry-level LitRPG, *The Completionist Chronicles* offer familiar MMO elements with unique twists. The story follows Joe, an injured ex-military medic who finds a new life in a virtual MMORPG, taking on a secret class and leveling up through quests.

The series expands into different worlds in later books, remaining engaging throughout.

10. Level Up or Die (Underworld Series)

Level Up or Die (Underworld Series)

See it at AmazonSee it at Audible

A slow-burn series, *Level Up or Die* takes place in the literal underworld. The story follows Elorian, a gamer transported to the underworld with other players, where they're forced to level up while facing dangers including vampires, dragons, demons, and giant lava cats.