Top 10 LitRPG Books for 2025

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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 some non-fiction. But my true literary passion ignited when I discovered LitRPG. It quickly became an all-consuming obsession, and now it's the only genre I read. If you're curious about this exciting world, here are my top recommendations.

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. Sometimes, characters are literally transported into a game, but the genre's scope is much broader. While all LitRPG features game-like elements, not all are strictly video game simulations. The books below share leveling systems and power hierarchies that the protagonists overcome through experience. I've included a mix of progression fantasy and LitRPG, offering similar reading experiences.

Have you read a LitRPG series before? Yes!No!

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1. He Who Fights with Monsters

He Who Fights With Monsters

Book 1 of 11

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He 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 engaging as the first. The story follows Jason Asano, who awakens in a magical world with newfound powers and a surprising lack of hair. His resilient and unconventional approach helps him navigate cannibals, monsters, and even relationships. A fantastic read featuring a morally complex protagonist you'll adore.

The series, by Shirtaloon, is currently eleven books long, with more on the way.

2. The Path of Ascension

The Path of Ascension

Book 1 of 8

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The Path of Ascension differs from other entries; the protagonist isn't transported to another world. However, it features a richly developed universe centered around magical dungeon portals ("rifts") and powerful immortals. The story follows Matt, an orphan who dreams of entering rifts to battle the monsters that killed his parents. His dreams are initially shattered by a disappointing initial talent, forcing him to overcome weaknesses 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

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Dungeon Crawler Carl is a relentlessly fast-paced adventure. It features an unconventional protagonist and a wonderful cat, Princess Donut (arguably the true star). The story follows Carl, who finds himself trapped with his ex-girlfriend's cat when the world ends. Together, they enter an underground dungeon hosting an intergalactic game show run by advanced races and a chaotic AI. It's a fun adventure with witty dialogue, action, and satisfying skill progression. The seventh book, released in 2024, maintained the same captivating quality as the first. Author Matt Dinniman's other works are also recommended.

4. Unsouled (Cradle Series)

Unsouled (Cradle Series)

Book 1 of 12

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Similar to The Path of Ascension, the Cradle series doesn't involve dimensional transport. Instead, it immerses you in a deep, existing world with a unique power cultivation system and a likable protagonist. Unsouled is perfect for fantasy fans who may not be fully invested in LitRPG. The story follows Lindon, an "Unsouled" individual with seemingly no hope of mastering the sacred arts. Despite his determination and intelligence, he's destined to remain powerless until a divine intervention offers him a path forward. The twelve-book series concludes with a satisfying ending. Will Wight's other works are also highly recommended.

5. Beware of Chicken

Beware of Chicken

Book 1 of 4

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Beware of Chicken stands out for its unique approach. Unlike the action-packed adventures above, this is a tale of a man who abandons the path to power to become a farmer. Jin Rou, a hardworking cultivator striving for martial arts mastery, dies and is replaced by a consciousness from Earth. The new Jin Rou rejects the world of cultivators and seeks a peaceful life as a farmer, finding unexpected friendship, family, and power along the way. A relaxing yet satisfying LitRPG experience.

6. Defiance of the Fall

Defiance of the Fall

Book 1 of 15

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The longest series on this list, Defiance of the Fall is a worthwhile long-term commitment. It begins with a thrilling start and maintains its momentum as the protagonist faces numerous challenges. Zachary Atwood finds himself alone when the world integrates into the multiverse, facing an invading force with only a hatchet and luck. As he fights for his family, he uncovers the secrets of this new existence and the multiverse itself. With its complex leveling system and intriguing skill progression, the story truly unfolds beyond Earth.

7. Sufficiently Advanced Magic (Arcane Ascension)

Sufficiently Advanced Magic (Arcane Ascension)

Book 1 of 5

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Arcane Ascension forgoes detailed stat sheets and complex leveling systems. Instead, it presents a world ruled by powerful beings who offer unique magic ("attunements") to those who survive their dungeon-like spires. The intricate magic system is fascinating, explored through the protagonist's enthusiastic discoveries. The first-person narrative follows Corin Cadence, who faces the trials of the Serpent Spire to earn his attunement, uncovering further mysteries with the help of new friends at Lorian Heights Academy. This series, with its Harry Potter-esque magic school setting, served as my gateway into LitRPG. Andrew Rowe's companion series are also worth exploring.

8. The Grand Game

The Grand Game

Book 1 of 9

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For stealth game enthusiasts, The Grand Game is a fantastic choice. Unlike the other books, the protagonist is an assassin who prefers subtlety. Michael awakens in the Forever Kingdom with amnesia, learning to fight and advance through a monster-filled dungeon. As he levels up, he discovers more about this world, ruled by elites known as Powers, and his place within the Grand Game. 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)

Book 1 of 11

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The Completionist Chronicles is an excellent entry point into LitRPG. It features familiar MMO elements with unique twists. Joe, a wheelchair-bound ex-military medic, immerses himself in a new virtual MMORPG, taking on a secret class—the Ritualist—and leveling his magic and skills through quests. The series evolves rapidly in later books, venturing into entirely new worlds, but remains engaging throughout.

10. Level Up or Die (Underworld Series)

Level Up or Die (Underworld Series)

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The Underworld series is a slow burn. Unlike other entries where characters are transported to magical worlds, this takes place in the literal underworld. Elorian, a high school gamer, finds himself trapped there with other gamers, granted magical powers and infinite leveling potential, yet unhappy with their predicament. An ancient succubus seeks to drain their power as they level up in the dungeons beneath the Earth's crust. This series, featuring vampires, dragons, demons, and giant lava cats, is an adventurous introduction to LitRPG.