10 LitRPG Books I Recommend You Start Reading in 2025

Reading is my absolute favorite pastime. While I enjoy video games and TV, nothing 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 non-fiction. However, my true literary passion ignited upon discovering the LitRPG genre—a whirlwind romance that continues to this day. If you're curious about this exciting world, here are my top LitRPG 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 with 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 reminiscent of video games. While some feature characters literally transported into games, the genre's scope is much broader. All LitRPG includes game-like elements, but not every book mirrors a video game exactly. The books listed below all feature leveling systems and power hierarchies the protagonist 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

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Fast-paced and action-packed, He Who Fights with Monsters boasts witty dialogue and a unique leveling system. With memorable characters, it's a must-read fantasy comedy. This remains my favorite LitRPG series, with each installment as enjoyable as the first. The story follows Jason Asano, who awakens in a magical world with new powers and a surprising lack of hair. His unconventional approach helps him navigate cannibals, monsters, and complex relationships. A fantastic read with a morally grey protagonist you'll love.

The series, by Shirtaloon, currently stands at 11 books with more planned.

2. The Path of Ascension

The Path of Ascension

Book 1 of 8

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Less traditional than others on this list, The Path of Ascension features a rich 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 initial setback with 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

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Dungeon Crawler Carl is a non-stop adventure featuring an unconventional protagonist and a captivating feline companion, Princess Donut (arguably the true star). The story follows Carl, unexpectedly stuck with his ex's cat when the world ends, forcing them into an underground dungeon hosting an intergalactic game show run by advanced alien races and a chaotic AI. It's a fun, action-packed journey with excellent dialogue and skill progression. The seventh book, released in 2024, maintained the same level of excitement as the first. Author Matt Dinniman's other works are also worth exploring.

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 transportation to another world. Instead, it immerses you in a deep, existing world with a unique power cultivation system and a likable protagonist. Unsouled is perfect for fantasy lovers who may not be fully invested in 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 chance encounter changes his fate. The 12-book series offers a satisfying conclusion. Will Wight's other works are equally compelling.

5. Beware of Chicken

Beware of Chicken

Book 1 of 4

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Beware of Chicken is the most unique on this list. Unlike the action-packed adventures of other entries, 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 someone from Earth. The new Jin Rou chooses a peaceful life, finding unexpected power and fulfillment in farming, friendship, and family. This relaxing yet satisfying read still captures the LitRPG essence.

6. Defiance of the Fall

Defiance of the Fall

Book 1 of 15

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The longest series here, Defiance of the Fall is a rewarding long-term commitment. The story begins with Zachary Atwood, alone when the world integrates into the multiverse. Forced to survive an invasion with minimal resources, he uncovers the secrets of his new existence. The complex leveling system and skill progression are unique and intriguing, with the story expanding significantly beyond Earth. With 14 books and a 15th on the way, there's much more to explore.

7. Sufficiently Advanced Magic (Arcane Ascension)

Sufficiently Advanced Magic (Arcane Ascension)

Book 1 of 5

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Arcane Ascension eschews complex leveling systems, instead presenting a world ruled by powerful beings who offer unique magic ("attunements"). The story follows Corin Cadence, who faces trials to earn his attunement after his brother's death. The intricate magic system is fascinating, unfolding as Corin discovers its applications. This book, with its Harry Potter-esque magic school setting, is an excellent introduction to the genre. Andrew Rowe's companion series are also worth exploring.

8. The Grand Game

The Grand Game

Book 1 of 9

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Ideal for stealth game fans, The Grand Game features an assassin protagonist who prefers subtlety. Michael, with amnesia, finds himself in the Forever Kingdom, navigating a dungeon and leveling up. He uncovers the world's secrets and his role in the "Grand Game" run by the elite "Powers". While currently at seven books, 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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Excellent entry-level LitRPG, The Completionist Chronicles features familiar MMO elements with unique twists. Joe, an injured ex-military medic, finds a new life in a virtual MMORPG, taking on a secret class as a Ritualist. The series expands to different worlds, offering a consistently engaging read.

10. Level Up or Die (Underworld Series)

Level Up or Die (Underworld Series)

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A slow-burn series, Level Up or Die takes place in the literal underworld. Elorian, a gamer, finds himself trapped with others, granted magical powers but facing a succubus bent on draining their power. Vampires, dragons, demons, and giant lava cats populate this adventurous series, offering a great starting point for LitRPG.