Reading has always been my ultimate passion. While I enjoy playing video games and watching TV, nothing quite matches the immersive experience of diving into a gripping book series. My love for reading was ignited by the enchanting world of Harry Potter, which led me to explore various genres like sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, and even non-fiction. However, it was the LitRPG genre that truly captured my heart and became my sole reading focus. If you're eager to explore this thrilling genre with me, here are my top LitRPG recommendations that are sure to captivate any reader.

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

One of the best aspects of these recommended books is their availability through a Kindle Unlimited subscription. Given the extensive number of volumes in some series, subscribing can save you money each month. Additionally, these titles are accessible via an Audible subscription for those who prefer listening to their stories.

What Is LitRPG?

For newcomers to the genre, LitRPG, or literary role-playing game, integrates RPG elements reminiscent of video games into storytelling. While some narratives involve characters being transported into a game world, the genre's scope is broader. All LitRPG stories incorporate game-like elements, such as leveling systems and power hierarchies that the protagonist navigates through experience. My list includes a mix of progression fantasy and LitRPG, offering a similar immersive experience.

1. He Who Fights with Monsters

Our Top Pick### He Who Fights With Monsters

95Book 1 of 11See it at AmazonSee it at Audible

He Who Fights with Monsters is a whirlwind of action and humor, boasting some of the most memorable lines in any series I've encountered. Set in a universe with a unique leveling system and compelling characters, it's a must-read for fans of fantasy comedy. This series has captured my heart as my top LitRPG pick, with each new installment maintaining the high quality of the first.

The story revolves around Jason Asano, who wakes up in a magical world inside a hedge maze, endowed with new powers but no hair. His quirky and resilient approach to his bizarre new reality enables him to navigate challenges from cannibals and monsters to intricate personal relationships. Jason's morally complex character is both endearing and engaging throughout the series.

Currently, He Who Fights with Monsters is on its 11th book, with more exciting entries on the way from author Shirtaloon.

2. The Path of Ascension

### The Path of Ascension

33Book 1 of 8See it at AmazonSee it at Audible

The Path of Ascension offers a non-traditional take on LitRPG, where the protagonist, Matt, isn't pulled into a different world but navigates a rich universe centered around magical dungeon portals called rifts and powerful immortals with unique talents.

The narrative follows Matt, a young orphan driven by a dream to dive into rifts and combat the monsters that killed his parents. However, his aspirations are dashed when he receives a detrimental Tier 1 talent. Matt's journey is about overcoming his limitations through determination and hard work, making this series particularly inspiring.

While the first book hooked me, it was the character development in books two and three that truly cemented this series as a favorite.

3. Dungeon Crawler Carl

### Dungeon Crawler Carl

74Book 1 of 7See it at AmazonSee it at Audible

Dungeon Crawler Carl is an exhilarating adventure that never loses its momentum. It introduces a refreshing protagonist who breaks away from typical tropes, alongside the delightful cat, Princess Donut, who might just steal the show as the series' true star.

The plot centers on Carl, who, alongside his ex-girlfriend's cat, finds himself thrust into an underground dungeon during an apocalyptic event. Together, they must navigate an intergalactic game show run by advanced races and a chaotic AI. The series is packed with action, witty dialogue, and engaging skill progression, making it a standout in the LitRPG genre.

The seventh book, released in 2024, continues to captivate as much as the first. Author Matt Dinniman's other works are also worth exploring if you enjoy his storytelling style.

4. Unsouled (Cradle Series)

### Unsouled (Cradle Series)

32Book 1 of 12See it at AmazonSee it at Audible

The Cradle series, like The Path of Ascension, doesn't involve the protagonist being transported to another universe. Instead, it immerses you in an intricately crafted world with a unique power cultivation system and a charismatic main character, Lindon. Unsouled is an excellent choice for fantasy enthusiasts curious about LitRPG.

Lindon's journey begins as an "Unsouled," seemingly doomed to a life without power. Despite his intelligence and determination, he faces a future of mediocrity until divine intervention offers him a new path.

The series concludes satisfyingly with its 12th book. If you embark on this journey, I highly recommend exploring more works by Will Wight, known for his compelling narratives.

5. Beware of Chicken

### Beware of Chicken

30Book 1 of 4See it at AmazonSee it at Audible

Beware of Chicken stands out as the most unique series on this list. While others are filled with action and adventure, this series takes a different route, focusing on a protagonist who chooses farming over the path to power.

The story follows Jin Rou, a cultivator who, after a near-death experience, is inhabited by a consciousness from Earth. Opting out of the competitive world of martial arts, the new Jin Rou seeks a peaceful life as a farmer, discovering friendship, family, and unexpected sources of power.

This series is perfect for readers seeking a relaxing yet fulfilling LitRPG experience.

6. Defiance of the Fall

### Defiance of the Fall

36Book 1 of 15See it at AmazonSee it at Audible

Defiance of the Fall is a commitment with its 15 books, but it's a journey well worth taking. The series kicks off with an explosive start and maintains its thrill as the protagonist faces one challenge after another.

It begins with Zachary Atwood, who finds himself alone when Earth integrates into the multiverse. Tasked with surviving an alien invasion using just a hatchet and his wits, Zac's quest to reunite with his family reveals the mysteries of the new multiversal existence.

The series expands dramatically once Zac leaves Earth, offering a complex leveling system and intriguing skill progression that keeps readers hooked.

7. Sufficiently Advanced Magic (Arcane Ascension)

### Sufficiently Advanced Magic (Arcane Ascension)

30Book 1 of 5See it at AmazonSee it at Audible

The Arcane Ascension series diverges from typical LitRPG by focusing on a world governed by god-like beings who grant "attunements" to those who survive their dungeon-like spires. Its intricate magic system is both fascinating and deeply explored through the protagonist's journey.

Narrated in the first person, the story follows Corin Cadence, who, after losing his brother to the Serpent Spire, faces the trials to earn his own attunement. His adventures in the spires raise more questions, which he tackles with the help of friends from Lorian Heights Academy.

Sufficiently Advanced Magic was my gateway to LitRPG, offering a Harry Potter-esque magic school setting within a rich fantasy world. Andrew Rowe's companion series further enhance the narrative, making them a must-read.

8. The Grand Game

### The Grand Game

15Book 1 of 9See it at AmazonSee it at Audible

For fans of stealth games, The Grand Game offers a unique LitRPG experience. The protagonist, Michael, finds himself in the Forever Kingdom with no memory, except his name. He must navigate a dungeon filled with monsters and advance through stealth and cunning.

As Michael levels up and uncovers new skills, he learns about the world controlled by the elite Powers and his role in the Grand Game. With seven books released and two more available for preorder, this series offers a fresh perspective on the genre.

9. The Ritualist (The Completionist Chronicles)

### The Ritualist (The Completionist Chronicles)

30Book 1 of 11See it at AmazonSee it at Audible

The Completionist Chronicles serve as an excellent entry point into LitRPG, blending familiar MMO elements with unique twists that keep readers engaged.

The story follows Joe, an ex-military medic now wheelchair-bound, who seizes the chance to immerse himself in a new virtual MMORPG. As a Ritualist, a secret class, Joe uses his skills and experiences to navigate quests and level up his magic.

The series expands to different worlds in later books, ensuring a captivating journey throughout.

10. Level Up or Die (Underworld Series)

### Level Up or Die (Underworld Series)

23See it at AmazonSee it at Audible

The Underworld series offers a slow-burning narrative set in the literal underworld. Elorian, a typical high school gamer, finds himself trapped with other gamers in a realm controlled by an ancient succubus intent on draining their power as they level up.

Amidst encounters with vampires, dragons, demons, and giant lava cats, this series delivers a thrilling adventure, making it an ideal introduction to the LitRPG genre.