Top 10 LitRPG Books to Read in 2025

Reading has always been my greatest passion. While I enjoy video games and TV shows, nothing compares to the immersive experience of diving deep into a captivating book series. My journey began with the magical world of *Harry Potter*, and from there, my love for storytelling expanded across genres—sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, and even non-fiction. But everything changed when I discovered LitRPG. It was an instant obsession, a genre that perfectly blends the thrill of gaming with the depth of narrative fiction. Now, it's the only type of book I read. If you're ready to explore this exciting world, here are my top LitRPG recommendations to get you started.

Our Top Pick

He Who Fights With Monsters

95
See it at Amazon | See it at Audible

The Path of Ascension

33
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Dungeon Crawler Carl

74
See it at Amazon | See it at Audible

Unsouled (Cradle Series)

32
See it at Amazon | See it at Audible

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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One of the best things about these books is that they’re all available with a Kindle Unlimited subscription. Given the length of many of these series, a subscription can save you a significant amount over time. Most are also accessible through Audible, making them perfect for listeners who want to enjoy the story on the go.

What Is LitRPG?

LitRPG, short for Literary Role-Playing Game, blends traditional storytelling with game-like mechanics such as leveling systems, skill trees, stats, and progression. While some stories involve characters being transported into a virtual game world, others are set in fantasy realms with RPG-style rules built into the universe. The core appeal lies in watching a character grow in power through experience, challenges, and strategic choices. The books listed here include both pure LitRPG and progression fantasy, offering a similar sense of advancement and achievement.

1. He Who Fights with Monsters

Our Top Pick

He Who Fights With Monsters

95
Book 1 of 11
See it at Amazon | See it at Audible

He Who Fights with Monsters is a high-energy, action-packed series with sharp humor and unforgettable dialogue. Set in a world with a unique leveling system and a cast of compelling characters, it’s a must-read for fans of fantasy and comedy. This is my personal favorite LitRPG series, and each new installment delivers the same excitement as the first.

The story follows Jason Asano, who wakes up in a magical world trapped inside a deadly hedge maze, stripped of his hair and thrust into a life-or-death struggle. With a mix of confidence, sarcasm, and raw determination, Jason navigates a world filled with monsters, magic, and moral gray areas. His journey is both thrilling and thought-provoking, making him one of the most memorable protagonists in the genre.

Written by Shirtaloon, the series is currently on book 11, with more on the way.

2. The Path of Ascension

The Path of Ascension

33
Book 1 of 8
See it at Amazon | See it at Audible

Unlike traditional isekai LitRPGs, The Path of Ascension is set in a richly developed world where magical rifts connect to dungeons filled with monsters. The story centers on Matt, an orphan whose parents were killed by rift creatures. Driven by vengeance, he dreams of becoming a powerful rift diver—until he’s cursed with a weak Tier 1 talent that shatters his hopes.

What follows is a powerful tale of perseverance, self-improvement, and ingenuity. Matt must rely on hard work, strategy, and creativity to overcome his limitations and rise through the ranks. While the first book hooks you, the character growth in books two and three cements this series as a standout favorite.

3. Dungeon Crawler Carl

Dungeon Crawler Carl

74
Book 1 of 7
See it at Amazon | See it at Audible

Fast-paced and endlessly entertaining, Dungeon Crawler Carl is a wild ride from start to finish. The story follows Carl, an ordinary man stuck with his ex-girlfriend’s cat when the world ends. Both are pulled into a deadly underground dungeon that serves as a twisted intergalactic game show run by advanced alien races and a chaotic AI.

Carl’s dry wit, survival instincts, and evolving bond with Princess Donut—the scene-stealing feline—make this series both hilarious and heartfelt. With constant action, clever progression, and unexpected twists, it’s one of the most re-readable LitRPGs out there. The seventh book was released in 2024 and maintains the series’ high quality. Written by Matt Dinniman, who has several other great titles worth exploring.

4. Unsouled (Cradle Series)

Unsouled (Cradle Series)

32
Book 1 of 12
See it at Amazon | See it at Audible

Unsouled introduces readers to a deep, immersive world where power is cultivated through a unique energy system. Unlike many LitRPG