Top 10 LitRPG Books to Read in 2025

Reading has always been my number one passion. Sure, video games and TV shows are fun, but nothing compares to diving deep into a compelling book series. My love for reading began with the *Harry Potter* books and has grown ever since. From there, I explored sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, and even non-fiction, but it wasn’t until I discovered LitRPG that I truly found my niche. Once I stumbled upon this genre, I was completely hooked—and now, it’s practically the only thing I read. If you're curious about LitRPG and want to give it a try, here are some of the best titles I recommend to newcomers and seasoned fans alike.

One major benefit of every title on this list is that they’re all available with Kindle Unlimited. Considering how many books are in some of these series, having a subscription can save you money while keeping your TBR pile full. Most are also accessible via Audible if you prefer audiobooks.

What Is LitRPG?

LitRPG stands for Literary Role-Playing Game—a genre where stories incorporate RPG-like mechanics commonly seen in video games. Sometimes the protagonist gets pulled directly into a game world, but more broadly, the genre includes any narrative featuring systems like levels, stats, skills, or progression-based storytelling. Each book listed here includes some form of leveling system or power structure that the main character must navigate and overcome.

I’ve included a mix of both classic LitRPG and progression fantasy, as both offer similar immersive experiences through structured character development and skill advancement.

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1. He Who Fights With Monsters

He Who Fights With Monsters is an action-packed, fast-paced series filled with sharp dialogue and unforgettable moments. It features a unique leveling system and well-developed characters, making it a top-tier LitRPG experience. This is my favorite series in the genre, and each new installment continues to impress.

The story follows Jason Asano, who wakes up inside a magical hedge maze with no memory, strange powers, and—oddly—no hair. His eccentric yet determined personality helps him survive encounters with cannibals, monsters, and even romantic entanglements. It's a thrilling journey from start to finish.

Currently, there are 11 books in the series, with more on the way by author Shirtaloon.

2. The Path of Ascension

Unlike traditional LitRPG tales, The Path of Ascension doesn't involve a character being transported to another world. Instead, it introduces readers to a rich universe built around magical dungeon portals called rifts and powerful immortals.

The story centers around Matt, a young orphan whose parents were killed by creatures emerging from a rift. When he finally comes of age to discover his own talent, he's saddled with a weak Tier 1 ability. But instead of giving up, he pushes forward, overcoming obstacles through perseverance and ingenuity.

While the first book hooks you, it’s the second and third installments that really showcase the depth of character growth, solidifying this series as one of my favorites.

3. Dungeon Crawler Carl

Dungeon Crawler Carl is a high-energy adventure that never lets up. It features a refreshingly original protagonist and one of