Top LitRPG / Progression Fantasy Series in 2025

If Solo Leveling, the web series adaptation of the popular manga, debuting on Crunchyroll proved one thing, it was that LitRPG and progression fantasy had finally become mainstream in all forms of media. If you still doubt whether this subgenre is worth dipping your toes into, let no further doubts cloud you—Netflix is already developing a live-action adaptation of Solo Leveling. If a multi-million dollar company is diving head first into the genre, you can camp out on the riverbanks (relatively!) and read the below books.

My own journey into the subgenre is encapsulated in a previous post, but the short version is this: elements of LitRPG and progression fantasy have always been around us. They were often couched in other forms of media, sometimes hidden in plain sight, and yet they stood out as some of the most fascinating parts of worldbuilding and storytelling. Consider the ascension arcs in Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive, or the countless anime adapted from manga where growth and leveling up drive the plot. The LitRPG flavor was even more visible in Ready Player One (2018), while lurking beneath the surface in movies like The Matrix and Tron.

Paradoxically, though these genres thrive across media, the written word remains the best medium to capture their essence. The depth, pacing, and inner logic of progression are most vividly explored on the page. With that in mind, below are the top LitRPG and progression fantasy series to check out in 2025.

1. The Primal Hunter by Zogarth

Zogarth’s The Primal Hunter has cemented itself as one of the most talked-about series in LitRPG. Originally published on Royal Road, it has since expanded into a polished, multi-volume saga that continues to grow in scope and ambition. The series follows Jake, an ordinary office worker whose life changes when a mysterious system transforms Earth into a lethal, game-like multiverse. Suddenly gifted with a unique class centered on archery, Jake must navigate not just survival but the politics, dangers, and opportunities of countless worlds.

What sets The Primal Hunter apart is Zogarth’s commitment to internal consistency. The system of stats, skills, and progression is meticulously detailed, yet it never feels like the mechanics overshadow the story. Each new ability Jake gains feels earned, and each battle pushes him toward growth—both in strength and in character. Readers also praise the balance between intense combat sequences and slower, world-building chapters that explore the cosmology of the multiverse.

In 2025, the series is pushing into even grander territory, introducing higher-tier worlds, more complex faction politics, and divine-level antagonists. Fans are calling it one of the most addictive progression fantasies currently being written.

2. Stormweaver by Bryce O’Connor & Luke Chmilenko

The Stormweaver series, beginning with Iron Prince, has quickly risen to prominence within the progression fantasy landscape. Written by Bryce O’Connor and Luke Chmilenko, the series follows Rei, a young man who, against all odds, gains access to one of the most prestigious military academies in the galaxy. What sets the series apart is its perfect balance between character-driven storytelling and meticulously structured progression mechanics. The battles are tense, the power scaling is deliberate, and the personal stakes for Rei and those around him keep readers hooked. The worldbuilding, with its combination of futuristic technology and RPG-like combat systems, makes Stormweaver a must-read for anyone wanting to explore the cutting edge of LitRPG-inspired science fantasy.

3. Dark Davi Series by Django Wexler

Best known for his military fantasy work, Django Wexler has turned his attention to progression fantasy with the Dark Davi series. Here, Wexler crafts a rich, dangerous world where knowledge is as valuable as raw strength. The titular character, Davi, is a cunning and resourceful protagonist who relies on wit, guile, and unconventional strategies to navigate a world of deadly politics and treacherous dungeons.

Unlike some LitRPG stories that lean heavily on combat logs and skill descriptions, Dark Davi blends game-like progression with deep intrigue. The leveling system exists, but it’s intertwined with the social and political structures of the world, forcing Davi to think several steps ahead. This combination of cerebral strategy and action makes the series stand out.

The 2025 installments have expanded the scope of the conflict, bringing in rival factions, ancient ruins with dangerous artifacts, and moral dilemmas that force Davi to choose between personal gain and the greater good. It’s an engrossing series for readers who want their LitRPG with a hefty dose of clever plotting.

4. Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

Matt Dinniman’s Dungeon Crawler Carl continues to be a major player in the LitRPG scene. Equal parts dark comedy and brutal survival story, it follows Carl and his talking cat, Princess Donut, as they navigate a deadly dungeon crawl that has swallowed up Earth. The twist? It’s all part of an intergalactic game show watched by alien audiences.

The series is known for its wild creativity, irreverent humor, and surprising emotional depth. Amid the absurd traps, over-the-top monsters, and hilarious banter, there are genuine moments of heartbreak and human connection. The progression system is tight and rewarding, with Carl constantly finding new ways to bend the rules.

In 2025, the series is expanding beyond the written word. A webcomic adaptation launched on Webtoon in July, and a graphic novel anthology is in development. These adaptations are bringing the series to a wider audience, cementing its place as one of the most innovative LitRPG properties of the decade.

5. Cradle by Will Wight

While technically nearing its conclusion, Will Wight’s Cradle series remains one of the most influential progression fantasy works in existence. It follows Wei Shi Lindon, a boy born “unsouled” in a world where magical strength defines worth. Through determination, ingenuity, and relentless training, Lindon rises from the weakest in his clan to one of the most powerful figures in the multiverse.

The series is celebrated for its relentless pacing, inventive magic systems, and masterful build-up of stakes over time. Each book offers a satisfying arc while pushing the overarching narrative toward larger cosmic confrontations. In 2025, the release of Threshold has given fans another thrilling installment while hinting at even greater conflicts to come.

6. Other Notable Picks in 2025

Beyond the big names, several other series are keeping LitRPG and progression fantasy readers hooked this year.

• Sufficiently Advanced Magic by Andrew Rowe remains a fan favorite for its academy setting and puzzle-like magic system.
• The First Step by Tao Wong continues to attract readers with its focus on martial arts cultivation and steady character growth.
• Fayroll by Andrey Vasilyev blends virtual reality gaming with real-world consequences, making it a classic for readers who enjoy a more grounded take on LitRPG.

Each of these series offers something different—whether it’s high-tech battles, intricate magical puzzles, or immersive VR worlds—but they all share the hallmarks of the genre: steady progression, escalating stakes, and a sense of reward for every hard-earned victory.