What LitRPG Readers Are Recommending Right Now
What LitRPG Readers Are Recommending Right Now
Every so often, the best recommendations don’t come from charts or algorithms. They come from readers talking to each other. When I asked what people were reading or couldn’t stop recommending, the responses covered a wide range of LitRPG, progression fantasy, and adjacent series. These are the titles that came up most often in the conversation.
Riftside by M. Sartre and Jez Cajiao
Recommended for readers who enjoy strong system mechanics and grounded progression. Often suggested to fans of structured LitRPG with clear advancement and world logic that holds together over multiple books.
Awaken Online by Travis Bagwell
A long-running staple that still gets recommended regularly. Readers point to its early influence on the genre and its mix of MMO mechanics, moral ambiguity, and sustained character arcs as reasons it remains worth picking up.
Steel Foundations by M.H. Johnson
Suggested as a different take on cultivation isekai. Readers who enjoy slower power growth and a more methodical approach to progression tend to recommend this series.
The Heretical Fishing Series by Haylock Jobson
A lighter recommendation that still comes up often. Readers describe it as a more relaxed, character-driven LitRPG that’s easy to pick up and enjoy without heavy system density.
Grand System Vending by Ryan Maxwell
A newer recommendation that surprised several readers. The premise stands out, and readers highlight its creativity and pacing as reasons it’s easy to keep reading once you start.
The Spellmonger Series by Terry Mancour
Another non-LitRPG recommendation that still resonates with the audience. Readers who enjoy long fantasy series with deep worldbuilding and sustained character development tend to recommend it alongside LitRPG favorites.
Restarting the Apocalypse by Michael Chatfield
Several readers mentioned this one directly, often with humor. Built around military realism, tactical decision-making, and long-form progression, it’s frequently recommended to readers who want post-apocalyptic LitRPG with structure and discipline at the core. Check out series here: https://michaelchatfield.com/collections/restarting-the-apocalypse
Closing Thoughts
One of the best ways to find your next read is to see what other readers can’t stop talking about. These recommendations reflect a wide range of tastes, from system-heavy LitRPG to adjacent series that scratch the same progression itch. If you’re caught up on your TBR and looking for something new, this list is a solid place to start.
Join the Discussion
What are you reading right now?
Which series do you keep recommending even years after finishing it?
Do you trust reader conversations more than rankings when picking your next book?