LitRPGCritic
← All Lists

Ranked List

The Best Progression Fantasy Series

Progression fantasy is LitRPG's literary cousin — a genre built around a character's systematic growth toward power, but without necessarily displaying the game-style stat screens and notifications of core LitRPG. Where LitRPG leans into the video game metaphor explicitly, progression fantasy takes the underlying appeal — the steady arc of getting stronger, mastering systems, climbing hierarchies of power — and lets it breathe as pure story.

The genre's defining text is Will Wight's Cradle series, which stripped the GameLit aesthetic back to its narrative bones and produced something that reads as much like epic fantasy as anything gamified. He Who Fights With Monsters (Jason Cheyne) brought the genre to a massive mainstream audience. The genre has since expanded in every direction.

What the best progression fantasy does that lesser entries don't: it makes the progression feel earned. A character whose numbers go up isn't interesting. A character who develops genuine mastery — who understands why they were weak and exactly how they've become strong — is. The series on this list are the ones that get that distinction right.

40 books · Ranked by community rating · Data from LitRPGTools.com

Fire and Song (Warformed: Stormweaver Book 2) cover

Fire and Song (Warformed: Stormweaver Book 2)

Bryce O'Connor

Warformed: Stormweaver #2

★★★★★ 2 ratings Progression Fantasy

The Iron Prince will claim his crown. Reidon Ward’s first semester at the Galens Institute hasn't been without reward. In just over half a year he’s gone from the weakest cadet at school to one of the strongest in his class, and there’s no one left who would argue that his Device, Shido, isn’t the most terrifying CAD they’ve ever laid eyes on. Still, Rei knows that his climb has barely begun, like he knows that the true fight is only just starting. After all… The Sectionals tournament has arrived. Rei, along with Aria, Viv, Catcher, and a couple unexpected squadmates, are about to face the first real battle of their careers. Squaring off with some of the best Users in the Astra System, they’re going to have to put everything they have—as individuals and as a team—into their coming fights if they want to ultimately end up standing at the top. As ever, though, their journey is hardly bound to be a smooth one. Especially not when Rei and Aria begin to suspect that Shido may be even more formidable than it appears, much less as the powerful entities who've already taken notice of the ‘Iron Prince of Galens' begin to make their moves, some casting their hands in his favor, others very much against…

Induction cover

Induction

Sean Oswald

Welcome to the Multiverse #1

★★★★★ 1 ratings LitRPG Progression Fantasy

The apocalypse is coming and only a few are warned by the System. Silas becomes Earth's last Forerunner and must compete to win Earth a place in the multiverse.

Path of Stars (Guardian of Aster Fall) cover

Path of Stars (Guardian of Aster Fall)

David North

Guardian of Aster Fall #5

★★★★★ 1 ratings LitRPG Progression Fantasy

Book 5 of Guardian of Aster Fall! Forced into a difficult choice, Sam steps onto the Path of Stars, the ancient trail through the galaxy that will lead him to the history of the Astral Titans. Hundreds or even thousands of years may pass before he can see his family again. Fortunately, time on Aster Fall moves more slowly due to the presence of the Nexus, but he worries for all the things he's left undone. With each step Sam takes, secrets new and old unfurl before his eyes. Some of them hint at the heritage of Asenya, the World Forger, and others about the grandeur of the Astral Titans, the greatest builders that the galaxy has ever known. However, no one has seen a Titan in over a million years. The Path of Stars promises an answer to the mystery of his transformation and the true history of the race. Primordial enchantments, crafting, and battles await in the fifth volume of this epic series! This paperback edition is printed on cream paper, which matches the rest of the series.

Assassin Summoner cover

Assassin Summoner

Aaron Renfroe

Spite the Dark #1

★★★★★ 1 ratings LitRPG Progression Fantasy

The Hunt has descended upon Earth, bestowing deadly powers upon ordinary individuals and pitting them against one another. Armed with a roadmap of the future, Kaden will race against time to thwart mysterious enemies while waging a relentless battle against the impending apocalypse.

Infinite Realm: Monsters & Legends cover

Infinite Realm: Monsters & Legends

Ivan Kal

Infinite Realm #1

★★★★★ 1 ratings LitRPG Progression Fantasy

When a game-like Framework descends upon Earth, humanity is tested. Decades later in the Infinite Realm, multiple protagonists pursue power through different cultivation paths, classes, and skills in a vast world of infinite possibility.

Defiance of the Fall: A LitRPG Adventure cover

Defiance of the Fall: A LitRPG Adventure

TheFirstDefier (JF Brink)

Defiance of the Fall #1

★★★★★ 1 ratings LitRPG Progression Fantasy

Zac finds himself alone on a planet transformed by the multiverse. As Earth is thrust into a universe of magic and terrifying beasts, he must adapt, grow stronger, and defy the odds to survive the integration. With his trusty axe and sheer determination, Zac fights his way from zero to the pinnacle of power.

Unsouled (Cradle, 1) cover

Unsouled (Cradle, 1)

Will Wight

Cradle #1

★★★★★ 1 ratings Progression Fantasy Xianxia

The beginning of the New York Times best-selling Cradle series! Lindon is born Unsouled, the one person in his family unable to use the magical Paths of the sacred arts. He uses every trick and technique he can borrow or steal to improve his life, but it seems he will never be able to join the ranks of the truly powerful. Until the heavens descend and show him the future. When Lindon becomes the only one who sees the approaching doom, he must leave his homeland to save it…and to see how far he can go by walking his own Path. SERIES DESCRIPTION The Cradle series is the best-selling example of the Progression Fantasy subgenre, which includes works of fantasy where the primary plot revolves around a character growing more powerful in their use of magic. Cradle is high-stakes, fast-paced, and action-focused, with minimal time dedicated to world-building, and as such the books are lean and focused. The series is often compared to anime, with fans using phrases like “anime in book form” or “fantasy novels meet Dragon Ball Z,” emphasizing the story’s specialty of loud and colorful super-powered battles.

Wintersteel (Cradle, 8) cover

Wintersteel (Cradle, 8)

Will Wight

Cradle #8

★★★★½ 3 ratings Progression Fantasy Xianxia

The eighth volume in the New York Times best-selling Cradle series! As the Uncrowned King tournament reaches its final rounds tensions between the competing factions are higher than ever. The outcome may determine the power balance throughout the rest of the world. Each Monarch schemes to seize any advantage they can...while far away a Dreadgod stirs. When the tournament ends the Dreadgod will rise. Whether it will be driven back into the sea or allowed to rampage depends on the Monarchs. And on which of them is left standing. Series Description The Cradle series is a completed 12 volume series now being published in trade paperback and trade hardcover for the first time. It is the best-selling example of the Progression Fantasy subgenre, which includes works of fantasy where the primary plot revolves around a character growing more powerful in their use of magic. Cradle is high-stakes, fast-paced, and action-focused, with minimal time dedicated to world-building, and as such the books are lean and focused. The series is often compared to anime, with fans emphasizing the story’s specialty of loud and colorful super-powered battles along with lots of humor.

Sufficiently Advanced Magic (Arcane Ascension Book 1) cover

Sufficiently Advanced Magic (Arcane Ascension Book 1)

Andrew Rowe

Arcane Ascension #1

★★★★½ 2 ratings Progression Fantasy Academy

Five years ago, Corin Cadence’s brother entered the Serpent Spire — a colossal tower with ever-shifting rooms, traps, and monsters. Those who survive the spire’s trials return home with an attunement: a mark granting the bearer magical powers. According to legend, those few who reach the top of the tower will be granted a boon by the spire’s goddess. He never returned. Now, it’s Corin’s turn. He’s headed to the top floor, on a mission to meet the goddess. If he can survive the trials, Corin will earn an attunement, but that won’t be sufficient to survive the dangers on the upper levels. For that, he’s going to need training, allies, and a lot of ingenuity. The journey won’t be easy, but Corin won’t stop until he gets his brother back.

Reign of the Knight Arcane: Legends of the System - Book 2 cover

Reign of the Knight Arcane: Legends of the System - Book 2

JAK

Legends of the System #2

LitRPG Progression Fantasy

The Big Books of Summer 2025 Want to read Shop this series** Rate this book Order & Chaos#6 Arcane Knight Book 6: An Epic LitRPG Fantasy Timothy McGowen** 4.47 34ratings2reviews The fast-paced conclusion to the Epic LitRPG Fantasy tale is here in Arcane Knight book 6!** Having vanquished the rogue Chaos Lord and found out so much more than he could ever have wished, Caldor is setting off on his final adventure, to unite the Wyrd before the true great evil arrives. He’s been guided and molded to be the very best at what he does and it is never more true than now. He sets his sights on bringing the beastkin war to an end against the Eastern Chaos population so that both Order and Chaos might once more be in balance as it was always meant. There will be blood, there will be death, there will be action as everything comes to a head in this epic conclusion to the Arcane Knight Saga! 347 pages, Kindle Edition Published August 20, 2024 Book details & editions** 77 people are currently reading 7 people want to read About the author Profile Image for Timothy McGowen. 36books23followers Follow I'm a dad of two wonderful girls and a husband to a wonderful wife. As a full time author I enjoy hours of writing and reading every day. I'm living the dream and I thank my lucky stars each day that I get to write fulltime. Please leave a review and tell a friend about my books, each one reviewed or sold is a boon towards my epic quest of staying fulltime. What do*you*think? Write a Review Friends&Following Create a free accountto discover what your friends think of this book! Community

Rise of the Knight Arcane: Legends of the System - Book 1 cover

Rise of the Knight Arcane: Legends of the System - Book 1

JAK

Legends of the System #1

LitRPG GameLit

The System came to Earth. Humanity wasn’t ready. One minute, Mason James is flipping burgers at a backyard barbecue outside Dallas. The next, every screen on Earth goes dark and a voice speaks inside his skull: SYSTEM INTEGRATION INITIALIZED. When the light fades, Earth is gone — and Mason wakes alone in a monster-infested forest, a glowing status screen in his vision, and a horror already charging him down. Humanity has been dragged into a brutal, Essence-driven System where survival means leveling up and choosing a Class before the next wave hits. Figures of old mythology come calling — and Mason is offered a Class from the legendary Merlin that no one else can claim: the Knight Arcane, a spell-blade who channels magic through steel and plate. But the System didn’t crack open Earth for sport. The Abyss is invading, its demon legions pouring through a widening portal. To survive, Mason will need more than raw power — allies at his side and the walls of a reborn civilization at his back. Closing the portal is the only way anyone lives to see the new world’s first dawn. Perfect for fans of The System Apocalypse, Defiance of the Fall, Apocalypse BREAKER, and He Who Fights With Monsters. A LitRPG that includes system apocalypse fantasy survival, base-building kingdom fantasy, spell-blade hero magic system fantasy, overpowered MC system apocalypse, and gamelit dungeon monster fantasy. About the Series: Genre: LitRPG Apocalypse / System Fantasy Progression: Overpowered MC Magic System: System-Integrated / Skill-Based Mechanics: High-Fantasy Themes: Overwhelming Odds / Protecting Earth / War Against a Multiversal System Tone: Action-Packed / Character-Driven / Light Humor Series Status: Ongoing — 1 book available now

Nexus Runner: A litRPG fantasy epic adventure cover

Nexus Runner: A litRPG fantasy epic adventure

Frank Morin

Nexus Runner #1

LitRPG Progression Fantasy

Welcome to the Game! Lucas Altan and his friends are among the thousand people ripped out of Colorado and teleported to an alien planet. He wakes up alone, with an overly friendly AI as his only companion. Here, magic is real and the clock is ticking. The rules are simple: - Find your team. - Fight through four stages of monster-infested wilderness before time runs out. - Fail and you die . . . and condemn everyone on Earth too. Lucas finds he’s got a knack for killing monsters, winning unique loot, and surviving against long odds. Wielding fast wits, cool spells, and a magical sword that can’t cut anything physical, he needs to level up faster than the odds stacking against him. It’s the only way to save his friends and not become that guy who let Earth die. This fast-paced action fantasy litrpg adventure hurls Lucas into a crucible of combat, magic, and nonstop adventure. Perfect for fans of DCC and Primal Hunter.

Rampage: Nexus Runner, Book Two - a LitRPG epic fantasy action adventure cover

Rampage: Nexus Runner, Book Two - a LitRPG epic fantasy action adventure

Frank Morin

Nexus Runner #2

LitRPG Progression Fantasy

Lucas made it to stage 2. Barely. Time to power level. He’ll get all the challenges he can handle. Stage 2 is packed with powerful monsters, starting with deadly werewolves and hordes of undead sailors. And they’re only the obvious threats. Less than half of the other contestants survived with Lucas. As they struggle to forge ahead on the new and tougher stage, some rise as elites, while others fall fatally behind. Lucas pushes his core team to their uttermost limits. It’s the only way to survive. They include his brother Tomas, Tomas’s wildly-adventurous girlfriend Jane, wise-cracking Steve, and Ruby. Lucas definitely needs to do something about Ruby. Together, they push farther, delve deeper, and take insane risks as they fight along the bleeding edge of progression and danger. Hold on for another epic struggle, exploding with heart-stopping battles, breathtaking danger, and endless meddling from Cyrus, the AI who holds ultimate power over their lives. Perfect for fans of DCC and Primal Hunter.

The Petralist Volume 1: Books 1-3 Progression Fantasy EPIC cover

The Petralist Volume 1: Books 1-3 Progression Fantasy EPIC

Frank Morin

The Petralist

YA Epic Fantasy Progression Fantasy

BIG MAGIC. BIG ADVENTURE. LOTS OF HUMOR. "Frank Morin is a master of the young adult fantasy genre." ~Midwest Book Review (Books 1-3 of The Petralist) The adventure kicks off in Set in Stone. In a nation where only the nobility are supposed to have special powers, Connor's secret curse might hold the key to stopping a war and saving his village from destruction. His best friend Hamish has a habit of sucking on rocks that holds the key to unlocking an ancient power not seen in generations. Jean, the local healer, is the smartest person anybody knows. And Verena has a bag full of tricks that can stop entire armies. And that's just how the series gets started. Relentless humor. Non-stop action. Unique magic based on rocks. WARNING Do not pick up a book by Frank Morin unless you love amazing stories with great action, mind-blowing magic, side-splitting humor, and insights into the human condition that will bring tears to your eyes. You risk finding your next favorite author and losing several days of sleep, so consider yourself warned.

Throne Hunters #3 cover

Throne Hunters #3

Phil Tucker

Throne Hunters #3

Progression Fantasy LitRPG

The deeper they delve, the higher the stakes. Harald and the Throne Hunters have ascended—stronger, sharper, and far more dangerous. But so too have their enemies. With the Fallen Angel's dungeon twisting into stranger shapes, and Flutic spiralling toward open war, the crew must decide what they stand for… and what they’re willing to sacrifice. Old ghosts rise. Alliances fracture. And the Twilight Crown has begun to whisper. Victory may grant power beyond imagining. But only if they survive.

River of Fate: The Jade Scripture cover

River of Fate: The Jade Scripture

David North

River of Fate #1

Progression Fantasy Cultivation

After passing through the River of Fate, Verse's memories are fragmented and mixed with others. Three souls collide within the River and memories coalesce into one individual, reborn by a command so powerful it warps reality. Verse must develop the strength to survive in a world where cultivation is the only law.

River of Fate: Sunset Knight (Book 2) cover

River of Fate: Sunset Knight (Book 2)

David North

River of Fate #2

Progression Fantasy Cultivation

Verse's memories have been unified. He must increase his strength as an Imperial Squire and achieve the full title of Imperial Knight, defend his city against encroaching forces of darkness, and unravel the mysteries of the Kin.

Track every book on this list — ratings, reviews, reading order, and new releases.

Explore on LitRPGTools →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is progression fantasy?

Progression fantasy is a genre in which a character systematically grows in power — developing skills, mastering systems, and climbing hierarchies — over the course of a series. It shares DNA with LitRPG but may omit explicit game-style notifications and stat screens. The Cradle series by Will Wight is the genre's defining example.

What is the best place to start with progression fantasy?

Unsouled (Cradle Book 1) by Will Wight is the standard starting point — the series is complete, has an enormous following, and the early books are short enough to read in an afternoon. He Who Fights With Monsters has broader mainstream appeal for readers coming from epic fantasy. Defiance of the Fall (J.F. Brink) and The Primal Hunter (Zogarth) are excellent for readers who want long-running, high-stakes multiverse progression. For something character-driven with a faster pace, Aaron Renfroe's The Resonance Cycle is a strong pick.

How does progression fantasy differ from LitRPG?

LitRPG uses explicit game mechanics — visible stat screens, level-up notifications, experience points as displayed numbers. Progression fantasy uses the same structural arc (a character gets systematically stronger) without necessarily showing game UI. In practice, many popular series blend both approaches.

Are there completed progression fantasy series worth reading?

Yes — the Cradle series (Will Wight) is complete at 12 books and widely considered the genre's best finished run. For crafting-focused progression fantasy, David North's Guardian of Aster Fall series is a strong ongoing series with deep worldbuilding and an 8-time Top 100 Kindle Bestseller track record. Lots of progression fantasy series are still ongoing, so see our Best Completed LitRPG Series list if you prefer to binge without waits.

More Lists