What is Isekai LitRPG?
By Trevor Wells
Storytellers have been exploring the notion of traveling to other worlds for centuries. In fact, the concept has roots in ancient Japanese literature with the story of Urashima Tarō, the fisherman who saves a turtle and is transported to a magnificent undersea kingdom. It is also seen in Italy with Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy (1320). Isekai simply means different world or otherworld; readers familiar with portal fantasy will know the genre, albeit by another name. However, what exactly defines a book as isekai LitRPG?
First, let’s define LitRPG, literary role-playing game. The genre relies on using a game system and character stats to push the story forward in a cohesive way. It requires game strategy to maximize the system a character is playing. Even if the character doesn’t inherently exploit the system the joy of LitRPGs is to read (or listen) to what strategies the characters use. Reading LitRPG is a lot like watching someone play a game on Twitch. LitRPG is not to be confused with Gamelit, a story that uses a game system in the narrative, but doesn’t use stats or much game strategy. And Gamebooks are another type of read altogether, since they allow the reader to actively participate in the story by making choices.
Essentially isekai LitRPG books are the combination of LitRPG with a premise that the main character is in a different world to their natural one. So a typical isekai LitRPG book would have someone from Earth finding themselves stuck in the middle of game; but there are also plenty of stories where the isekaied (i.e. transported/swapped/reborn) character is a demon or monster, finding themselves unexpectedly in a game-world. The key feature of isekai LitRPG is that the main character arrives like a fish out of water at another world, which employs the mechanics that make a LitRPG. Having a character simply play a game within their familiar world wouldn’t be considered isekai LitRPG. The character’s body or soul needs to be transported in some way to another world. In essence, isekai LitRPG books are a sub-genre of LitRPG, both genres mesh extremely well together.
Why are Isekai LitRPG books a good read?
A vast amount of LitRPG authors tell isekai stories and for good reason. The plot device allows the audience to learn about the new world at the same speed as the protagonist, without dumping too much information at the readers. When isekai LitRPG is done well these stories can give its readers a fish-out-of-water story with all the crunchy detail of game strategizing. Here at Level Up we have several isekai LitRPG books that are well worth your time, such as The Wonderful LitRPG Wizard of Oz by Oisin Muldowney, which is an isekai LitRPG tale based on the classic story. A story published by us at Level Up it is a great starting point for those not familiar with isekai LitRPG tales.
What are the best Isekai LitRPG books?
Azarinth Healer
Rhaegar
Ilea plans to quit her terrible fast-food job and go to college. However, to Ilea becoming a fully functioning member of society is a fate far worse than death. It’s a good thing for Ilea then when she is transported to a world full of monsters and magic: one in which she can find a viable career in punching monsters in the face for a living. Ilea must navigate a world in where one’s class level and skills are measured by power.
Azarinth Healer is compelling for many reasons. This isekai LitRPG is a great example on how to introduce its readers to a new world without info dumping. My favorite thing about Azarinth Healer is the presence of a strong female lead. Something we don’t see enough in this genre. Authors like Rhaegar are changing this. Azarinth Healer also features multiclassing in a cool way. Originally a webserial on Royal Road with almost 60 million views (as of this time of writing) I was glad to see this story find a home at Portal Books. The writing can wander at times, and the humor isn’t for everyone however, the worldbuilding is great.
Summoned! To an RPG World
Oisin Muldowney
Sean de Courcy is an avid gamer who has mastered his warrior build on a popular MMORPG. Desperate rulers of a rapidly declining kingdom need a warrior to lead their fiefdom. The solution for these rulers: a summoning spell that picks Sean because of his skillset. Sean has no real-world fighting experience, but the world follows RPG rules that Sean is familiar with, making him exactly the right person to manage the kingdom.
I must note that Oisin Muldowney has published through Level Up however this isn’t a Level Up book. Summoned! To an RPG World earned its way on this list for many reasons. I am a sucker for expansive worldbuilding and Oisin does this masterfully. Honestly, this is the crunchiest isekai LitRPG story I have read thus far. I felt as if I was witnessing a Total War campaign. Its difficult to find an isekai story that feels self-contained but is epic in the scope of this scale. Its main criticism is the length, this tome would put George RR Martin’s long manuscripts to shame with 1355 pages on the Kindle edition. Summoned! To an RPG World has found praise with hardcore LitRPG fans, deservedly so.
Vigil’s Justice
James A. Hunter
Boyd Knight is a marine who found his tribe in the elite Force Recon; he jumps on a grenade while engaging in combat. However, after the event Boyd wakes up naked in a cave with a knife and pistol in hand. Summoned by Raguel the five-faced God of Justice, Boyd is entrusted with Vigil Bound a power that makes him stronger with every kill due to the Ascendant system. As long as Boyd survives the deadly shapeshifter stalking him, he will progress.
James A. Hunter not only runs Shadow Alley Press but can spin a tale that only a battle-hardened Marine can tell. With my original degree pursuing military history (later multi-classed to creative writing) I can pick apart most military protagonists as flat and their choices unrealistic but, Boyd doesn’t suffer from any of that. Hunter’s background informs the story and it brought me joy. The biggest criticism raised by some readers is the character flaws of Boyd, but fans of military sci-fi will overlook this. In a nutshell Vigel’s Justice can best be described as being the story that would result if The Witcher was a sci-fi adventure with an isekai LitRPG twist featuring a marine in a similar role. Perhaps we should toss a coin at James in appreciation of his impact on the LitRPG community.
Mayor of Mythos
Han Yang
Devon is granted with the opportunity to escape Earth’s demise by an unusual benefactor. He starts a new life in a magical land of cards, creatures, and unique ways to progress within the world. Devon, a coveted dual mage, battles dungeons with his land hydra pet and dentist companion by his side.
Han Yang is no stranger to isekai tales and this is evident in this well-written story. I always love to see card-based systems in my LitRPGs if they are done well. Han achieves that in Mayor of Mythos along with a wonderful progression system to boot. It’s not surprising that Mayor of Mythos found a home at Royal Guard Publishing, who have published over 200 audiobooks in just under two years. Although at times the writing can be ponderous, Han Yang fans are sure to love this isekai LitRPG story.
Lost Archive
Isaac Winter
Winston Beckett spends his days as a scholar, poring over musty manuscripts. When Winston finds a book of magical runes which he deciphers, he discovers a secret: one that transports him into another world. Winston must navigate this new world using his scholarly wits to survive The Veil, a realistic game world that requires him to quest and gather loot.
Most isekai LitRPG stories fall into the trap of not finding creative ways to be summoned into the other world. Lost Archive is the exception to this rule. The way that Winston arrives to the game world is well-thought-out. More interestingly the history buff in me was glad to see the protagonist be a scholar who specializes in linguistics. Lost Archive is by far the quickest read on this list clocking in at 262 pages. There is a plot twist at the end and you’ll either love it or hate it, but regardless, it’s still worth spending an afternoon in the world Isaac creates.
What are the best Isekai LitRPG webserials?
Tree of Aeons by Spaizzzer
Tree of Aeons is available on Royal Road and has an impressive nine million views. The story is about Matt who is transported into another world as a…Tree. TreeTree, formally known as Matt, must gain skills, levels and build up a forest. Later his challenge is to protect a village. I never thought I would read an isekai LitRPG about a tree and find it compelling. This is done with well-thought-out game systems that feature multiple time jumps.
Trickster Cleric by GBScally
This isekai LitRPG follows the story of Amara who has spent the last few years caring for her father. However, after her father’s passing, she awakens in a world in which she is a trickster cleric. Amara finds herself in a world where she struggles to understand her place in it. You can read this webserial on Royal Road.
A Record of Ash & Ruin: The Grieving Lands by Mesa
Available on Royal Road. The story is slow paced and a well-thought-out isekai tale, that pays homage to one of the oldest recorded poems. The protagonist is transported into another world chosen by the Goddess of Justice Avaria. He must survive in a cruel world by leveling up and gaining skills. Trapped in a world in which he doesn’t know the language, he fights to survive in a world he isn’t sure is real.
The Wandering Inn by Pirateaba
I have to admit, The Wandering Inn is probably my favorite webserial. The story follows Erin Solstice who is transported to a fantastical world. Erin nearly gets eaten by a dragon. She must adapt to the new world but she’s not a warrior or even a mage, Erin runs an inn. Once upon a time you could find The Wandering Inn on Royal Road however, you can experience Erin’s ongoing journey on the book’s website for free. Yes, its cool enough to have a whole entire site dedicated to it.
Isekai LitRPG FAQ
What is Isekai LitRPG?
A subgenre of LitRPG that transports the protagonist into another world.
Is Isekai LitRPG popular?
Very much so, because isekai and LitRPG are a good pairing, authors find it easier to present a world to the reader the protagonist doesn’t know.
Where can I read Isekai LitRPG?
The best place is Royal Road, however, publishers that specialize in LitRPGs (Like us at Level Up) are your best bet to get finished stories. Portal Books, Shadow Alley Press, and Royal Guard Publishing have tons of isekai LitRPG books to choose from.
Is there an Isekai LitRPG community?
Looking to talk about isekai LitRPG? The best place for that is probably the isekai Reddit group. Another great place is LitRPG Forum | Facebook. Both communities are welcoming.