Well, your first question may be: What’s LitRPG?

A relatively new and emerging genre of fiction, LitRPG combines the adventure of science fiction and fantasy with the thrill of role-playing games (RPGs). The structure is very specific—it includes a protagonist from the outside or real world who enters the world of a role-playing game and must progress through that game by a specific set of laws and mechanics determined by the game. The main character is separate from the game and understands they're playing in a fictional setting.

Think this new literary genre is for you? Here are a few reader types who may enjoy diving into the world of LitRPG with books on the Libby app.

Gamers

In LitRPG, readers can experience the excitement of competition, level progression, finding key items, earning cash and the overall immersive experience, just like in their favorite video games.

If you’re into tabletop gaming or are a PC/console game lover, you might want to try One More Last Time by Eric Ugland, where our protagonist finds himself sucked into iNcarn8, a game claiming to be a whole new life.

Sci-fi fans

Just as science fiction fans enjoy the world building and immersive aspects of the genre, LitRPG packs the same punch, plunging the reader into two worlds simultaneously—the world of the protagonist and the world of the game.

You might like The Ritualist by Dakota Krout. It's about a game that puts all others to shame, magic that has been banned from the world and a man willing to learn no matter the cost.

Adventure lovers

Adventure awaits! Genre favorites like Homeland by R. A. Salvatore, The Chosen by Taran Matharu or The Good Guys series by Eric Ugland will introduce you to the thrilling realm of LitRPG.

Reluctant young readers

We all know of young adults who are very much into RPGs but might think reading is just not their thing. This genre could serve as the perfect bridge between the two and convert non-readers into voracious book lovers. By engaging them in what they already love while adding a literary aspect, LitRPG presents a new way to entice the more reluctant reader. Many titles are available as audiobooks as well to allow readers flexibility and options.

Try Life in the North by Tao Wong, a post-apocalyptic story set in the Yukon that uncovers what happens when the world ends in blue status screens.

Ready Player One fans

I adored Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One series. What I didn’t know when I first read it was that it’s actually a LitRPG book!

If you also love a fast-paced read, plenty of gaming references and becoming part of the game with protagonist Wade and his friends, this is a great choice for your next read!

*Title availability may vary by region.

Ready to immerse yourself in the world of LitRPG? Find these books and more on the Libby app from your library. All you need is your library card to start reading. 💳