If you have devoured the delightful adventures of Jason Asano in He Who Fights With Monsters by Shirtaloon (Travis Deverell), and now find yourself rather bereft—like a child who has eaten all the fairy cakes and must wait terribly long for more—then you have arrived at precisely the right place. We shall embark together upon a journey through fourteen marvellous tales, each one promising the sort of adventure that makes one forget entirely about bedtime.
What Makes He Who Fights With Monsters So Beloved?
Before we flutter off to new adventures, let us pause to consider why Shirtaloon’s creation has captured so many hearts. The tale combines isekai portal fantasy with LitRPG progression systems, all wrapped in witty banter and a protagonist whose sardonic humour makes even the grimmest monster encounter rather enjoyable. Jason’s journey from ordinary Australian to powerful adventurer in a world governed by game-like mechanics has become the gold standard for readers seeking that perfect blend of humour, action, and satisfying power growth.
1. Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
Oh, what a wonderfully mad adventure awaits you here! When aliens rather rudely destroy Earth and transform its remains into a deadly game show dungeon, poor Carl finds himself in his underpants with only a magnificently entitled cat named Princess Donut for company. The cat, you see, can talk—and has quite a lot of opinions.
This series possesses the same sharp wit as Jason Asano’s adventures, though wrapped in considerably darker circumstances. The relationship between Carl and Donut provides endless entertainment, and Matt Dinniman has crafted a satire on reality television that would make even the most jaded fairy chuckle. Be warned, however, that this tale ventures into rather intense territory—it is not for the faint of heart.
2. Cradle Series by Will Wight
In the world of Cradle, young Lindon begins his journey as an Unsouled—the weakest sort of sacred artist imaginable, rather like a fairy with broken wings. Yet through determination most admirable and cleverness most delightful, he transforms himself into something magnificent indeed.
Will Wight has created a cultivation fantasy that reads like the most exciting adventure story. The magic system progresses from humble beginnings through increasingly wondrous levels, and the found family Lindon gathers about him shall warm your heart considerably. The series spans twelve complete volumes, providing many cozy evenings of reading ahead.
3. Defiance of the Fall by TheFirstDefier
When the multiverse crashes rather unceremoniously into Earth, poor Zac finds himself stranded in the wilderness with nothing but a hatchet and a desperate need to find his family. The System has arrived, bringing monsters, demons, and an entirely new set of rules for survival.
This tale marries LitRPG mechanics with Eastern cultivation traditions, creating something rather unique. Zac’s journey from bewildered survivor to formidable warrior spans many volumes, with worldbuilding that expands magnificently as the story progresses. Those who enjoy watching a character claw their way to power against impossible odds shall find much to love here.
4. The Primal Hunter by Zogarth
Jake was merely a bored office worker when the universe decided Earth was ready for integration into the multiverse. Where his colleagues falter and stumble, Jake rather surprisingly thrives, discovering within himself the instincts of an apex predator most exceptional.
Zogarth has crafted an apocalypse LitRPG with tremendous depth hidden beneath its action-packed surface. The worldbuilding reveals itself gradually, like sunrise over Neverland, and Jake’s progression from ordinary human to something altogether more formidable provides the satisfying growth that fans of the genre crave.
5. The Wandering Inn by Pirateaba
Here is a tale that proves one need not swing a sword to have grand adventures. When Erin Solstice finds herself transported to a fantasy world, she does not become a warrior or mage—she becomes an Innkeeper. And what a marvellous innkeeper she is!
Pirateaba’s web serial is enormous—a vast, sprawling world filled with characters who feel as real as your dearest friends. The story balances light humour with genuine tragedy, and the LitRPG elements are woven subtly throughout. If you seek something slower-paced but endlessly rewarding, this wandering tale shall welcome you warmly.
6. Azarinth Healer by Rhaegar
Ilea liked punching things and eating, which made finding a proper career rather difficult. Then she woke in a world of monsters and magic, where her particular talents became remarkably useful indeed. She becomes a combat healer—one who fights with ancient magic that both destroys and restores.
Rhaegar has created a completed epic, which means you may read the entire satisfying journey without waiting for more chapters. The battles are deliciously inventive, and watching Ilea transform from lost soul to formidable force provides exactly the power fantasy one desires on a long evening.
7. Beware of Chicken by CasualFarmer
What happens when a soul finds itself in a cultivation world and decides the only winning move is not to play? Jin Rou abandons the brutal world of martial arts sects for the peaceful life of a farmer. Only, his simple agricultural pursuits accidentally create spirit beast disciples, beginning with a magnificently philosophical rooster named Bi De.
This tale is cozy cultivation at its finest—a warm blanket of a story that gently satirizes the genre whilst celebrating the power of kindness, community, and good farming practices. It shall make you laugh, warm your heart, and possibly inspire you to raise chickens.
8. Iron Prince by Bryce O’Connor and Luke Chmilenko
In a future where humanity battles alien AI with reverse-engineered technology, young Reidon Ward was born weak and sickly, abandoned by his family. When he receives a Combat Assistance Device with terrible specifications but unlimited potential, his journey to become the strongest begins.
This science fiction progression fantasy combines military academy drama with satisfying power growth. The action sequences are magnificently choreographed, and Reidon’s determination to overcome his disadvantages resonates with anyone who has ever been told they cannot succeed.
9. Sufficiently Advanced Magic by Andrew Rowe
Corin Cadence enters the deadly Serpent Spire seeking his lost brother, navigating trap-filled chambers and battling monsters for the chance to earn magical powers. Andrew Rowe, a former game designer, has created an intricate magic system that will delight anyone who enjoys understanding precisely how fictional powers function.
The tower-climbing adventure feels wonderfully like progressing through a beloved video game, with puzzles and challenges that reward clever thinking. Magic schools, dungeon crawls, and political intrigue combine in this tale that appeals to both young adult and adult readers alike.
10. Mother of Learning by Domagoj Kurmaić
Young mage Zorian finds himself trapped in a month-long time loop, dying repeatedly only to wake on the same morning. Rather than despair, he uses each iteration to learn more magic, unravel mysteries, and save his city from destruction.
This completed web novel offers a uniquely satisfying take on the time loop concept. Watching Zorian grow from irritable student to formidable mage across countless repetitions provides progression fantasy of the most rewarding sort. The magic system feels alive, and the telepathic spider allies are absolutely marvellous.
11. Mark of the Fool by J.M. Clarke
On his eighteenth birthday, Alex Roth is marked as The Fool—the worst of his kingdom’s five prophesied heroes. Rather than accept his fate as cannon fodder, he flees to a magical university to research his mysterious enemy whilst learning magic that his divine brand tries desperately to prevent.
This academy fantasy features a protagonist who must be wonderfully clever to work around his apparent curse. The D&D-inspired setting provides familiar comfort, whilst Alex’s growth from struggling student to confident wizard offers tremendous satisfaction.
12. Bastion by Phil Tucker
In a city within Hell itself, Scorio awakens as a Great Soul—a legendary defender reborn without memories. When betrayal sends him plummeting to his doom, he must claw his way back from oblivion to take revenge upon those who wronged him.
Phil Tucker has crafted an infernally-themed progression fantasy with a unique setting and satisfying power system. The mystery surrounding Scorio’s past crimes and the nature of Bastion itself provides intrigue alongside the battles and growth.
13. Shadeslinger by Kyle Kirrin
When Ned Altimer enters Earthblood Online during its exclusive head start period, he acquires Frank—a magnificently charismatic talking axe with knowledge of the game’s deepest secrets. But this advantage makes him the target of the greatest manhunt in gaming history.
The humour here rivals anything in He Who Fights With Monsters, largely due to Frank, whom Matt Dinniman himself calls his favourite LitRPG character. The VR game setting feels authentic, and the story resolves satisfyingly whilst promising more adventures ahead.
14. Ritualist (The Completionist Chronicles) by Dakota Krout
After a tragic accident leaves him paralyzed, Joe enters an immersive game world where he unlocks the rare and misunderstood Ritualist class. In a world where magic is forbidden, he must practice in secret whilst completing quests and making powerful allies.
Dakota Krout writes with clean, punny humour suitable for readers of all ages. The series shares a universe with his Divine Dungeon books, and Joe’s thoughtful approach to problem-solving provides a refreshing alternative to protagonists who simply punch their way through challenges.
Finding Your Next Adventure
Each of these fourteen tales offers something precious to those who loved He Who Fights With Monsters. Whether you seek the dark humour of Carl’s dungeon descent, the cozy warmth of Jin Rou’s farm, or the intricate magic of Corin’s tower climbing—there exists a perfect next adventure waiting just for you.
The genre of LitRPG and progression fantasy grows more wondrous each year, with new stories sprouting like magical beans climbing toward giant-inhabited clouds. These recommendations shall keep you happily reading through 2025, 2026, and beyond, until perhaps Shirtaloon delivers more tales of Jason Asano to devour.
Now then—off you go. Adventures await, and they shan’t read themselves!
