Welcome to the world of virtual reality, where the lines between what is real and what is not can become blurred. The theme of MC going into a game world has become popular in the recent years. From epic fantasy quests to dystopian futures, these novels have captured the imagination of readers and gamers alike.
In this article, we will provide you with the top 15 novels where the main character is stuck in a game. These books offer a glimpse into a world where virtual reality becomes a reality, and the stakes are high. So, sit back, and let’s dive into these exciting and action-packed, thought provoking stories.
“Re: Zero – Starting Life in Another World” by Tappei Nagatsuki
“Re: Zero – Starting Life in Another World” is a Japanese light novel series that follows the story of a high school student named Subaru who suddenly finds himself transported to a fantasy world. However, every time he dies, he reincarnates to the same world with all of his memories intact. This forces him to relive the same events over and over again until he can figure out how to change his fate.
The story explores themes of time loops, trauma, and self-discovery as Subaru tries to navigate this new world and find a way back home.
Re:Zero is an incredible novel which sets up itself in the later chapters. Re:Zero is that type of story which gets better after every episode. Alternatively, you could also switch to the anime if you aren’t feeling like reading it.
“The Land: Founding” by Aleron Kong
“The Land: Founding” is a fantasy novel that follows the story of Richter. Richter is a gamer, transported to a fantasy world called The Land. The Land is a world filled with magic, monsters, and quests. Richter must use his gaming skills to survive and level up.
The world of The Land is an unforgiving one. The MC has to build his own kingdom if he needs to survive this harsh world. As he becomes more powerful, Richter discovers that he is not the only person from Earth trapped in The Land and must work with other players to uncover the truth about their existence.
The Land features three books and all of them are great. There’s decent amount of world building and character development. This will have you on the edge of your seat with each book. I would rate this 9 in the Richter scale.
“The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor” by Nam Heesung
“The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor” is a Korean light novel series that follows the story of Lee Hyun. He’s a young man in debt and hence, decides to play a virtual reality game called “Royal Road” to make money. He becomes one of the best players in the game, and when the game’s creators offer him the chance to become a sculptor in the game, he jumps at the opportunity. But as he spends more time in the game, he begins to realize that it might not be just a game after all.
The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor is a very popular Korean novel series and is different from the rest of the Japanese novels where MC is stuck in a game. It has a variety of things to offer, ranging from cooking to haggling. Definitely a must read novel in this list.
“Sword Art Online” by Reki Kawahara
“Sword Art Online” is a Japanese light novel series that takes place shortly where players use virtual reality helmets to enter an immersive game world called Sword Art Online. However, the game’s creator has trapped the players inside, and the only way to escape is to clear all 100 floors of the game’s tower.
The main character, Kirito, is a skilled swordsman. Kirito must lead his fellow players to victory within this harsh game in hopes of escaping it.
Sword Art Online is a top isekai story that brought out an interesting concept for its time. The Isekai anime you’re currently watching might have been inspired by this.
“The New Gate” by Kazanami Shinogi
“The New Gate” is a Japanese light novel series that follows the story of a gamer named Shin, who finds himself transported to a game world called “The New Gate” after completing a game called “Infinity Game.” However, what felt like a casual game quickly turned into a death match.
Thanks to the efforts of Shin, millions of players were dragged into it in hopes of being the number one. However, after defeating the last boss of the game, he’s enveloped by a strange light. When he wakes up, he finds himself 500 years in the future!
The New Gate is an excellent choice is you want mystery and action elements. It’s a long story but definitely worth it.
“Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash” by Ao Jyumonji
“Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash” is a Japanese light novel series that follows a group of strangers who wake up in a fantasy world with no memories of their past lives. They must learn to work together and survive in a dangerous world filled with monsters and magic. The story focuses on the characters’ struggles with adapting to this new world and dealing with the trauma of their lost memories.
If you aren’t sure of reading the novel, try watching the anime. The pacing of the anime is decent and worth it in my opinion. The anime captured some of the plot points really well. However, reading it will enhance your imagination of the storyline.
“Accel World” by Reki Kawahara
“Accel World” is a Japanese light novel series that takes place in the year 2046, where people use a device called a Neuro Linker (not an Elon Musk reference) to access a virtual world called the Accel World. The main character, Haruyuki, is a bullied high school student. He uses the Accel World to escape his problems, like me. However, he soon discovers a conspiracy within the game and must fight to protect his friends and the virtual world. After all, he’s stuck in the game. The virtual world affects the real world.
Want to know more about the series? Dive deeper into the series with the 24 episode anime adaptation and 2 video game adaptations.
“The Rising of the Shield Hero” by Aneko Yusagi
“The Rising of the Shield Hero” is a Japanese light novel series that has become popular in the recent years (meme stuff). It follows the story of Naofumi, a young man summoned to a fantasy world along with three other individuals to become heroes and save the kingdom. However, Naofumi is betrayed by the kingdom and framed for a crime he did not commit. Thus, leading him to become ostracized and forced to fight alone. The story follows his journey to clear his name and save the world, all while dealing with the trauma of his unjust treatment.
Rising of the Shield Hero is a decent isekai series with brilliant action and decent characters. Overall, worthwhile to watch or read it.
“Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody” by Hiro Ainana
“Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody” is a Japanese light novel series that follows the story of a game programmer named Suzuki Ichirou, transported to a parallel world that resembles the game he was working on. He gains superhuman-like power and sets out on a journey to explore it and find a way back home.
The novel is still going strong with the recent volume released on June 9th. Overall, the series has positive reviews with more than 72% of the audience liking the story.
“Infinite Dendrogram” by Sakon Kaidou
“Infinite Dendrogram” is a Japanese light novel series that takes place in a future where virtual reality gaming is extremely advanced. The main character, Reiji Mukudori, begins playing a game called “Infinite Dendrogram,” where he discovers that the game’s artificial intelligence is more advanced than he realized. He soon becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving the game’s creator and must fight to uncover the truth.
Infinite Dendrogram features a weak protagonist who ultimately becomes the strongest in the series. It’s an interesting fantasy novel with a leveling system. If you are considering to watch the anime, the novel is better than the anime adaptation.
“The Faraway Paladin” by Kanata Yanagino
“The Faraway Paladin” is a Japanese light novel series that follows the story of a boy named Will, raised by three undead beings in a ruined cathedral in a fantasy world. They teach him how to fight and use magic, and he sets out on a journey to become a paladin and fight evil in the world. The story explores themes of death, rebirth, and redemption as Will learns about his past and his destiny.
Faraway Paladin sets itself as a unique Isekai or reincarnation novel with many emotional themes. A unique Isekai that’s not all about action but also the feels and damn it hits.
“Overlord” by Kugane Maruyama
“Overlord” is a Japanese light novel series that follows the story of Momonga, a powerful wizard and guild leader of a popular online game called Yggdrasil. When the game’s servers shut down, Momonga finds himself transported into the game world and stuck in the form of his avatar, a powerful skeletal lich. He sets out to explore this new world and conquer it to become the ultimate ruler.
Overlord is an absolutely brilliant series when it comes to the action. The novel features an overpowered protagonist from the beginning. Even after 10 years, Overlord is still going strong!
There’s also an anime adaptation of 4 seasons and boy, it has some incredible music!
“Log Horizon” by Mamare Touno
“Log Horizon” is a Japanese light novel series that follows the story of Shiroe, a veteran player of a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) called Elder Tale. When the game’s latest expansion pack launches, Shiroe and thousands of other players find themselves trapped in the game world. They must learn to work together and survive in this new reality, while also uncovering the truth behind their predicament.
Log Horizon’s comedy is what gets me every single time. Even if you don’t like the game elements like leveling systems, consider it for atleast the comedic aspects.
“That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” by Fuse
“That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” is a Japanese light novel series. It follows the story of Satoru Mikami, an ordinary salaryman, killed in a random act of violence. He is reincarnated into a fantasy world as a slime and sets out on a journey to explore this new world and find his place in it. The story explores themes of transformation, friendship, and adventure, as Satoru adapts to his new life and discovers his true potential.
This novel is great when it comes to badassery and action. Even the anime is a great adaptation of the series. You could totally consider it if you aren’t interested in reading. There’s magic, harem and what not!
“No Game No Life” by Yuu Kamiya
“No Game No Life” is a Japanese light novel series. It follows the story of Sora and Shiro, two siblings, popularly known as the “blank” gamers because of their unbeatable skills. Transported to a fantasy world where everything is decided by games, they must use their gaming prowess to conquer the world and become its rulers.
The thing is, it’s kinda good. Reading this almost feels like a mind game since both the protagonists are cunning and clever. It’s a good one time read.
Light novels where MC is stuck in a game have become increasingly popular over the years. They offer the readers a chance to explore a world where reality and virtual reality are intertwined. Here, characters must use their skills and ingenuity to survive and thrive in these alternate realities. From the classic “Sword Art Online” series to newer entries like “No Game No Life,” these light novels offer a unique perspective on gaming, adventure, and the human experience. Are you a seasoned gamer or just looking for a thrilling read? There’s something for everyone in the world of light novels where the MC is stuck in a game.
