Books Like Solo Leveling: 15 Similar Reads for Progression Addicts
Finished Solo Leveling and need more? Here are the best similar web novels, manhwa, and books with the same energy.
You finished Solo Leveling. You're chasing that high. Nothing quite hits the same.
I've been there. Here's what actually comes close.
What Made Solo Leveling Work
Before recommendations, understand what you're chasing:
- Weak-to-strong progression (extreme and visible)
- Overpowered MC who earns the power through struggle initially
- Shadow army/summoner aesthetic that's visually striking
- Korean hunter/gate setting with modern world stakes
- Satisfying power displays where the MC dominates completely
- Relatively solo journey with limited team dynamics
- Clean, consistent art (for manhwa) that makes every fight feel epic
Different stories scratch different parts of this. No single work replicates the entire package—Solo Leveling hit a particular combination that's hard to reproduce. Knowing which elements matter most to you will help you find the right alternative.
The Closest Matches
The Beginning After The End
Format: Web novel, manhwa
King reincarnates as a baby in a new world. Similar progression feel with more character depth and worldbuilding. Slower start but delivers.
If you liked: The overall journey and becoming OP
Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint
Format: Web novel, manhwa
A reader finds himself inside the web novel he's been following. Meta, clever, and has similar gate/apocalypse Korean vibes.
If you liked: Korean regression, clever MC, apocalyptic setting
Second Life Ranker
Format: Web novel, manhwa
Twin's brother was betrayed in a tower. Now he climbs to get revenge. Power progression, tower climbing, similar energy.
If you liked: Tower climbing, revenge motivation, getting stronger
The Breaker
Format: Manhwa (completed)
Martial arts focus rather than system, but incredible power progression and fights. Two series total.
If you liked: The fight scenes and power escalation
Strong Alternatives
Overgeared
Format: Web novel, manhwa
VRMMO where a "lucky" player becomes OP through crafting. Longer, more comedy, different vibe but solid progression.
I Am the Sorcerer King
Format: Manhwa
Gates open, magic awakens. Similar setting to Solo Leveling with different power focus.
A Returner's Magic Should Be Special
Format: Web novel, manhwa
Regression story where MC knows the future. Less dark than Solo Leveling, more academy focused.
Tomb Raider King
Format: Web novel, manhwa
Items from tombs give powers. Similar gate-like mechanics with a different flavor.
Different But Scratches the Itch
The Primal Hunter (English)
Format: Web novel
System apocalypse with strong progression. Western, longer, more detailed systems.
Defiance of the Fall
Format: Web novel
Long-running system apocalypse. Pure progression, Western take on the formula.
Shadow Slave
Format: Web novel
Darker tone, nightmare-based powers, excellent worldbuilding. Newer but highly rated.
Mother of Learning (Completed)
Format: Web novel
Time loop magic progression. Different setting but same "watch MC become competent" satisfaction.
Manhwa Specifically
If you want the visual experience:
- The Beginning After The End
- Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint
- Second Life Ranker
- Leveling with the Gods
- Return of the Disaster-Class Hero
Korean manhwa has embraced the genre.
What Won't Work
Be careful of:
- Stories that start strong but slow down dramatically (common in long serials)
- Pure harem focus disguised as progression (different appeal entirely)
- Cultivation that's too alien if you want Korean flavor (xianxia ≠ Korean hunter)
- Stories abandoned at good parts (check completion status first)
- Translations that drop in quality after initial chapters
Research before committing. Read reviews, check update schedules, verify the story has enough chapters to satisfy your appetite.
Creating Your Own
Nothing quite matches Solo Leveling, but you can describe exactly what you want.
Tell narrator: "System apocalypse like Solo Leveling with hunter gates and shadow powers" and get something tailored to those specific elements.
The Chase Continues
Solo Leveling hit something perfect. The combination of art, pacing, and power fantasy created magic that's hard to replicate.
You won't find an exact replacement. But the genre has plenty to offer if you know what specifically you're chasing.
Pick what element mattered most to you and follow that thread. If it was the shadow powers, look for summoner stories. If it was the Korean setting, stay in that space. If it was pure progression, the options expand enormously.
The hunt for the next Solo Leveling is part of the fun. Many readers discover new favorites along the way—stories that might not be "the same" but offer their own unique satisfaction.