What is Apocalypse LitRPG?

By Trevor Wells

Dystopian novels that are set in an apocalyptic setting have always been a niche sub-genre of science fiction ever since Mary Shelley published The Last Man in 1826. In the ever-expanding genre of LitRPG it’s only natural that authors would eventually explore the apocalypse in the LitRPG setting, however what defines a book as Apocalypse LitRPG?

At its core Apocalypse LitRPG books are required to stay in the confines of a cataclysmic event that will cause the end of the world, while keeping with the mechanics that create a LitRPG. The books setting and themes need be apocalyptic in nature and it must have a LitRPG system that drives the story. This is often called system apocalypse which simply means a game system appearing to the character within the book during an apocalypse. In order be apocalypse LitRPG all rules must be followed. In essence, Apocalypse LitRPG books are a sub-genre of LitRPG where a game system arrives on Earth.

If you enjoy your LitRPG’s to have high stakes with earth-shattering events, you will most likely have fun reading books of this genre. Here at Level Up we are happy to recommend 5 solid Apocalypse LitRPG books that will leave you wanting to explore more in the realm of the genre. We’re not promoting Level Up titles with this list, however the bestselling The RPG Apocalypse and The MMRPG Apocalypse by Jeremy Chambless require an honorable mention because they embody the genre and are addictively crunchy LitRPG.

Here are our recommendations: five solid Apocalypse LitRPG books that are well worth your time.

Life in the North: The System Apocalypse - Tao wong

The System Apocalypse is a must read if you are dipping your toes into the genre.

The only thing that John ever wanted was to get away from life at the Kluane National Park for a weekend. Before his eyes John sees animals evolving and monsters spawning. What turned from a chilling weekend ended up being the end of the world. In a vacation turned nightmare will John survive, or will he lose his mind in the process? Life In the North combines a modern-day slice of life with the inner trappings of what an excellent apocalypse LitRPG novel truly is.

With twelve books currently in The System Apocalypse series a vast number of books that we now see in the genre have been inspired by Tao Wong in some fashion. While the entry into this series is not perfect by any means it is the gold standard for the genre. The story is just as epic as the game system and the worldbuilding keeps the reader engaged. Through you may not love John at first the world that he gets thrusts into is fascinating. This not only earns Tao Wong a spot on this list, but Tao Wong is also a household name in the Apocalypse LitRPG genre.

The Butcher’s Masquerade: Dungeon Crawler Carl #5 - Matt Dinniman

Dungeon Crawler Carl punches you in the face with a chaotic world and a great game system.

In the thick and lush jungle filled with deadly dinosaurs out for blood, Carl yet again takes us on an octane filled apocalyptic adventure. Taking place on the sixth floor called The Hunting Grounds the remaining crawlers battle for their lives. A famed hunter by the name of Vrah wants to collect the biggest trophy in her career, however the prey is not what you think it is. Prepare for the antics of Carl and Princess Donut because you’re in for one hell of a ride.

The Butchers Masquerade finds its way on this list rather than the first book of the series for two reasons. One, you need to read the whole series and two, Matt Dinniman levels up his writing in such a way that The Butchers Masquerade is a masterclass on how to present an apocalypse setting. He injects it with well-done humor, while making his readers invest deeply into the characters. Yes, Dungeon Crawler Carl is not everyone’s cup of tea, but the good news is that you’ll know if its not just by looking at the cover. Dungeon Crawler Carl knows exactly what it is and does it well. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you will leave thinking, where is the next one? Royal Road of course!

Apocalypse Tamer - Maxime J. Durand, A.K.A. Void Herald

Void Herald mixes Pokémon with the humor of *He Who Fights Monsters.*

The System arrived and changed the world forever. Dungeons appeared throughout the world. Monsters and invaders from alternate realities, ancient gods, and humans equipped with levels and classes. To gain levels one must kill and there is no way around it. The System sent one message; “Whoever reaches Level 100 first shall become Earth’s new Overgod.” The only problem is Basil Bohen was asleep when the System appeared and wants nothing to do with what the System created. Basil’s attitude towards the apocalypse is, why fight the apocalypse when you can tame it.

The joy of Apocalypse Tamer is a world that builds clever game mechanics. The ability to freely multiclass in LitRPG’s are not seen enough, it is done well here. inspired by the likes of Pokémon and Monster Rancher this makes the world feel nostalgic if you’re a child of the 90s. Most main characters who are nerdy hermits by nature leave me annoyed or rolling my eyes, however Maxime shattered this trope by presenting a round character in Basil and the reliable cat Plato who complement each other. Though not perfect by any means Apocalypse Tamer is not revolutionary by any means. If you enjoy the humor of, He Who Fights Monsters by Shirtaloon and Pokémon this will be your new favorite series.

Snow Punk: Twelve Worlds at War #1 - Paul Bellow

If Fallout and RimWorld had a child, this book by Paul would be the product.

Scout is trapped in a frozen virtual wasteland with no answers or leads. Most inhabitants believe that this world of underground shelters is their reality, but in fact Scout is the only one who remembers home, her true home. Scout is on a mission to find answers, and no one will get in her way. With rumors of a mysterious broken beacon that could very well be the lead that she needs. Scout’s only choice is to build a better world in the game to advance and more importantly find the truth.

LitRPG veteran author Paul Bellow presents well-crafted prose that stay away from the traditional tropes of the Apocalypse LitRPG genre. The base building mechanics are the main reason to read this book because it is unlike most others found in the LitRPG genre. This is a quick book only clocking in at 256 pages. LitRPG purists most likely will not enjoy this book, however this Fallout meets Snowpiercer with undertones of RimWorld is a must read if you are a Paul Bellow fan.

Rend: Necrotic Apocalypse #3 - David Petrie

In the city of Sin, David does a great job leveling up his characters in this apocalyptic heist romp.

Digby Graves wants to make good on his declaration of war. No longer will he run but to do so he will need to find allies. No better place then Sin City, right? It is if you are a necromancer like Digby. As Digby gains allies, he only finds that the cards are stacked against him. The solution? To pull off the heist of the millennium to stop Henwick who will rule the world at the cost of anything so long that he wins. For Digby to survive he must break the rules.

The Necrotic Apocalypse series is a good entry point into the genre of apocalypse LitRPG and can also be read in a weekend. With four books currently in the series I found that Rend is the best book in the series. It takes everything you like about the Necrotic Apocalypse series and adds a heist into the mix. This makes for an interesting and unique plot. Through the fight scenes can be lackluster at times, if you loved Zack Snyder’s Army of Thieves film, you’ll love this quick read.