Solo Levelinghas always been among Webtoon’s most successful titles; however, there’s no denying that the astonishing performance of the anime placed the manhwa higher on the anime community’s radar. The catchy story, well-drawn fights, and satisfying plot progression makeSolo Levelingso enjoyable to read that it can leave readers wanting for other manhwathat will ignite a similar passion.
Unsurprisingly, this isn’t a daunting task, as the manhwa medium features a vast library of binge-worthy titles, enough to satiate the hunger to discover similar manhwa that leaves an impressionable mark on readers.These manhwa aren’t copycats of theSolo Leveling’s narrative. However, they share the same winning formula utilized by the level-up story, comprising high-paced fights, absurdly powerful protagonists, and compelling art styles.
10Gosu
Written by Giun Ryu and Illustrated by Mun Jeong Hoo
Gosuis one of the revolutionary titles of the murim genre.It’s a story driven by an inherited grudgeand a numbing desire inherent in the protagonist, Gang Ryong, to carry out his mentor’s last wishes. Gang Ryong’s rough journey to execute revenge for his master is both painful and satisfying to read.What starts out as a comedy titlewith a deceitful-looking character with a chubby appearance transforms into a chilling story brimming with bloody battles rooted in martial arts.
Gosu’sprotagonist shares similarities with Sung Jin Woo, as both characters are equipped with unfathomably powerful abilities that aid their relentless desire to surpass their opponents. Consequently,Gosuis the perfect choice for readers seeking an unconventional story with an unusual mix of comedy and action filled with dark undertones.
9Existence
Written by Gwang-Jin and Illustrated by Kim Kyungjun
Existenceis a hidden gem, starring a philosophical narrative on whether humans are worthy of the planet, Earth, despite the havoc continuously wrought by them on nature’s fragile ecosystem. The story is centered on Lee Ja-in, a human who reincarnates with the animalistic abilities of thousands of creatures. Summarily, for over multiple millennia, Lee Ja-in was in a cycle of constant reincarnation, reliving life as a different plant or animal.
Seeing life from the perspective of other living creatures at the mercy of humans triggered a desire in him to eradicate humans completely from the face of Earth. Lee Ja-in is a perfect representation of the overpowered character trope present inSolo Leveling. However,Existenceis an easier read since the entirety of the story is captured in 72 chapters.
8The Boxer
Written and illustrated by Jung Ji-Hoon
The Boxeris arguably one of the best sports manhwa you can get your hands on. Usually, the overpowered protagonist trope tends to wear out readers with predictable developments and see-through narratives; however,The Boxertakes a different emotional turn.It explores the psyche of the protagonist, filled with emptiness and no strong desire to do anything, despite being the grim reaper of the boxing arena.
The Boxer anime is scheduled for release in 2025 by Studio XTorm.
The Boxer’sprotagonist, Yu, flips the boxing hierarchy present in the story on its head. Despite being a rookie, Yu became an unprecedented star no one saw coming. With razor-sharp reflexes and a desire to dominate, even veteran boxers could barely stand a chance against him. However, what makesThe Boxer specialis that it’s not entirely centered on winning. It goes beyond that. It reveals Yu’s search for meaning in life, a search that winning could not satiate.The Boxeris an enjoyable read, especially forSolo Levelingfans searching for an action-packed story with depth.
7Eleceed
Written by Son Je-Ho and illustrated by ZHENA
Eleceedis a beautiful take on teen friendship that serves as a beacon of light in the dangerous world of awakened, where power heavily determines the reach of your influence. The story revolves around Seo Ji Woo, who discovers that there is a thriving world of awakened with supernatural abilities just like him. This discovery also comes with danger and a need for survival and adaptation.
Somehow, Ji Woo ends up getting entangled with Kayden, a rogue awakened with allegiance to no one, who happens to be among the strongest in the series. Soon, Kayden and Ji Woo’s relationship blossoms, leading the powerful Kayden to nurture Ji Woo’s phenomenal speed talent for him to survive and excel in a world where power means everything.Eleceedis a refreshing readthat stands out from even titles likeSolo Levelingdue to its originality and core themes.
6Tower of God
Written and Illustrated by S.I.U
Tower of Godwas one of the first webtoon titlesto receive global recognition as an anime adaptation. The adaptation was premised on the success of the manhwa, with a much richer worldbuilding landscape that the anime failed to capture.Tower of Godis set in a tower that supposedly grants the wishes of anyone who clears it. What starts as an adventurous tale soon becomes one of betrayal and bitterness, with characters like Twenty-Fifth Bam and Rachel at its epicentre.
After realizing Rachel’s true nature, Bam goes on a journey that involves a denial of the system in place in the system, as he intends to forge his own path as an irregular.Bam’s bottomless potential to master Shinsu makes him a mystery inTower of God, a similarity shared by Sung Jin Woo and his affinity with the system.Tower of Godis a much longer binge, exceeding 600 chapters; however, the story makes it worth the sacrifice.
5The Great Mage Returns After 4000 Years
Based on the Original Story by Nakhasan, Adapted by Barnicle & Illustrated by Kim Deok-Yong
The riveting fantasy tale reveals humanity going against sovereign demi-gods, with questionable origins, who shaped the pathway of humanity from the shadows. The story begins with Lucas Traumen, a high-ranking mage who reincarnates in the body of Frey Blake, the runt of the Blake house who was constantly bullied by his friends and his own family all his life.
In his previous life, Lucas was the only mage to have reached the realm of nine stars. However, even though his reincarnation into Frey rendered him almost powerless, Frey’s knowledge of mana from his previous life still made him a force to be reckoned with. This tale involving a restoration of Lucas’s former strength is a recommended read forSolo Levelingfans who appreciate magical fantasy and powerful protagonists.
4The Beginning After The End
Based on the Web Novel Written by TurtleMe & Illustrated by Fuyuki23
Despite having a disappointing first-season adaptation,The Beginning After The Endis an iconic manhwa, with an isekai twist that differs from the genre’s usual offerings. The story is based on King Grey, a dystopian leader who is reincarnated into a new world as Arthur Leywin. This world gives him the chance to experience life from a loving perspective, surrounded by friends and family.
Even in his present world, Arthur’s talent from his previous life increases his aptitude for magic mastery as he soon distinguishes himself as an exemplary mage, even as a young boy. This isekai manhwa with a well-rounded protagonistshould be added to your library as a next read, as it’s a steeper fantasy tale compared toSolo Leveling.
3Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint
Based on the Web Novel Written by Sing Shong, Adapted by UMI & Illustrated by Sleepy-C
Omniscient Reader’s Viewpointarguably bears the closest similarity toSolo Leveling’spower scaling narrative involving the use of RPG mechanics at a more advanced level. However, the story weaves a more refreshing perspective. Here, the protagonist is aware of the fate of his world, allowing him to make informed decisions that guarantee his success. By reading “Three Ways to Survive in the Apocalypse” beforehand, Kim Dokja is able to explore his new reality and come out on top.
Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint’s live-action debut has been confirmed for July 2025.
The power narrative inOmniscient Reader’s Viewpointis not the conventional one, flowing from having the strongest abilities. The power narrative here stems from simply knowing.This places the story overSolo Levelingin terms of plot richness and diversity since it lacks the predictability present in a readable protagonist.
2The Legend Of The Northern Blade
Written by Woo-Gak and Illustrated by Hae-Min
The Legend of the Northern Bladeis one of the defining titles of the murim genre. The story is a powerful, emotionally captivating one that is centered on Jin Mu Won, who inherits his father’s legacy, the Northern Heavenly sect, in spite of opposition from those who aimed to quash it. What makes Jin an excellent protagonist is that he isn’t driven by mindless revenge. Instead, he executes a calculated strategy to rid the world of corrupt leaders who poison the well-being of the people.
Much like his father,Jin Mu Won, wears the mantle of leadership gracefully and wields his blade masterfully, to the detriment of his enemies.The Legend of the Northern Bladeis a much darker story thanSolo Leveling,and the art style depicts this subtly. It is a deserving read for those searching for a meaningful story that does more than flaunt character abilities and flashy battles.
1Solo Leveling: Ragnarok
Based on the Web Novel Written by Daul, Adapted by Dang Do & Illustrated by Jin
After completing the mainSolo Levelingseries, the next compulsory stop for fans of the franchise isSolo Leveling: Ragnarok.Solo Leveling: Ragnarokis the sequel to the main seriesand revolves around Sung Jin Woo’s descendant,Sung Suho, who follows a different path than his father. This story fleshes out side characters from the main series, while sidelining Sung Jin Woo, the founder of the story.
In this tale, Sung Jin Woo is no less powerful; however, the monarch’s preoccupation with the Itarim gives enough room for Sung Jin Woo to blossom into a warrior. Sung Suho’s personality and fighting style strongly differ from his father’s, making the sequel a worthwhile read for fans who are glued to theSolo Levelingnarrative.
