Date Published: April 13th, 2025

How To Create A LitRPG Manga, Comic, Or Light Novel

In today's video, we're looking at how you can create an RPG manga, comic, or light novel! This genre is all about characters living in a video game world. Whether they are in an actual RPG, or simply living in a dystopian world that's reminiscent of one, the characters in this type of story need to level up and gain experience points in order to progress and survive within the game.

What Is LitRPG?

LitRPG is a category of novel which focuses of characters living in the world like an RPG game. The primary focus is on the characters leveling up and progressing through the story.
In manga/anime, LitRPG is commonly combined with isekai.

LitRPG can be combined with a variety of genres, including sci-fi and fantasy.

Entry Into The Game World

How does the character reach the RPG world?

To begin, first consider how your character gets into the RPG world. There are a few main ways this occurs in a LitRPG...

• Reborn: In many cases, a character may die in the real world, and then be reborn into the world of the game. This was especially popularised through the isekai genre.
• Dystopia: The character may not necessarily be playing a game, but the world around them could turn into an RPG-like world after an apocalyptic event. This may be more common in sci-fi genres.
• Game Trap: The character may be playing a game and become trapped within the world of the game. (Alternatively, they could just be playing a game, and the story could focus on them balancing their game self and their IRL self.)

The Main Goal

There are two main goals to focus on in LitRPG: The goal of the game itself, and the goal of the main character. Sometimes these goals may be the same, but sometimes they may be different!
For example, the main goal of the game might be to defeat the boss. The main goal of the protagonist might be to escape the game.
However, while the goals may be different, usually one goal will be resolved once the other is resolved.

Develop A Unique World

The world building is one of the most important elements. As you world build, include details about unique character types, animals, and plants. Based on these, consider how these unique beings came to exist in your world. Even if this world does only exist within a game, the lore and backstory is still important!
You may wish to create a world map, and include significant locations on it, to help you as you plan your story.

Building A Power System

A power system determines how abilities are used in your story. In this instance, the power system is based on what abilities are ‘programmed’ into the game.
A video game power system will be based on the character’s level, and also the experience points gained.

Create The Main Cast

Your characters are what will bring life to your story. Particularly your protagonist, who will be ‘leveling up’ through the story.
Let’s talk about each of these character types specifically...

The Protagonist

This will be the main character whose perspective we will see throughout the story. While they will typically be a hero, they could also be a villain. Either way, this character will level up through the story, so you should consider the main ‘upgrades’ they will experience.
We will discuss this more later, in ‘leveling.’

The Antagonist

The antagonist will usually be the main boss of the video game, however this can also vary. However, in LitRPG, the antagonist will usually not be the primary focus. Instead, you may include smaller ‘antagonists’ throughout the story, which may or may not be working with the main antagonist.

The Deuteragonist/s

The deuteragonist is optional. This is the secondary main character. If your character works better solo, you may choose to avoid including a deuteragonist.
The deuteragonist can be like a friend and ally throughout the story. 

Other Characters

Other characters you may wish to include are rivals, friends, and mentors.
LitRPG focuses more primarily on the protagonist, and how they survive within the game world. Therefore, other characters need to either help your protagonist in their journey, or act as a challenge for them to help them grow as a character.

Create A Leveling System

A ‘leveling system’ refers to the way your character progresses in the game.

In most RPG games, a character will ‘level up’ once they reach a certain amount of EXP (experience points.) This will determine how your character progresses in the story, so it’s important to consider from a video game point of view.

How many levels are in your game?
How much EXP does your character need to reach each level?
What gives EXP within your game? (Eg. Monster types, challenges, quests. Each may provide a different amount of EXP.)
What upgrades does your character receive once they level up? (Eg. Your character may not receive the upgrade directly, but instead now be strong enough to face the battle to receive these upgrades.)

Here are some main progression points to focus on:

• Beginner
• First Threat
• Training
• Major Upgrade
• Boss Fight
• Result

This progression system may repeat throughout the story. The character should continue to experience new challenges, train, upgrade their abilities, and fight the boss, until they reach the skills required to achieve the main goal of the story.

Boss Battles

In an RPG game, the character will typically fight smaller monsters, until they are at a strong enough level to fight the boss. The boss battle may be locked behind a quest, or hidden in a specific location. In a LitRPG, this typically applies also.

Item Upgrades

Consider how your character may upgrade their weapons/armour over the course of the story.
Keep in mind that item upgrades should be based on the material that is available in the game world. This is how you can make it feel very realistic! 
Make note of the main weapon/armour upgrades you wish to include in your story, as well as particularly rare or legendary items which may grant additional powers!

Your Character's Impact

LitRPG is not just about your character living within a game. It’s also about your character’s impact on that game world. Consider how they change the lives of the characters around them, for better or worse, and what kind of impact they leave behind.
Will they become a legendary hero, or will they leave destruction in their wake? This is up to you to decide.