LitRPG FAQ
Expanded explanations for common questions in LitRPG, Progression Fantasy, and Xianxia/Cultivation fiction.
LitRPG
What is LitRPG?
LitRPG (Literary Role-Playing Game) is a genre where the story contains explicit game mechanics such as levels, stats, skills, quests, or status screens. Characters often interact with these systems as part of the narrative, and progression is quantified in RPG terms.
How is LitRPG different from GameLit?
GameLit features game worlds or game-inspired settings but does not require visible, quantifiable mechanics. LitRPG, by contrast, explicitly shows and uses those mechanics within the text. In GameLit, leveling may happen “off-screen” or be implied, while in LitRPG, the reader sees the numbers and rules.
What does “crunchy” mean in LitRPG?
A “crunchy” LitRPG focuses heavily on the numbers and mechanics—detailing stat changes, skill formulas, and rule interactions in a way that appeals to readers who enjoy the technical side of RPG systems.
What does “cozy” mean in LitRPG?
A “cozy” LitRPG emphasizes low-stakes, comforting scenarios—often featuring slice-of-life elements, crafting, town-building, or exploration—rather than constant high-risk combat.
What is a harem LitRPG?
A harem LitRPG is a subgenre where the protagonist has multiple love interests who are romantically or emotionally invested in them. Relationships are often a recurring subplot alongside the game mechanics.
Progression Fantasy
What is progression fantasy?
Progression fantasy focuses on characters growing steadily stronger over time, whether through training, magic, technology, or personal development. The story emphasizes the journey of advancement and mastery.
What is the difference between statless LitRPG and progression fantasy?
If the world has explicit game mechanics—levels, stats, skills—it’s LitRPG. If the protagonist grows stronger over time without such mechanics, it’s progression fantasy. A LitRPG can also be progression fantasy if growth happens within the game system.
What is soft vs hard progression?
Hard progression involves clear, measurable advancement—levels, ranks, stages—that the reader can track precisely. Soft progression is more narrative-driven, with growth shown through actions, achievements, or reputation rather than explicit stats.
Xianxia & Cultivation
What is Xianxia?
Xianxia (仙侠) means "Immortal Heroes" and draws on Chinese mythology, folklore, Daoism, and martial arts fantasy. It often features cultivation toward immortality, magical realms, divine beings, and cosmic struggles. Characters may defy heaven’s will to achieve their goals.
What are the Three Realms?
The Three Realms (三界) are Heaven, Mortal, and Earth (including the Underworld). Heaven is ruled by the Jade Emperor, the Mortal Realm is the human world, and the Earth Realm contains the Netherworld/Underworld. These realms frame the cosmology of many Xianxia tales.
What is cultivation?
Cultivation (修炼/修真/修行/修仙) is the process of improving health, longevity, and power by refining Qi through martial and mystical arts. It’s often practiced to achieve immortality or godhood. Methods vary from meditation and breathing exercises to alchemy and combat training.
What are meridians and Qi circulation?
Meridians (经脉) are energy channels in the body through which Qi flows. Cultivators use breathing exercises and meditation to circulate Qi, strengthening their bodies, purifying energy, and progressing in cultivation stages. The Eight Extraordinary Meridians and Twelve Principal Meridians are especially important.
What are cultivation stages?
Common stages include Qi Condensation, Foundation Establishment, Core Formation (forming a Golden Core), Nascent Soul, and Immortal Ascension. Each stage may have sub-levels like early/mid/late stage or numbered layers. Breaking through stages often requires insights, resources, and overcoming bottlenecks.
What is alchemy in cultivation?
Alchemy (丹道) involves refining herbs, minerals, and other materials into pills and elixirs that aid cultivation, heal injuries, or enhance abilities. Alchemists use cauldrons or pill furnaces and prize rare spiritual plants for their potent energy.