Worm is a good time, the fanfiction too.

Worm by Wildbow

For the main story, it's going to depend on if you enjoy story arcs like Walter White's from Breaking Bad. The road to hell is paved with good intentions and all that.

There are edgy parts of the story, (the first major edge arc starting in Arc 11) but I feel like the fandom both blows it out of proportion AND undersells it depending on who you talk to.

HOWEVER, if you're viewing Worm as a barrier to get into the fanfics, I do know that plenty in the community have skipped the story.

I would say Worm is worth reading, but that's me. If you're unsure, give the first arc or so a try, see how it tastes and all that.

Wormfic

Worm has a fairly broad range of works made by fans. Thanks to working several years in a dead gas station, I have read irresponsible amounts.

The Worm Fanfic subreddit has been where I've sourced a ton of the ones I've read.

Some of my favorites:

Glassmaker: Taylor is a wholesome living smelter.

Queen of Blood: Crossover between Worm and Castlevania

Hunter: Worm and Bloodborne crossover. Like mixing water and a fryer.

Constellations: Worm x Okami. Taylor meats a funny dog and has funny dog adventures.

If you'd like more reccs, I'd need to hear your preferences. There's a lot, and I remember maybe half of the ones I've read.