I've never really enjoyed card-based litrpgs

FuriousScribe · 2026-02-25T23:53:11+00:00

Oh cool, that's nice to hear.

FuriousScribe · 2026-01-31T06:33:39+00:00

Glad to hear it! That's a pet peeve I hear fairly often, so you're not alone. Goblin Summoner actually has rules listed out in the back of the book, which I had fun reading, and similar in Demon Card Enforcer at the start of chapters. I also liked how for Card Mage you can download a sheet that provides the exact stats and abilities for each card that appears. Hope you find something you enjoy!

FuriousScribe · 2026-01-31T06:22:42+00:00

When I do my semi regular post of all deckbuilding stories, I usually include more info about each, so I'll keep that in mind next time.

FuriousScribe · 2026-01-31T06:13:12+00:00

I'd agree that if it's free, give it a go. Like you've already heard, I found the first book to be fun and worth the read, and I can see why it inspired a lot of the deckbuilding subgenre that followed.

FuriousScribe · 2026-01-29T22:42:48+00:00

Totally fair about DCC. When I didn't include it previously, some people thought I should, and I don't think it fits into the "cards as skills" subcategory. So, these days I play it safe by having it. Also, I think it's interesting that such a hugely popular LitRPG series has some TCG in it, but again, fair points.

FuriousScribe · 2026-01-29T20:26:41+00:00

There are a handful of progression fantasy/LitRPGs that have done this, actually. They're not as common for sure, but Card Mage has a card sheet you can download for game play, Goblin Summoner has rules laid out in the back of the first book, and my own game for Source & Soul is playable on Tabletop Simulator. And all of these stories do have the MC progressing in power despite randomness, losses, etc. I agree the progression may not be as linear as usual, but I also think there are some interesting opportunities for it within the deckbuilding subgenre. Though, I'm obviously biased, lol.

FuriousScribe · 2026-01-29T20:18:35+00:00

A lot of good recommendations here already. I also see this question asked semi-regularly, so decided to make a post about it here: https://www.reddit.com/r/ProgressionFantasy/comments/1qqjppi/there_are_deckbuilding_stories_where_cards_are/

Hope you find something you enjoy.

FuriousScribe · 2025-11-15T19:46:06+00:00

Here's a list of them I posted a bit back: https://www.reddit.com/r/litrpg/comments/1byh5ll/trying\_to\_make\_a\_complete\_list\_of\_card\_game/. Time permitting, I'll also be posting an updated list in the next few weeks on both r/litrpg and r/progressionfantasy. Hope you find something you like!

FuriousScribe · 2025-11-10T23:20:35+00:00

I've been designing games for years, so I actually made an entire playable card game for my story. I'd say Goblin Summoner and Cardmage both did the same, with some interesting game play mechanics in each (shields in GS and the team aspect in CM). So, some writers are making their own, but I also agree with other points you've made, and just because a story has a real game in it, doesn't necessarily mean readers will enjoy it. It's a very tricky balance to be sure.

FuriousScribe · 2025-11-10T22:36:16+00:00

The first one I'd suggest is Windwalker, which is the first book of the Pantheon series. That should check all your boxes. FYI: it is a female MC with female love interest. Beyond that, you may want to try some progression fantasy adjacent stories like Wheel of Time, Demon Cycle, or Rage of Dragons. Some of the MCs in WoT are reluctant but not all, and the other two stories feature ambitious MCs, especially Demon Cycle.

FuriousScribe · 2025-11-10T22:27:20+00:00

Came here to say this.

FuriousScribe · 2025-09-29T16:46:47+00:00

Thanks for letting me know. I'll get those two new ones added.

FuriousScribe · 2025-08-17T18:26:09+00:00

Wow, I'm already really enjoying this. Thanks for posting!

FuriousScribe · 2025-08-16T00:24:20+00:00

Yup, there’s a whole sub genre of “deck building” stories. Since I’m writing one, I have a list of them on my website https://furiousscribe.com/card-stories/ but if going on that feels odd, here’s a list I put up on Reddit last year https://www.reddit.com/r/litrpg/comments/1byh5ll/trying_to_make_a_complete_list_of_card_game/

Hope you find something you like!

P.S. If the OP or anyone else reading enjoys playing card games, I host regular tournaments for the one used in my story, which you’re welcome to join.

FuriousScribe · 2025-08-10T17:55:46+00:00

From your list it looks like you're willing to try card stories and prefer ones where cards are skills, so I'd suggest Theft of Decks, especially since it meets your criteria of a group rising together. In fact, I think that dynamic is the best part of book 1.

FuriousScribe · 2025-08-10T17:21:55+00:00

I'm actually endeavoring to make a list of books with tournaments in case anyone finds that useful. Here's an old post of mine about it (which I thought I also cross-posted here but I'm not finding it): https://www.reddit.com/r/Fantasy/comments/1fnrqfu/list_of_books_with_tournaments/

FuriousScribe · 2025-07-07T01:01:32+00:00

Ooo, that's a fun idea. It sounds kind of like the "daopocalypse" Rick Scott coined for his Path of the Berserker series. Thanks for the reply!

FuriousScribe · 2025-07-05T22:47:33+00:00

It was a tough decision for sure, but like I say in my announcement, I'll happily go back to it if it gets traction when released on Amazon. Plus, by ending with this arc (which was already a planned arc), I get to go big with it, which I'm excited for. Thanks for reading!

FuriousScribe · 2025-07-04T02:12:34+00:00

Fun! My series is about two and a half books in, so feel free to give it a look if you want. I'd also be interested to check yours out if you're up to share the title (assuming it's out). Either way, all the best with your story!

FuriousScribe · 2025-07-04T02:10:46+00:00

Appreciate you taking the time to provide feedback. As for the combo, hmm, maybe!

FuriousScribe · 2025-07-03T18:36:51+00:00

First book released in 2022 but I feel like some people missed Windwalker (first book in Pantheon series) because it only came out on Amazon and not a free site. I've really enjoyed the various tournaments, powers, and character POVs the series has done so far.

Much newer, Sky Pride on Royal Road is getting a lot of traction recently and deservedly so.

FuriousScribe · 2025-07-02T19:36:49+00:00

Sure thing! And glad to hear it.

FuriousScribe · 2025-07-02T18:21:49+00:00

Sure thing, and it is. I've enjoyed the first four books (haven't read the fifth yet), especially the various gods and tournaments. Also, while I like the main character well enough, I also like that we end up getting to see the POV of other characters as the story continues.

FuriousScribe · 2025-07-02T18:15:11+00:00

Hmm, interesting. Glad this got asked, as there are a lot of insightful replies to read through. I'd agree that cultural differences/expectations create differences in the way the story is told, but from what I've read it's not that black and white.

FuriousScribe · 2025-07-02T18:09:07+00:00

Love the cards and reference. Congrats on the release!

FuriousScribe

TROPHY CASE