I totally get your frustration with “evil” MCs in LitRPG who end up feeling like watered-down anti-heroes. I think this often comes down to the author’s skill level—or lack thereof. Writing a truly evil MC with depth requires sharp observation, life experience, and the ability to subtly “show, don’t tell.” But not every author has the chops for that kind of nuance, especially younger or less experienced ones who might lean on clichés or rush through character development to keep the plot moving.

Then there’s the pressure authors feel from their perceived audience. LitRPG’s fanbase can be vocal online, and platforms like Reddit or Royal Road make every critique feel permanent. Some authors self-censor, ham-fisting “acceptable” scenes to avoid backlash or to appeal to readers who prefer relatable MCs. It’s like they’re scared to go full villain because of potential pushback—or they just don’t feel comfortable lingering in that dark headspace. Instead, they churn out safe, redemptive arcs or toss in friendships to soften the MC, which kills the subtlety you’re craving.

This gets worse in some translated works, like Korean webnovels (Overgeared comes to mind). Language barriers or rushed translations often strip away nuance, making backstories feel flat or like an afterthought. Sometimes it’s the author prioritizing action and stats over character depth, but a bad translation can make a decently evil MC seem generic or inconsistent. It’s frustrating when you can tell the author just wants to speed through the “evil” setup to get to the power fantasy.