Solo Leveling is set to make its much-anticipated return with a thrilling second season. For those who can’t wait and crave a series that mirrors the captivating DnD-inspired storytelling of Chugong, there’s no shortage of excellent alternatives.
Recognized as one of the stand-out anime of 2024, Solo Leveling has left fans yearning for more as they await the launch of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3. Fortunately, A-1 Pictures has a promising lineup that is sure to satisfy that craving.
The narrative follows Sung Jinwoo, an overlooked and underestimated character who seizes the chance to transform his life and become the most formidable hunter ever. Featuring an intriguing mix of Dungeons and Dragons and The Matrix elements, this anime is packed with breathtaking scenes and unexpected plot twists.
The production quality of Solo Leveling is something few can replicate, but there are several exceptional anime that come close. Here’s a list of the best shows akin to Solo Leveling.
20. Gate: Thus the JSDF Fought There!
This underappreciated Isekai anime shares a premise with Solo Leveling, unfolding in a world where a “Gate”or portal connects the real world with a fantastical realm, causing chaos on Earth.
The plot centers on Youji Itami, a Self-Defense Forces officer who, while off-duty, witnesses the emergence of this gate and the monsters threatening humanity. He does his utmost to save lives.
Three months later, he’s assigned to lead a special reconnaissance mission to the mysterious “Special Region”beyond the gate. This mission aims to forge friendly relations with the local empire while they strive to comprehend their new environment.
19. The Eminence in Shadow
The series revolves around Minoru Kagenou, a man obsessed with becoming stronger. After dying in a truck accident, he is unexpectedly reincarnated as Cid in a realm filled with magic.
Now part of the noble Kagenou lineage, Cid possesses the very powers he yearned for. He starts the Shadow Garden organization, adopting the guise of “Shadow.”
The group aims to confront the imaginary Cult of Diablos, only for Cid to discover that the cult he invented may be real after all.
18. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
The story follows a 34-year-old man reborn as Rudeus Greyrat after a fatal accident. He enters a new life, now surrounded by warmth and love, leaving behind the painful past of being bullied.
With early signs of magical talent, Rudeus learns magic from Roxy Migurdia and martial skills from his father, Paul. He also forges a friendship with Sylphiette, a girl his age, determined to break free from the chains of his former life.
17. The God of High School
This series focuses on a tournament designed to identify Korea’s top martial artist among high school students, with the victor granted any wish. Jin Mo-Ri enters the fray and quickly becomes friends with fellow competitors Han Dae-Wi and Yu Mi-Ra.
However, a hidden agenda orchestrated by aspiring presidential candidate Park Mu-Jin lurks beneath the tournament’s surface.
16. Freeze: Beyond Journey’s End
The series opens at the conclusion of a heroic journey where a group of four adventurers returns home after ten years of battling together. Frieren, a mage, along with hero Himmel, priest Heiter, and warrior Eisen, defeat the demon king, bringing peace.
As time passes, Frieren sees her companions pass away, while she remains unchanged due to her elven longevity. Before Heiter’s passing, he urges Frieren to mentor Fern, a gifted young mage. With some reluctance, she agrees, embarking on a new adventure that helps her rediscover her own purpose.
15. The Rising of the Shield Hero
If action and adventure with a darker narrative is what you seek, The Rising of the Shield Hero is a prime recommendation. It begins like your typical isekai — a protagonist summoned to a fantasy realm with unique abilities.
However, the journey of Naofumi Iwatani takes a dark turn when he is falsely accused by Princess Malty. This ignites his quest for revenge and redemption, reminiscent of the intense growth portrayed in Solo Leveling.
14. Jujutsu Kaisen
Sharing a similarly dark theme, Jujutsu Kaisen and Solo Leveling will keep you on the edge of your seat. Solo Leveling features impressive battles between hunters and monsters, much like Jujutsu Kaisen’s confrontations with curses.
The plot follows the students and mentors at Jujutsu High, focusing on Yuji Itadori, who becomes the host to the King of Curses, Sukuna, after consuming a cursed object. The story follows his journey as he unites with others to combat evil curses.
13. Tower of God
Tower of God stands out as a hidden treasure, centering on Bam, who has spent his life confined beneath a tower. When he decides to ascend the tower in search of his girlfriend Rachael, he faces new challenges, forging friendships and enmities along the way as he gains strength.
This compelling anime shares thematic similarities with Solo Leveling, showcasing an underdog’s rise to power.
12. Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer is renowned for its enthralling combat dynamics, aligning it with the essence of Solo Leveling. Manga readers may already have insights into what’s next, while anime watchers remain eager for the thrilling future episodes that will undoubtedly invoke the brilliance of Demon Slayer.
Focusing on Tanjiro Kamado, a boy affected by the tragic death of his family at the hands of demons, he takes up the sword, driven by a strong sense of justice that compels him to combat evil.
11. Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man shares thematic similarities with Solo Leveling, featuring protagonists who evolve from weakness to unparalleled strength. Denji, the main character, acquires devilish abilities through his pet Pochita, much like how Sung Jinwoo harnesses his powers in his quests.
This story takes place in a world filled with devils, where Denji, a barely surviving boy, merges with Pochita, turning him into the formidable Chainsaw Man after facing betrayal and death.
10. Death Note
Death Note introduces Light Yagami, a brilliant individual who lacks physical strength but possesses exceptional intelligence. His transformation from an ordinary student to someone wielding god-like abilities is thrilling.
Receiving the Death Note from a Shinigami, Light uses its powers to orchestrate his vision of world domination. Similarly, in Solo Leveling, Jinwoo begins without physical abilities, gaining extraordinary strength through “The System,” which makes him a character we root for.
9. Goblin Slayer
The story follows a hero whose singular mission is to exterminate goblins. Alongside a group of adventurers with the same goal, they frequently venture into dungeons to face these grim foes.
This premise resonates with Solo Leveling, where hunters enter perilous dungeons to confront various monsters, both series employing a ranking system for adventurers and hunters.
8. Akashic Records of Bastard Magic Instructor
Based on a light novel, this series stars Glenn Radars, who possesses unique abilities reminiscent of Sung Jinwoo’s start in Solo Leveling. Set within the prestigious Alzano Imperial Magic Academy, two students find themselves taken aback by the unconventional new magic instructor.
Glenn is indifferent towards magic and leads a lackadaisical lifestyle, provoking criticism from his students. However, beneath his casual demeanor lies a concealed past and extraordinary powers.
7. Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?
This anime, much like Solo Leveling, immerses viewers in a world where individuals raid dungeons and fight monsters to earn their living. Both stories showcase protagonists who begin weak but display astounding growth.
Set in a universe where gods and humans interact, Bell Cranel, the main character, soon discovers that his encounter with the lonely goddess Hestia brings him closer to his dreams than he thought.
6. Death Parade
If you have a penchant for mystery, Death Parade is an atmospheric anime set in the afterlife that presents various enigmas. A bartender in purgatory pits deceased individuals against each other to determine their souls’ fates.
The narrative delves into profound themes of emotion and the unseen divine influences that impact destinies, giving it an intriguing depth.
5. Dragon Ball Z
As a quintessential shonen anime, Dragon Ball Z sets the standard for epic confrontations. If you appreciated the dynamic battles of Solo Leveling, you’ll relish iconic bouts like Goku versus Frieza on Namek or Gohan against Perfect Cell.
These encounters are more exaggerated than those in titles like Demon Slayer or My Hero Academia, yet they remain intensely exhilarating, showcasing Akira Toriyama’s knack for crafting unforgettable epic moments.
4. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
This isekai anime offers a fantasy twist, featuring a protagonist who becomes a slime in an alternate dimension. Instead of seeking a way back home, he embraces his new life as an amorphous creature who eventually rises to power and combats evil.
With its comedic and charming narrative laced with moments of tension, it’s an excellent choice, particularly for enthusiasts of DnD.
3. One Punch Man
One Punch Man projects a fantasy where life’s trials can be resolved with a single blow, through the lens of Saitama, a superhero with unbeatable strength.
With two acclaimed seasons behind it and a highly anticipated third season in the works, this series delivers impressive action sequences and clever satire about the superhero genre. With a film also on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to hop on board.
2. Sword Art Online
Sword Art Online explores immersive virtual worlds crafted by various enterprises. Following the protagonist, you navigate extraordinary gaming landscapes that heavily incorporate RPG elements. Similarly, in Solo Leveling, we follow a character who undertakes missions to enhance his abilities.
Sung Jinwoo’s quest to defeat powerful monsters to acquire rare resources and formidable weapons parallels the gaming experiences found in Sword Art Online.
1. Overlord
Much like several titles on this list, Overlord delves into the MMORPG genre. The protagonist, Ainz, becomes trapped in a game world where NPCs possess sentience. Using his extensive game knowledge, Ainz strives to dominate and navigate this new realm.
Thus, Ainz’s journey resonates with that of Sung Jinwoo from Solo Leveling, as both characters leverage RPG-like mechanics to ascend and become the strongest versions of themselves.
The Dumpster Battle.
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