Top 11 Chinese Action Fantasy Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

11 Novels

Chinese action fantasy combines world-building ambition with combat focus. The fantasy elements provide the stakes and power systems, the action delivers on spectacle. Cultivation often appears but isn't always central. Some of these emphasize martial arts, others lean into magic or supernatural abilities.

What I notice in Chinese action fantasy is the scale. Battles escalate from personal duels to sect wars to continental conflicts. The power creep is real, but handled well it creates genuine narrative momentum. Handled poorly it becomes repetitive as each new realm just introduces stronger enemies.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
The Legend of Sun Knight
4.7
(642 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
I am a knight. To be precise, I am the Church of the God of Light’s Sun Knight.
First Impressions
"The Legend of Sun Knight" is a wild ride, a series I initially avoided but quickly fell in love with. It's a story that expertly blends humor and heart, and I found myself completely swept up in the adventures of Grisia Sun and his band of quirky knights. At first glance, I'll admit, the title and cover art didn't exactly scream "must-read." I braced myself for something generic, maybe even a bit cheesy. What I found was anything but. The initial chapters grabbed me with their unique brand of humor, and I was soon hooked. The premise, while seemingly unbelievable, quickly becomes endearing as...
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2
RUNNER UP
Mr. Melancholy Wants to Live a Peaceful Life
4.6
(685 ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, fantasy
Yu Hua loses his job, and the weight of the household falls on the shoulders of his partner, You Zhengping. His husband is a temporary employee at the subdistrict office, with a monthly salary of only 2500; this troubles Yu Hua exceedingly.
First Impressions
This novel has been quite the ride! "Mr. Melancholy Wants to Live a Peaceful Life" is a blend of action, comedy, fantasy, and romance, and it definitely delivers on its promise of a unique story. I went in expecting a fluffy read, but I found a surprisingly intricate plot with some dark undertones. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: a powerful transmigrator just wants a normal, peaceful life. The idea of a "saboteur" trying to blend in, only to be constantly pulled back into the chaos, was instantly appealing. The early chapters set a good pace, introducing the main characters and hinti...
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Completed
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
High Energy QR Code
4.7
(240 ratings)
Genre: action, drama, fantasy
Xing Ye couldn’t accept the sudden death of his younger brother, and as he searched for answers, he recalled the QR code he once saw on his brother’s phone. Having a photographic memory, he was able to quickly sketch out the QR code.
First Impressions
"High Energy QR Code" is a web novel that really grabbed my attention. I dove in expecting a typical survival game story, but I found myself pleasantly surprised by its unique elements and clever protagonist. It's easy to see why this novel has such a high rating. The premise is intriguing: the MC enters a game world to investigate his brother's mysterious death, choosing to rebel against fate despite the odds. I was immediately hooked by the idea of a protagonist who actively defies the system, relying on his intelligence and strategic thinking rather than sheer luck. This setup definitely se...
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
I Am Average and Unremarkable
4.7
(229 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Jiu Hui was just an ordinary garlic chive spirit. Before she left the village, the other yaos in the village told her that some humans were racist, so she must never let others know that she was a yao.
First Impressions
"I Am Average and Unremarkable" had been sitting on my to-read list for a while, and I finally dove in. Overall, I found it to be a delightful and heartwarming read, though it wasn't without its minor flaws. It's a xianxia story with a healthy dose of comedy, drama, and a sprinkle of romance, creating a balanced and enjoyable experience. Right from the start, I was drawn in by the lighthearted tone and the charming protagonist, Jiu Hui. She might seem like your typical cute and innocent lead at first glance, but she quickly reveals herself to be a clever and slightly shameless schemer, which I...
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5
EDITORS CHOICE
The Speedrun Manual of Miss Witch
4.7
(202 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
In her third year living in this steampunk world, Ciel gained the ability to simulate both the past and the future. These simulations turned into a game where she could act without restraint, and after countless trials, real life became a replica she could navigate as though speedrunning it.
First Impressions
"The Speedrun Manual of Miss Witch" has been quite a ride! I dove in expecting a standard fantasy adventure, but it quickly subverted my expectations in the best ways. It's definitely a novel that keeps you on your toes. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: a protagonist, Ciel, who gains the ability to simulate the past and future. This isn't just a simple time-travel story, though. The world-building, a blend of steampunk and fantasy, feels meticulously crafted, reminiscent of Lord of the Mysteries, but with its own unique flavor. The early chapters establish a tense atmosphere, and the ...
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
After Transmigrating into the Cyber Game, I Defeated the Boss and Successfully Rose to the Top
4.8
(67 ratings)
Genre: action, adult, adventure
The holographic game “Crimson Earth,” blending cyberpunk with Cthulhu elements, was about to be released. Kui Xin’s luck seemed to have taken a turn for the better when she was selected as a closed beta tester for “Crimson Earth.
First Impressions
"After Transmigrating into the Cyber Game, I Defeated the Boss and Successfully Rose to the Top" certainly lives up to its lengthy title in terms of delivering a multifaceted story. Going in, I was prepared for a fairly generic sci-fi adventure, but I quickly discovered a narrative that was far more complex and engaging than I anticipated. It's a wild ride that blends cyberpunk aesthetics with eldritch horror, supernatural powers, and a touch of mystery that kept me hooked. Initially, I was drawn in by the world-building. The author expertly layers the setting, revealing the intricacies of the...
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Conclusion

Action fantasy is a broad category with significant overlap with xianxia and xuanhuan. These rankings filter for novels where both action and fantasy elements receive substantial focus rather than one dominating completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our rankings consider multiple factors: reader ratings (40%), popularity and reading lists (25%), review quality (20%), and editorial assessment (15%). We update regularly to reflect new releases and changing reader preferences.

We update our rankings monthly to ensure they reflect the latest reader ratings and new novel releases.

How We Create Our 2026 Rankings

Our 2026 novel rankings are created through a comprehensive, data-driven process that combines quantitative metrics with qualitative editorial review. Here's how we ensure our rankings reflect the best novels available today.

Data Collection

We aggregate reading data, ratings, and engagement metrics from thousands of readers across multiple platforms, updated regularly throughout 2026.

Community Input

Reader ratings and reviews form the foundation of our rankings. We weight votes based on verified reading history to ensure authenticity.

Quality Scoring

Each novel receives a composite score based on average rating, vote count, reading list additions, and reader retention metrics.

Editorial Review

Our editorial team reviews top candidates for writing quality, translation accuracy, and overall reader experience.

Regular Updates

Rankings are refreshed quarterly to reflect new releases, updated ratings, and shifting reader preferences in 2026.

Transparency

We publish our methodology openly so readers understand exactly how novels earn their positions in our rankings.

Our 2026 Ranking Criteria

40%Reader Rating Score (weighted by vote count and recency)
25%Popularity Metrics (reading list additions, active readers)
20%Engagement Score (comments, reviews, recommendations)
15%Editorial Assessment (writing quality, translation, completeness)

Last updated: January 27, 2026 | Rankings reflect data collected through 2026

Ranked Novels

The Legend of Sun Knight

First Impressions

Mr. Melancholy Wants to Live a Peaceful Life

First Impressions

High Energy QR Code

First Impressions

I Am Average and Unremarkable

First Impressions

The Speedrun Manual of Miss Witch

First Impressions