Top 17 Most Popular Adventure Novels in 2026
Adventure novels scratch a particular itch. The appeal is straightforward: exploration, danger, and protagonists who actually go somewhere and do things rather than sitting around. What varies is whether that journey feels earned or if the protagonist just stumbles from one convenient power-up to the next. The popular titles here generally manage the former, though your tolerance for certain tropes will affect how much you enjoy them.
Chinese adventure stories often blend in cultivation elements, making progression systematic but sometimes formulaic. Korean adventures frequently feature game-like systems with stats and levels. Japanese isekai dominates their adventure offerings, with mixed results depending on whether the author has anything interesting to say beyond the premise. Each tradition has produced genuinely good work alongside plenty of forgettable entries.
Ranked Novels
- 1TOP PICK
Everyone Else is a Returnee
4.3(3.5K ratings)Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Yu Ilhan was always the one left behind. Left out of cliques in school.
First Impressions
"Everyone Else is a Returnee" is a web novel that I dove into with a mix of excitement and trepidation, given its high overall rating and diverse range of reader opinions. It’s a story about a protagonist left behind on Earth while everyone else is transported to another world to train for a coming apocalypse. The premise is intriguing and promises a unique take on familiar tropes, but does it deliver? Here's my take. Initially, I was hooked by the concept. A loner, overlooked by the divine, gains immense power through sheer dedication and hard work. It's a classic underdog story with a twist....
- 2RUNNER UP
Quickly Wear the Face of the Devil
4.5(3.4K ratings)Genre: action, adult, adventure
A top hacker was chosen by the Lord God to be reborn into countless worlds, always as an expendable villain. With no free will, every world became a dead end.
First Impressions
"Quickly Wear the Face of the Devil" is quite the ride, a whirlwind of different worlds and romantic entanglements that kept me thoroughly entertained, even if it wasn't always perfect. It's a novel that seems to inspire both fervent devotion and some equally strong reservations, and I can see where both sides are coming from. Jumping into this novel, I was immediately struck by the sheer variety. The premise of a protagonist transmigrating through multiple worlds, each with its own unique genre and storyline, is undeniably appealing. There's something for everyone here, from ancient China set...
- 3HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
T*ash of the Count’s Family
4.5(3.3K ratings)Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
When I opened my eyes, I was inside a novel. I became a part of that novel as the tr*sh of the Count’s family, the family that oversaw the territory where the first village that Choi Han visits is located.
First Impressions
I finally dove into Tash of the Count’s Family, and I have to say, it's quite the ride. With its high overall rating and a massive list of tags, I was definitely curious to see what all the hype was about. Having read a fair chunk of it, I can see the appeal, but also some of the issues that might turn readers off. Initially, the premise felt familiar: a Korean transmigrator ends up in the body of a trashy noble within a novel he'd read. The MC's goal? To live a peaceful, wealthy life, avoiding all conflict. I was a little worried it would be another generic "lazy MC gets dragged into trouble"...
- 4EDITORS CHOICE
I Shall Seal the Heavens
4.3(3.2K ratings)Genre: action, adventure, drama
“What I want, the Heavens shall not lack! ” “What I don’t want, had better not exist under the Heavens!
First Impressions
"I Shall Seal the Heavens" (ISSTH) is a web novel that I found myself diving deep into, and it's been quite the journey. With its blend of action, adventure, and xianxia elements, it's easy to see why so many readers have been captivated. However, like any story of this length, it has its high points and its low points. Initially, I was drawn in by the unique premise. The protagonist, Meng Hao, starts as a regular scholar, far from the overpowered reincarnations or clan heirs that often populate the genre. This fresh start was a welcome change, and I appreciated the early focus on his cleverne...
- 5EDITORS CHOICE
Release that Witch
4.5(3.0K ratings)Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Chen Yan travels between worlds, ending up becoming an honorable prince in a medieval fantasy world. Yet this world was not quite as simple as he thought.
First Impressions
"Release that Witch" is a web novel that I dove into with a mix of curiosity and skepticism, given its high ratings and somewhat misleading title. What I found was a surprisingly engaging story, albeit one with some notable flaws. It's a unique blend of genres that, while not perfect, held my attention far more than I initially expected. Initially, the title and cover art gave me the impression that this would be another generic harem story. However, I was quickly proven wrong. The premise is intriguing: a modern-day mechanical engineer reincarnated as a disregarded prince in a medieval-esque ...
- 6#6 PICK
The Second Coming of Gluttony
4.3(2.9K ratings)Genre: action, adventure, comedy
“The son of god Gula has returned. ” I was lost in the world of gambling.
First Impressions
I've spent some time diving into "The Second Coming of Gluttony," and it's been quite the ride. This web novel certainly has its strong points, but it's not without its flaws. It’s one of those stories that really grabs you, but also makes you scratch your head at times. Initially, I was hooked by the unique premise. The main character, Seol, starts as a complete scumbag – a gambling addict who's hit rock bottom. This isn't your typical wish-fulfillment isekai. Instead, it promises a genuine redemption arc, fueled by the bitterness of past mistakes. The initial tutorial and neutral zone segmen...
- 7#7 PICK
The Reader and Protagonist Definitely Have to Be in True Love
4.5(2.4K ratings)Genre: action, adventure, comedy
An internet troll who wanted attention, the reader criticized his favorite web novel, saying: “The protagonist is dumb and the author is s*upid. ” Author: “…Got it.
First Impressions
This novel had been sitting on my to-read list for ages, and I finally took the plunge. "The Reader and Protagonist Definitely Have to Be in True Love" promises a unique twist on the transmigration trope, and for the most part, it delivers. The premise is undeniably intriguing. A reader gets sucked into their favorite web novel, one they inadvertently ruined with their troll comments, and now has to fix the protagonist's tragic fate. The initial chapters are filled with humor, and the MC's internal monologues had me chuckling. There's a lot of potential established early on. The novel starts w...
- 8#8 PICK
Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint
4.6(2.4K ratings)Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Kim Dok-Ja does not consider himself the protagonist of his own life. Befitting the name his parents gave him, he is a solitary person whose sole hobby is reading web novels.
First Impressions
"Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint" is a wild ride, and I can definitely see why it's garnered so much attention. It’s the type of story that grabs you and refuses to let go, throwing you headfirst into a world that's both familiar and utterly bizarre. Overall, I found it a compelling read, although not without its quirks. The premise is undeniably intriguing: a lone reader, Kim Dokja, finds himself living in the world of the web novel he’s obsessed over for a decade. The world is transported to his, and he now has the immense knowledge of how it will end, or so he thinks. It's a fantastic setup t...
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- 9#9 PICK
The Earth is Online
4.6(2.1K ratings)Genre: action, adventure, mature
Six months ago, tens of thousands of black phantom towers appeared all over the world, floating above the cities. Chemists, physicists, religious people… all of them could do nothing.
First Impressions
"The Earth is Online" promised a thrilling blend of action, mystery, and survival with a BL twist, and after diving in, I can confidently say it delivered an engaging, albeit sometimes challenging, experience. The premise is immediately captivating: a sudden apocalypse forces humanity into deadly games orchestrated by the enigmatic Black Tower. I was initially drawn in by the unique concept and the promise of a clever protagonist navigating a world turned into a perilous game. The early chapters successfully establish the stakes and introduce Tang Mo, our resourceful and observant MC. I found ...
- 10#10 PICK
The Novel’s Extra
4.2(2.4K ratings)Genre: action, adventure, drama
Waking up, Kim Hajin finds himself in a familiar world but an unfamiliar body. A world he created himself and a story he wrote, yet never finished.
First Impressions
"The Novel's Extra" is a web novel that throws you headfirst into a familiar yet twisted world: that of a struggling author transmigrated into his own creation. The premise alone had me hitting "read," and while the journey had its ups and downs, it definitely left an impression. The initial chapters hooked me with the novelty of the setup. Our protagonist, a somewhat unremarkable author, finds himself not as the hero, but as a forgettable extra in the very novel he penned. This subversion of the typical isekai trope was refreshing. I was eager to see how he'd navigate a world he thought he kn...
- 11#11 PICK
My Death Flags Show No Sign of Ending
4.5(2.0K ratings)Genre: action, adventure, drama
When he came to his senses, Hirasawa Kazuki, a normal university student, found himself in possession of the body of a game’s character. Moreover, it was Harold Stokes, the story’s most hated character who was even given the title 『King of Tr*sh』by the players.
First Impressions
"My Death Flags Show No Sign of Ending" has been quite the ride! Jumping into this isekai adventure, I was immediately hooked by the unique premise. It's not every day you see a protagonist reincarnated as a villain, especially one with a rather… unfortunate speech impediment. The initial chapters grabbed me with their blend of humor and intrigue. The protagonist, a university student reborn as Harold Stokes, a hated character from a game he loves, immediately has to navigate a world where his words constantly betray his intentions. It's a clever twist on the usual isekai formula and sets the ...
- 12#12 PICK
A Will Eternal
4.4(2.0K ratings)Genre: action, adventure, comedy
One will to create oceans. One will to summon the mulberry fields.
First Impressions
Alright, let's dive into "A Will Eternal." I've spent some time digging through what readers are saying, and I've got a pretty good feel for this one. It seems to be a novel that evokes strong reactions, both positive and negative. The initial chapters seem to be a real hit. Many readers, myself included, found themselves laughing out loud. The main character, Bai Xiaochun, is definitely not your typical righteous hero. He's cunning, a bit shameless, and driven by a very relatable fear of death. This makes for some hilarious situations right from the start, and the author, Er Gen, seems to kno...
- 13#13 PICK
Kumo Desu ga, Nani ka?
4.4(1.9K ratings)Genre: action, adventure, comedy
The world where the Hero and the Demon King continue to oppose each other. The grand magic from the Hero and the Demon King cross over worlds and exploded in the classroom of a certain high school.
First Impressions
"Kumo Desu ga, Nani ka?" is a web novel that took me on quite the ride. It's a reincarnation story with a twist, throwing our protagonist into the body of a spider monster in a deadly labyrinth. While the initial premise might sound familiar, the execution is anything but typical. Initially, I was hooked by the unique perspective of a spider navigating a dangerous world. The early chapters focus heavily on survival, grinding, and skill acquisition. Some might find this part slow-paced, and even repetitive, but I found it quite entertaining, especially with the main character's internal monolog...
- 14#14 PICK
The Legendary Master’s Wife
4.3(1.9K ratings)Genre: action, adult, adventure
After a sudden and unfortunate explosion, You Xiaomo wakes up in a body and a world that isn’t his own. With his name being the only remaining thing familiar to him, he has to adapt quickly, a task as incredulous as it is dire.
First Impressions
"The Legendary Master’s Wife" is quite the ride, a sprawling xuanhuan novel with a healthy dose of yaoi that seems to have divided readers. It definitely kept me hooked, but not without some reservations along the way. Jumping in, I was immediately drawn to the world-building. The author clearly put a lot of effort into crafting a detailed and immersive cultivation world, and I appreciated the gradual unfolding of its intricacies. It felt like I was learning alongside the MC, You XiaoMo, as he navigated this new reality. The initial focus on alchemy and adventure was also a plus....
- 15#15 PICK
To Be a Power in the Shadows! (WN)
4.4(1.6K ratings)Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Just like how everyone adores heroes in their childhood, a certain boy adored those who hid in the shadows. One day, after living the mediocre life of a side character while undergoing frenzied training by night, he reincarnates in a different world and gains ultimate power.
First Impressions
I dove into "To Be a Power in the Shadows!" with a healthy dose of curiosity, and I've come out the other side with quite a few thoughts. This web novel is definitely... something. It's a wild ride that blends action, comedy, and fantasy in a way that's both incredibly entertaining and, at times, utterly baffling. Initially, I was hooked by the premise. The idea of a protagonist who's convinced he's living out a chuunibyou fantasy, only for it to actually be real, is comedy gold. The early chapters had me laughing out loud. It's a unique twist on the isekai genre, and I appreciated the author'...
- 16#16 PICK
My Disciple Died Yet Again
4.5(1.6K ratings)Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Game designer Zhu Yao accidentally gets transmigrated into a new xianxia VR game that is currently in development. There she becomes the disciple of the most beautiful male immortal Yu Yan who had to wait 16 thousand years before finally getting a disciple of his own.
First Impressions
"My Disciple Died Yet Again" is a wild ride, a xianxia story that isn't afraid to poke fun at itself and the genre as a whole. It's a blend of action, adventure, comedy, drama, fantasy, josei, and romance, which might sound like a lot, but somehow the author manages to make it (mostly) work. Initially, I wasn't sure what to make of it. The beginning felt a bit slow, and the humor didn't always land for me. The premise is unique: a modern-day debugger gets transported into a xianxia world to fix "bugs," and when she fails, she dies and reincarnates, each time with a new perspective and challeng...
- 17#17 PICK
Don’t Pick Up Boyfriends From the T*ash Bin
4.7(1.0K ratings)Genre: adventure, comedy, drama
Chi Xiaochi: fourth-rate citizen at birth, three-time award-winning film emperor, second-rate temper, first-class looks. He crawled his way out of hell on hard mode to become a winner at life.
First Impressions
"Don't Pick Up Boyfriends From the Tash Bin" is a web novel that grabbed my attention with its intriguing premise and overwhelmingly positive reviews. I dove in, ready for a unique ride through multiple worlds, and I wasn't disappointed. It's a story that lingers in your mind long after you've finished reading. The initial hook of a 'sum gong reconditioning' system is what drew me in, and the first few chapters definitely set the stage for a darkly comedic adventure. I was immediately impressed by the writing style, which felt both grounded and subtly lyrical, creating a captivating atmosphere...
Conclusion
These seventeen represent what's currently drawing the most reader engagement in adventure fiction. If you want something that keeps moving and doesn't get bogged down in slice-of-life tangents, most of these deliver on that front. Check the origin language tags if you have preferences about style conventions.
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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.
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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

















