Top 21 Sci Fi Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

By Genre

21 Novels

Sci-fi in web novels skews toward space opera and near-future scenarios with gaming or system elements rather than hard science fiction. Chinese web novels have produced some interesting entries, often blending technological frameworks with cultivation-style progression. Korean novels explore virtual reality and apocalyptic futures frequently. If you're coming from traditional sci-fi literature, expect different conventions.

What makes web novel sci-fi work is internal consistency. The speculative elements need stable rules even if those rules differ from hard science. The novels ranked here maintain their internal logic rather than changing the rules for plot convenience. They also tend to use their sci-fi elements to explore ideas rather than treating them purely as setting dressing.

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TOP PICK
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...
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2
RUNNER UP
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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HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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 ...
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EDITORS CHOICE
Little Mushroom
4.8
(1.8K ratings)
Genre: drama, psychological, romance
“Until the day humanity falls. ” In the year 2020, Earth’s magnetic poles disappeared and humankind was nearly wiped out by cosmic radiation.
First Impressions
"Little Mushroom." Don't let the cute title fool you. This isn't a fluffy, lighthearted story; it's a poignant journey through a post-apocalyptic world, seen through the eyes of a naive, yet incredibly endearing, little mushroom. I went in expecting one thing and got something far more complex and emotionally resonant. Initially, I was drawn in by the unique premise: a mushroom that takes on a human form and embarks on a quest. But it quickly became clear that this was more than just a quirky adventure. The world-building is intricate and immersive, painting a vivid picture of a dying planet a...
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EDITORS CHOICE
Global Examination
4.7
(1.5K ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, horror
The whole world is subjected to a highly dangerous standardised exam called the Global Examination. Answering questions by putting their lives at stake, they would live if they passed the test.
First Impressions
"Global Examination" is a wild ride of a novel, and I can definitely see why it has such a devoted following. From the very first chapter, I was thrown into a bizarre world of deadly exams, quirky characters, and an overarching mystery that kept me hooked. It blends elements of action, comedy, horror, and romance (shounen ai/yaoi) into a surprisingly cohesive whole. Initially, the premise of a life-or-death exam system felt a little chaotic. The early chapters are heavy on the examination aspects, which I didn't mind, but I can see why some readers might find it a bit confusing or dry until th...
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6
#6 PICK
Mist
4.7
(1.4K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, mature
Hyperthymesia. Those with this condition can remember every detail of their lives from something as significant as the world’s turning point to something as small and as insignificant as a minor fleeting thought.
First Impressions
"Mist" is a web novel that really took me on a ride. Blending action, adventure, sci-fi, and romance with a dash of mystery, it's a story that demands your attention. While it has its quirks, the overall experience was definitely memorable. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of time travel interwoven with complex sci-fi elements. The beginning felt a bit slow as the characters were being introduced, and I wondered if the romance would feel rushed. However, as the story progressed, the initial setup proved essential for understanding the intricate plot and the characters' motivations. I q...
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#7 PICK
Crossing to the Future, it’s Not Easy to Be a Man
4.5
(976 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
After dying from a strange terminal illness, Ling Lan was reborn into a world 10,000 years into the future. Although she dearly wished she could just live a peaceful and uneventful life in her new healthy body, fate had other plans… Forced to disguise herself as a boy just so she could inherit h...
First Impressions
"Crossing to the Future, it’s Not Easy to Be a Man" is quite the ride! With its blend of action, adventure, comedy, and a healthy dose of gender-bending mecha sci-fi, it's easy to see why this novel has garnered so much attention. It certainly grabbed mine. Initially, I was intrigued by the high ratings and the unique premise of a female protagonist navigating a futuristic, male-dominated society while disguised as a man. The early chapters hooked me with the introduction of Ling Lan, a girl reborn into a world of mechas and interstellar wars, and the circumstances that forced her to adopt a m...
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#8 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...
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#9 PICK
A Guide to Raising Your Natural Enemy
4.5
(889 ratings)
Genre: adventure, comedy, mecha
As long as hamster spirit Shu Shu can survive the lightning tribulation, then his cultivation will be able to turn him into a human. In the end, the lightning tribulation strikes him and he arrives in the… future?
First Impressions
"A Guide to Raising Your Natural Enemy" promised a fluffy, comedic adventure, and for the most part, it delivered! I went in expecting a lighthearted read, and while it had some minor issues, I found myself charmed by the characters and the overall premise. The initial hook of a hamster-turned-human raising a dragon (or, well, his son who turns into a dragon) was definitely unique. I was immediately drawn in by the promise of a slightly skewed perspective from the MC, Shu Shu, given his past life as a hamster. The early chapters were particularly strong, setting up the world and the unusual dy...
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#10 PICK
Dominion’s End
4.5
(730 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
The red meteor shower rained across the sky, a black fog engulfed the world. After waking from a night of torture and agony, Humans discovered they no longer dominated the world.
First Impressions
"Dominion's End" has been quite the ride so far! Jumping into a post-apocalyptic world with a gender-bending protagonist wasn't exactly on my radar, but I'm definitely hooked. The story blends action, adventure, comedy, and a touch of the supernatural in a way that keeps me constantly entertained. Initially, the premise seemed a bit chaotic – age regression, amnesia, an alternate world, and an apocalypse all rolled into one? It felt like a lot to take in. But the writing quickly won me over. I was immediately drawn to the main character's internal struggles and the dynamic between the siblings...
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11
#11 PICK
Surprise! The Supposed Talent Show Was Actually–?!
4.6
(634 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Wu Jin, as a trainee from a certain entertainment company, had a peerless, stunning face. He was qualified to debut as a lead performer even if he just sat there and did nothing.
First Impressions
This novel, "Surprise! The Supposed Talent Show Was Actually–?!", has been quite the ride! It's a blend of genres I didn't expect to enjoy so much, and I found myself completely engrossed in the story. While it has some quirks, the overall experience was definitely worth it. Initially, I was drawn in by the unique premise: an idol trainee entering what he thinks is a talent show, only to find himself in a futuristic battle royale. The story throws you right into the action, and I was immediately curious about how the protagonist, Wu Jin, would navigate this bizarre new world. The early chapter...
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Conclusion

If you want rigorous hard sci-fi with careful scientific grounding, web novels may frustrate you. That subgenre is rare here. But if you're open to sci-fi as a flavor mixing with action, progression, or cultivation elements, interesting work exists. Keep expectations flexible about genre conventions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our rankings combine reader ratings (40%), popularity metrics (25%), engagement data (20%), and editorial review (15%). We update rankings quarterly to reflect the latest reader sentiments.

The best sci-fi novels excel in their genre-specific elements while delivering compelling characters and plots. Reader satisfaction and re-readability are key factors in our selection.

We update our rankings quarterly throughout 2026 to incorporate new releases, changing reader preferences, and updated rating data.

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

Quickly Wear the Face of the Devil

First Impressions

Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

First Impressions

The Earth is Online

First Impressions

Little Mushroom

First Impressions

Global Examination

First Impressions

Mist

First Impressions

Crossing to the Future, it’s Not Easy to Be a Man

First Impressions

Don’t Pick Up Boyfriends From the T*ash Bin

First Impressions

A Guide to Raising Your Natural Enemy

First Impressions

Dominion’s End

First Impressions