What is progression fantasy, and why should I care?
Progression fantasy is basically "character gets stronger, but make it systematic." Think of it like a video game where you can actually see the character stats going up, except it's in a book and the power systems actually make sense.
The whole point is watching someone start from basically nothing and work their way up through clearly defined stages of power. No random power-ups because the plot demands it—everything's earned through training, cultivation, or some other logical system. It's addictive because you get to experience that "level up" feeling alongside the character.
If you've ever played an RPG and felt that satisfaction when your sword skill finally hit the next tier, or if you've watched anime where characters unlock new abilities through actual effort rather than friendship speeches—that's the sweet spot progression fantasy hits.
How is progression fantasy different from regular fantasy?
Regular fantasy might have a farm boy who suddenly discovers he's secretly a chosen one with ultimate power. Progression fantasy says "nah, that farm boy's going to spend the next two books figuring out how to channel magic without blowing his own hand off."
The difference is in the journey. Traditional fantasy often focuses on the destination—defeating the dark lord, saving the kingdom, whatever. Progression fantasy makes the path to power just as important as what you do with it once you get there.
You'll see detailed magic systems, cultivation stages, skill trees, and power levels that actually matter. Characters don't just get stronger because the plot needs them to—they follow specific rules and methods. Think less "hidden bloodline awakens" and more "spent three months meditating on the concept of fire until I could finally light a candle without burning down the forest."
Is progression fantasy the same as LitRPG? What about cultivation novels?
They're cousins, not twins. LitRPG is the one with actual game mechanics—character sheets, experience points, system notifications popping up. Progression fantasy is more about the feeling of advancement without necessarily showing you the numbers.
Cultivation novels are actually a huge part of progression fantasy. They come from Chinese web fiction and focus on martial arts, spiritual advancement, and ascending through defined realms of power. Lots of meditation, some pill-popping (the good kind), and face-slapping arrogant young masters.
Runeforged Realms pulls from all of these but keeps things grounded. You get the systematic progression without stat sheets cluttering up the narrative, and the cultivation-style advancement without needing a PhD in Daoist philosophy to follow along. It's progression fantasy that doesn't make you keep a spreadsheet—though you're welcome to if you want!