11 Best Comedies For Fans of Dungeon Crawler Carl
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Few fantasy series balance outrageous comedy, genuinely dangerous adventures, and surprisingly emotional character development quite like Matt Dinniman's Dungeon Crawler Carl. Following Carl and his intelligent, outspoken cat, Princess Donut, as they navigate an intergalactic reality television death game, the series combines LitRPG mechanics, dark humor, absurdist situations, and imaginative worldbuilding into an incredibly entertaining reading experience.
Fortunately, readers looking for more books that deliver that same combination of ridiculous characters, unconventional fantasy adventures, and laugh-out-loud writing have plenty of options. From hilarious progression fantasy and unconventional dungeon crawls to science fiction filled with sarcastic artificial intelligences, these ten books offer something special for fans of Dinniman's series. Some recreate its game-inspired mechanics, while others capture its irreverent sense of humor.
11 He Who Fights with Monsters by Shirtaloon
He Who Fights with Monsters is available to purchase now through this link
For readers who particularly enjoy Carl's sarcastic personality, He Who Fights with Monsters by Shirtaloon (Travis Deverell) is an excellent next choice. The first installment introduces Jason Asano, an ordinary Australian man who unexpectedly finds himself transported to a magical world filled with monsters, dangerous adventures, and an elaborate system of supernatural abilities.
Much like Dungeon Crawler Carl, the series uses RPG-inspired mechanics to structure its protagonist's increasingly ridiculous adventures. Jason's irreverent personality frequently puts him at odds with powerful individuals, while his unusual abilities make him an unpredictable opponent. The humor, entertaining supporting characters, and substantial progression make this an especially appealing choice for LitRPG fans.
10 Beware of Chicken by Casualfarmer
Beware of Chicken is available to purchase now through this link
Not every comedy needs an apocalyptic death game to deliver an entertaining adventure. Beware of Chicken by Casualfarmer takes cultivation fantasy in a considerably more relaxed direction, following a protagonist who abandons the dangerous world of martial arts sects in favor of building a peaceful life on a farm. Unfortunately, his new surroundings have some rather unusual inhabitants.
The series finds much of its comedy in the animals that gradually develop extraordinary abilities, including a rooster who becomes an accomplished martial artist. Its combination of ridiculous situations, charming relationships, and fantasy progression offers a welcome alternative to Carl's increasingly dangerous dungeon adventures. Readers who particularly enjoy Donut's larger-than-life personality should appreciate its memorable animal characters.
9 Orconomics by J. Zachary Pike
Orconomics is available to purchase now through this link
Fantasy readers who appreciate the satirical elements of Dungeon Crawler Carl should consider Orconomics, the first installment in J. Zachary Pike's The Dark Profit Saga. The story follows Gorm Ingerson, a disgraced dwarf and former professional hero whose attempt to help an undocumented goblin leads him into a dangerous quest involving powerful organizations and an unlikely adventuring party.
What makes the novel particularly entertaining is its approach to traditional fantasy conventions. Rather than simply celebrating heroic quests, Pike examines a world where adventuring, monster hunting, and treasure collection have become commercial enterprises. Its combination of familiar fantasy creatures and biting economic satire earned the book first place in the 2018 Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off.
8 The Mayor of Noobtown by Ryan Rimmel
The Mayor of Noobtown is available to purchase now through this link
Ryan Rimmel's The Mayor of Noobtown is another excellent recommendation for readers who enjoy watching an ordinary protagonist struggle through an increasingly ridiculous fantasy environment. The first book follows Jim, a man who dies and finds himself reincarnated in a fantasy world governed by RPG-style mechanics. Unfortunately, his second chance comes with plenty of complications.
Like Carl, Jim must learn how to survive in an unfamiliar environment while dealing with increasingly dangerous encounters and the strange rules governing his new existence. The series also embraces the comedic possibilities of video game mechanics, particularly when its protagonist encounters unexpected obstacles. Its irreverent humor and progression-focused storytelling make it a natural recommendation for Dinniman's readers.
7 Vainqueur the Dragon by Maxime J. Durand
Vainqueur the Dragon is available to purchase now through this link
What happens when a dragon discovers that defeating adventurers and accumulating treasure can become considerably more entertaining with an RPG progression system? That's the premise behind Vainqueur the Dragon by Maxime J. Durand. The story follows an extraordinarily powerful dragon who becomes fascinated with the possibilities of leveling up after discovering the mechanics governing his fantasy world.
Vainqueur's enormous ego and unusual priorities create plenty of opportunities for comedy, particularly when human characters become involved in his increasingly ambitious plans. The novel turns traditional fantasy expectations upside down by placing a dragon at the center of its progression-focused adventure. Fans of Donut's dramatic personality and Carl's unconventional approach to survival should find plenty to enjoy.
6 The Ripple System by Kyle Kirrin
Shadeslinger (The Ripple System Book #1) is available to purchase now through this link
For readers who enjoy the video game elements of Dungeon Crawler Carl, Kyle Kirrin's The Ripple System offers another entertaining adventure built around virtual reality gaming. Beginning with Shadeslinger, the series follows Frank, a wealthy recluse who enters a virtual reality MMORPG and becomes involved in an increasingly complicated adventure after acquiring an unusual weapon.
One of the biggest attractions is Frank's relationship with his talking axe, which has a personality of its own and regularly contributes to the story's comedy. Their conversations provide plenty of entertaining exchanges, while the game mechanics, character progression, and dangerous encounters maintain the excitement. Readers who particularly enjoy Carl and Donut's partnership should appreciate this unusual adventuring duo.
5 Unorthodox Farming by Benjamin Kerei
Oh, Great! I Was Reincarnated as a Farmer (Unorthodox Farming, Book 1) is available to purchase now through this link
Benjamin Kerei's Unorthodox Farming is another entertaining option for readers who enjoy fantasy worlds governed by familiar video game mechanics. Rather than focusing exclusively on traditional adventuring, the series explores the comedic possibilities of a protagonist attempting to make an unconventional farming lifestyle work in a world where character classes and abilities influence everyday life.
Its appeal comes from combining progression fantasy with an unusual premise and plenty of comedic situations. Like Dungeon Crawler Carl, the story understands how entertaining it can be when characters must work around the limitations and expectations imposed by their world's systems. However, its farming-focused approach provides a considerably different atmosphere, making it a good alternative when readers want something lighter.
4 The Time Diary: A Barstewards Tale by Scott Lee Evans
The Time Diary: A Barstewards Tale is available to purchase now through this link
Scott Lee Evans' The Time Diary is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy the unpredictable science fiction comedy of Dungeon Crawler Carl. The story follows David and Hank, two down-on-their-luck housemates from Torquay whose relatively ordinary lives take an extraordinary turn when they gain access to time travel. Suddenly, their decisions have potentially universe-ending consequences.
Much like Matt Dinniman's series, the novel finds plenty of humor in putting deeply flawed, unconventional characters into increasingly ridiculous circumstances. As alternate timelines, paradoxes, and morally questionable decisions pile up, David and Hank must confront the consequences of their actions. Published on May 16, 2025, the 435-page novel combines irreverent British humor, science fiction, and surprisingly thoughtful questions about morality and identity.
3 Mage Tank by Seth Ring
Mage Tank: A LitRPG Adventure is available to purchase now through this link
Mage Tank is another title worth investigating for readers who want more comedy alongside their LitRPG adventures. The novel combines fantasy action with game-inspired mechanics, offering an entertaining approach to character development and the challenges that come with navigating an unfamiliar world. Its central concept also provides opportunities to play around with traditional fantasy class expectations.
Fans looking for another adventure that doesn't take itself too seriously should appreciate its combination of fantasy mechanics and comedic storytelling. It is also a good option for readers who want to explore more titles within the increasingly popular LitRPG genre.
2 How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying by Django Wexler
How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying is available to purchase now through this link
Django Wexler's How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying offers an especdially entertaining combination of dark fantasy, violence, and irreverent humor. Its protagonist, Davi, finds herself trapped in a repeating cycle of death and resurrection while attempting to defeat the forces threatening her world. After countless failed attempts, she decides that becoming the villain might be considerably easier.
The premise provides plenty of opportunities for outrageous situations, especially as Davi abandons conventional heroic expectations in favor of increasingly questionable strategies. Much like Dungeon Crawler Carl, the novel balances ridiculous comedy with genuinely dangerous circumstances. Readers who enjoy protagonists who refuse to play by the rules should find Davi's unconventional approach to fantasy storytelling especially entertaining.
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