A free web fiction platform where readers and writers gather around progression fantasy, LitRPG, and speculative fiction posted chapter by chapter.
Royal Road is a web fiction platform where authors publish serialized stories for free, with a strong focus on progression fantasy, LitRPG, GameLit, and speculative fiction. Originally inspired by Korean and Japanese web novel culture, it has grown into one of the largest English-language platforms for serialized genre fiction. The site features a detailed rating and review system, trending rankings, and an active community of readers who follow ongoing stories. Many Royal Road authors eventually publish their serials as ebooks on Amazon or get picked up by audiobook publishers.
Royal Road is where some of the most innovative genre fiction is happening right now. If you write progression fantasy, LitRPG, or system-driven stories, this is your platform. The audience is highly engaged, genre-literate, and willing to invest in long-running serials. Several Royal Road authors have built full-time writing careers by converting their free readership into Kindle and audiobook sales.
While not originally on Royal Road, Cradle became the gold standard for the progression fantasy genre that the platform champions, and its success shaped reader expectations on the site.
A time-loop progression fantasy that became one of Royal Road's most celebrated serials, later published as a complete novel to strong sales.
A comedic xianxia story that gained massive popularity on Royal Road before becoming a bestselling series on Amazon, proving that Royal Road can launch publishing careers.
A LitRPG that found its initial audience through web fiction communities and became a phenomenon in both ebook and audiobook formats.
Royal Road readers know their genres inside and out. If you are writing progression fantasy, they expect clear power systems and measurable growth. Study the top-rated stories in your subgenre before posting to understand what this specific audience values.
Royal Road readers track release schedules closely. Pick a realistic pace you can sustain, whether that is daily, three times a week, or weekly, and stick to it. Consistency matters more than frequency for building a loyal readership.
Reviews heavily influence a story's visibility on Royal Road. Engage respectfully with reviewers, even critical ones, and do not ask friends to leave inflated ratings. The community values honest feedback and can spot manipulation.
Browse Royal Road's Best Rated and Trending lists for one hour. Read the first chapter of three top-performing stories in a genre you enjoy. Pay attention to how each author handles their opening hook, pacing, and any system or progression elements. Then outline the first three chapters of a serial concept that would fit Royal Road's audience, noting what kind of progression or growth system your protagonist would follow.