Is 'From Goblin To Goblin God' A LitRPG Or Progression Fantasy?

I've read 'From Goblin to Goblin God' cover to cover, and it’s definitely progression fantasy with LitRPG elements sprinkled in. The core focus is on the protagonist’s growth from a weakling to a deity-like figure, which screams progression fantasy. There’s no rigid system with stats or menus—just raw evolution through battles and cunning. The goblin’s power surges feel organic, like unlocking latent potential rather than grinding XP. The world-building leans hard into fantasy tropes—ancient rituals, bloodline awakenings—not game mechanics. Some fans might call it LitRPG because of the occasional skill names or tiered abilities, but those are just flavor text. The real meat is the protagonist’s journey, not numbers going up.

As someone who’s obsessed with both genres, I’d argue 'From Goblin to Goblin God' straddles the line but ultimately favors progression fantasy. LitRPG typically requires clear RPG systems—levels, stats, interfaces—and this novel barely dips into that. The goblin’s ascent is more about mastering innate abilities and less about optimizing builds. The magic system feels alive, reacting to his will and circumstances rather than cold mechanics.

That said, it’s got enough LitRPG seasoning to appeal to fans of both. The protagonist’s transformations are quantified in stages—like 'Lesser Goblin' to 'Elder Beast'—which echoes tiered progression systems. Battles sometimes reference 'skills' or 'techniques,' but they’re described poetically, not clinically. The absence of a 'System' with notifications or quests keeps it from being true LitRPG. What’s fascinating is how it merges mythological ascension (think gods gaining followers) with personal power spikes, a hallmark of progression fantasy.

If you want something similar, check out 'The Beginning After the End' for pure progression or 'Azarinth Healer' for LitRPG depth. 'From Goblin to Goblin God' carves its own niche by blending the emotional weight of progression fantasy with just enough structure to satisfy gamers.

This series is progression fantasy wearing LitRPG’s clothes. The protagonist doesn’t have a status screen or loot drops—he’s fighting for survival in a brutal world where power comes from sacrifice, not quest rewards. The LitRPG crowd might feel cheated because there’s no 'System,' but progression fantasy fans will love how the goblin’s strength grows unpredictably. One moment he’s barely surviving wolves; fifty chapters later, he’s bending tribes to his will through sheer charisma and evolved physiology.

The magic here is visceral. When the goblin unlocks 'Bloodline Memories,' it’s not a skill point purchase—it’s a traumatic vision of ancestors. His 'Class Evolution' isn’t a menu choice; it’s a metamorphosis triggered by eating a rival’s heart. The series focuses on the cost of power, not the grind. If you enjoy stories where characters earn strength through suffering rather than menus, this is progression fantasy at its grittiest. For a harder LitRPG fix, try 'Defiance of the Fall.'