The Best Isekai Manhwa With Protagonists Who Are Not OP

Summary

Power fantasies in isekai manhwa can lead to repetitive plots without true challenges for the protagonist.
Weak characters in isekai manhwa offer more engaging and rewarding stories with unique solutions.
Strategic thinking is essential in tower defense isekai stories, emphasizing plans and tactics over brute strength.

Reading power fantasies offers enjoyment as witnessing a main character display their prowess can be immensely gratifying. However, this enjoyment often comes at the expense of an intricate narrative, since such characters typically have the ability to bulldoze through any obstacle using sheer force. Consequently, the tale quickly becomes monotonous and uninteresting due to a lack of opportunities for genuine challenge for the protagonist.

In my perspective as a fan, it’s no secret that many isekai manhwas feature protagonists who are overpowered (OP). However, I find myself drawn to stories where the main character starts on the weaker side. The reason? Weak characters encounter fresh challenges in every situation, making their journey more captivating and their eventual growth all the more rewarding. In my opinion, these isekai manhwas are far more engaging and enjoyable precisely because they resist the trope of an overpowered hero.

10. Blink Master Of The Magic Academy

Gimmick Character Is Secretly Powerful

MyAnimeList Score: 7.44
Published: 2024 to Present
Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy, Isekai, Reincarnation, School
Author: Eunmilhi
Illustrator: Seoyu

In most video games I’ve encountered, there are characters seldom chosen by players. In the realm of “Aether World,” it seems that Baek Yuseol is one such overlooked character. Interestingly, a player named Baek Yuseol is reborn as this very character, tasked with uncovering the game’s genuine conclusion. However, achieving this goal appears to be a challenge, as Baek Yuseol possesses only the Blink spell as his magical ability.

In the original version, Baek Yuseol serves as a unique character, focusing on the ability called Blink, due to a health issue that prevents him from utilizing mana. Since our main character shares this weak constitution with Baek Yuseol, they need to employ thoughtful strategies to emerge victorious. Every decision presents a risk, thereby heightening the tension in every confrontation.

9. How To Use A Returner

Work Smarter, Not Harder

MyAnimeList Score: 7.64
Published: 2021 to Present
Genres/Themes: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Isekai
Author: Heuksujeo
Illustrator: Midnight Studio

In video games, beginners may receive assistance from advanced players to conquer tough levels. Similarly, in this death game scenario, Lee Giyoung finds himself transported into another world where he must survive. Regrettably, his initial stats are the weakest among all players and his development pace is slow. However, his unique talent – the ability to view others’ statuses – saves him from an early demise.

In a clever manner, Giyoung selectively teams up with individuals and, by chance, encounters someone from the future. Rather than boosting his power himself, he instead influences and persuades others towards the optimal path, often favorable to him. This unique take on isekai presents a protagonist who consistently remains weak.

8. Tyrant Of The Tower Defense Game

Strategy Is Key In Tower Defense

MyAnimeList Score: 7.75
Published: 2022 to Present
Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy, Isekai, Military, Reincarnation, Video Game
Author: Ryueun, Garam
Illustrator: Gyong

In many game isekai narratives, the setting is within RPGs; however, this manhwa offers a unique twist. Instead of a role-playing game world, our protagonist, now known as Prince Ash, gets transported into a tower defense game’s universe. Here, he faces an ongoing onslaught of monsters threatening the kingdom. His mission is to save the world, but it proves challenging since he’s not controlling pixels anymore; instead, he commands real people.

In tower defense games, while there’s continuous conflict, it’s primarily about strategic thinking rather than direct combat. Commander Prince Ash never engages personally in fights. Instead, he uses his game acumen to devise strategies and tactics to vanquish his adversaries. By enlisting powerful allies, Ash manages to compensate for the disparity in strength between the armies.

7. The Novel’s Extra

The Balanced Self-Insert Character

MyAnimeList Score: 7.76
Published: 2022 to Present
Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy, Isekai, Reincarnation, School
Author: Gapsong Ji
Illustrator: Carrot Studio

Isekai stories are commonly recognized for their self-insert nature, making the main characters rather unremarkable. However, in “The Novel’s Extra“, author Kim Hajin finds himself transported into his own novel, but not as the lead character. Instead, he’s a minor, insignificant figure with no plot importance. To free himself, he must make himself pivotal to the story.

Even though Hajin may seem like a secondary figure, there are certain advantages that come with being the author. For instance, he’s privy to future plot developments, can devise special abilities for himself, and leverages hidden world secrets. However, it’s important to note that despite these significant powers, Hajin is not the most powerful character in the narrative.

6. Lout Of Count’s Family

The Perks Of Having Powerful Friends

MyAnimeList Score: 7.82
Published: 2020 to Present
Genres/Themes: Fantasy, Isekai, Reincarnation
Author: Ryeo Han Yu
Illustrator: PAN4

Some fantasy worlds may have captivating tales, but they might not be ideal places to reside. For instance, when Kim Roksu dozes off while reading “Birth of a Hero,” he awakens transformed into Cale Henituse, a secondary antagonist in the narrative. This book is filled with hardships and impending war warnings. To secure a comfortable future, Cale embarks on a journey to amass allies and artifacts that can safeguard his existence.

Cale lacks practical skills in magic and fighting, but having thoroughly read the entire book, he’s privy to numerous secrets. Utilizing this knowledge, he forges connections with several influential individuals, such as the primary character and his companions. Remarkably, he even discovers potent ancient artifacts imbued with diverse powers.

5. Surviving The Game As A Barbarian

There Are No Cheats On Hardcore Mode

MyAnimeList Score: 7.82
Published: 2023 to Present
Genres/Themes:Action, Fantasy, Isekai, Reincarnation, Video Game
Author: Yungang Jeong
Illustrator: Nep

In challenging video games, seemingly harmless elements can pose a threat even for experienced gamers. After nine long years of playing “Dungeon and Stone”, Lee Hansoo triumphantly emerged victorious. However, instead of simply winning the game, he was astonishingly sucked into it as the character Bjorn. To stay alive, he must rely on his extensive gaming knowledge to battle monsters, delve into dungeons, and forge friendships.

Unlike most other manhwa, Bjorn can’t find a loophole or cheat in this particular game. The original “Dungeon and Stone” was remarkably straightforward with limited features, so players had to lean heavily on luck and talent. His main advantages lie in his robust barbarian physique and familiarity with the game.

4. Player

A New Player Climbs The Tower

MyAnimeList Score: 7.82
Published: 2020 to Present
Genres/Themes: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Isekai
Author: Jongseok Park
Illustrator: Hyeonjun Oh

Even a simple comment could lead to significant outcomes. After penning a brief message on his preferred comic strip, Heo Seol-Jin was whisked into the realm of that very comic by the deity Arthur. Inspired by Seol-Jin’s remark, he extended an opportunity for Seol-Jin to participate as a player and ascend in the Heavenly Arena Terrarium.

A seemingly insignificant comment can yield substantial results. Upon jotting down a few words on his favorite comic book, Heo Seol-Jin was drawn into the world of that comic by the divine figure Arthur. Stirred by Seol-Jin’s remark, he granted Seol-Jin the role as a player and the chance to progress through the Heavenly Arena Terrarium.

In this captivating narrative, the Lead Character, or our hero, embarks on an engaging transformation from weak to strong. The story is rich with trials and tribulations that Seol-Jin encounters, shaping him into a more profound individual and helping him clarify his aspirations. Along the way, he forges friendships and bolsters his strength, embodying the role he was destined to play. It mirrors the timeless pattern of a hero’s journey.

3. The Extra’s Academy Survival Guide

The Side Character Living In The Forest

MyAnimeList Score: 8.01
Published: 2023 to Present
Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy, Isekai, School
Author: Green Kyrin
Illustrator: Korita

Typically, villains don’t fare well in the end, even minor ones. The protagonist of this manhwa finds himself reborn as Ed Rothstalyer, a secondary antagonist from a video game. After being defeated by the initial main character, he is rejected by his family and evicted from his home. To maintain his place at the academy and secure his future, he needs to win a scholarship. This requires him to live frugally in the woods. However, the female characters from the game begin to interact with him, adding complications to his already challenging situation.

In the world of this game, character Ed is weakly built and lacks a knack for magic. When control shifts to the main character, it becomes clear that Ed’s survival hinges on learning practical skills such as crafting, hunting, and gathering resources. Throughout the narrative, he gradually grows stronger due to his constant battles for survival. Realizing he can never match the might of other characters, Ed relies on strategy and intelligence to get by.

2. Pick Me Up

1-Star Character Becomes The Strongest

MyAnimeList Score: 8.22
Published: 2022 to Present
Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy, Isekai, Video Game
Author: Hermod
Illustrator: Wasakbasak

Gacha games often have an issue called power creep, where free characters don’t measure up to limited ones in terms of power. This manhwa tells a story about Han Seojin who is reborn into a free character within the intense gacha game “Pick Me Up.” Unlike other games, death in this game means losing the unit permanently. To stay alive and be useful to the player controlling him, Seojin must demonstrate his value.

In an extraordinary twist on the typical isekai genre, I found myself immersed in a game unlike any other – “Pick Me Up.” Instead of playing as a human transported into this world, I step into the shoes of Han, an NPC with a unique perspective. As a one-star character, the lowest rank imaginable, I start with abysmal stats, slow growth, and no skills to speak of. Yet, against all odds, I grind relentlessly to emerge as the strongest in my lobby.

1. The Greatest Estate Developer

The Power Of Civil Engineering

MyAnimeList Score: 8.77
Published: 2021 to Present
Genres/Themes: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Isekai, Reincarnation
Author: Back-kyung Moon
Illustrator: Hyunsoo Kim

Typically, reincarnating as a secondary character often means living an unremarkable existence; however, when Kim Suho transforms into Lloyd Frontera, he discovers his life is in peril. Lloyd had a notorious image for being habitually drunk and violent, with his family on the brink of collapse. To ensure a secure future, he chooses to employ his engineering skills to elevate Lloyd’s social standing and enhance the wellbeing of those around him.

Lloyd might appear extraordinarily capable, considering he summons colossal hamsters for terraforming tasks. However, in essence, he is a typical individual. His abilities mainly revolve around infrastructure and construction, with his combat skills serving more as self-defense rather than offensive prowess. The true source of his power lies in his intelligence and knowledge, granting him significant influence.

2025-01-06 09:05