Solo Leveling Season 1: Review By A Non-Anime Fan

Let me start by saying that I’ve tried getting into anime many times before, but it never worked. I tried the cute series, the creepy ones—I tried everything—but I was never able to finish a whole season. That changed thanks to Solo Leveling and its unique approach to gaming. The series takes us on a D&D-inspired journey, reminiscent of games like Baldur’s Gate, World of Warcraft, and Dragon Age. That’s the fun of Solo Leveling—Sung Jinwoo’s adventure in a game-like world is both epic and entertaining.

Solo Leveling Season 1 Plot

Jinwoo is the worst possible hunter—weak and a nuisance to every dungeon raid. However, after a mysterious encounter in which he sacrifices himself to save the others, he wakes up in a hospital and discovers that he can grow stronger like in a video game, leveling up step by step.

The epic fights in Solo Leveling Season 1 feel like progressing in an RPG. We follow Jinwoo as he farms weaker monsters to gain experience, battles bosses, and unlocks powerful rewards. Some might argue that this concept feels repetitive, but that’s part of the show’s charm.

The world of Solo Leveling is captivating, offering a fresh twist on Tolkien-style fantasy. It’s all about monsters, raids, mana crystals, and good armor—something WoW fans will love. Rival guilds fight over portals, power, and loot, but it’s not just about the rewards. Early on, we learn that if a portal isn’t closed quickly enough, monsters will invade the real world.

Keep Grinding

Jinwoo gets stronger, but so do his enemies, making each new challenge more exciting. Just because some quests seem easy doesn’t mean his journey will be. The stakes are high.

Final Thoughts

Season 1 of Solo Leveling is a fantastic watch for non-anime fans who love RPGs. The blend of gaming and fantasy is perfect for those who miss playing World of Warcraft or are hyperfixated on games like BG3. By translating gaming mechanics into animation, Solo Leveling delivers a power fantasy that captures the grind of gaining experience, the joy of leveling up, and the thrill of boss battles.