The Solo Leveling anime brings action, drama, and breathtaking animation to life (Photo: Solo Leveling/Lucasfilm Ltd)

How to Legally Read Solo Leveling: Manhwa and Novel Guide

Sung Jinwoo’s rise from weakest hunter to unstoppable warrior keeps fans hooked.

The anime adaptation of Solo Leveling has been a thrilling experience from the start, and with the second season airing since January, anticipation has remained high among fans eager for each new episode.

This Korean web novel’s transition into an anime series has drawn viewers in completely, and there’s no sign of that changing anytime soon.

Sung Jinwoo, the main character, faces intense challenges as he battles the Demon King and seeks the power necessary to protect those he holds dear. The action-packed storyline keeps viewers hooked.

The Demon King stands in Jinwoo’s way, but his power keeps growing (Photo: Solo Leveling/Lucasfilm Ltd)

Fans have responded with enthusiasm to the adaptation, showering it with praise for its sleek animation, well-developed character designs, outstanding voice acting, and well-paced storyline. Every episode delivers gripping moments filled with both drama and action, ensuring audiences are always kept on edge.

At the core of the series is Sung Jinwoo, a low-level hunter who unexpectedly gains magical abilities that allow him to fight and defeat monsters.

However, his early struggles in this dangerous line of work make it clear that he isn’t exactly excelling. Given that hunters are responsible for protecting humanity from increasingly dangerous creatures, success in this field is a must.

Initially, Jinwoo’s future as a hunter appears bleak, with little hope of making a name for himself. That all changes when he is chosen by the System, granting him a rare and unprecedented ability—he can level up. This power enables him to continuously acquire new skills and grow stronger.

With the second season progressing, Jinwoo has transformed into a formidable warrior who fully commands his new abilities. Still, threats continue to loom, ensuring that his journey remains filled with challenges.

For those interested in Jinwoo’s adventure but unsure where to begin, there are multiple ways to engage with Solo Leveling. Beyond the anime, there’s also a live-action adaptation in the works, though opinions on that remain mixed.

Rather than waiting for new episodes or a possible movie adaptation, the entire manga series is already available for reading. Read on to find out where you can access the Solo Leveling manga and experience the story for yourself.

Can I Read Solo Leveling Manga for Free?

Yes! There are two legal platforms where you can read it without cost: Tapas and Tappytoon.

Tapas, a South Korean website dedicated to webtoons and digital prose, offers access to various comics, including Solo Leveling. Additionally, it allows creators to publish their own works.

A variety of well-known manhwa titles can be found on the platform, Solo Leveling included. While the initial chapters are free, Tapas operates on a freemium model, meaning that later chapters require purchasing Tapas currency, known as Ink.

Ink can either be bought using real money or earned through certain activities like watching ads. Another option for reading Solo Leveling is Tappytoon. Similar to Tapas, it allows users to access the first few chapters at no cost.

Beyond those initial chapters, however, readers must pay to unlock additional content. Tappytoon provides some flexibility in accessing new chapters, as registered users only need to wait 12 hours before unlocking another chapter for free. Those without an account, however, must wait 24 hours before gaining access to the next chapter.

Where to Buy the Solo Leveling Manga

For those who prefer owning their copies, Solo Leveling can be purchased through Tappytoon and Tapas. However, if physical volumes are what you’re after, checking online retailers like Amazon or visiting bookstores such as Waterstones is recommended.

Is the Solo Leveling Manga Finished?

Yes! The Solo Leveling manga/manhwa concluded its run in December 2021 after first being released in 2016. The series was written by Chugong and illustrated by Jang Sung-rak, who unfortunately passed away in 2022.

How Many Chapters Are in the Solo Leveling Manga?

The Solo Leveling manga consists of 179 chapters.

Where Can I Get the Full Solo Leveling Manga Set?

A complete physical collection of Solo Leveling is not yet available, as new editions are still being printed and released.

For those eager to experience the full story without waiting for all the manga volumes, the entire Solo Leveling novel can be purchased as an omnibus edition on Amazon. However, keep in mind that this is the novel version, not the manga.

How Does the Solo Leveling Manga Differ from the Anime?

As things currently stand, differences between the Solo Leveling manga and its anime adaptation are relatively minor, though that could change as the series progresses. Most variations are subtle enough that they might not be noticed at first glance.

Solo Leveling’s second season delivers nonstop excitement and high-stakes action (Photo: Solo Leveling/Lucasfilm Ltd)

That said, some adjustments have been made in the anime, particularly to expand on Jinwoo’s character and provide more depth to his backstory. These changes, while not present in the manga, enhance his development.

A known difference occurs in the anime’s opening episode, where the prologue has been altered. Viewers are given additional insight into Korea’s Jeju Island, a detail that is absent from the manga. Despite these modifications, the entire experience remains enjoyable for both anime and manga fans alike.

Should You Read the Solo Leveling Manga Before Watching the Anime?

Any long-time fan of adaptations knows that changes are inevitable. Some alterations might be disappointing, while others can enhance the source material. It finally comes down to individual preference.

If you’re wondering whether to read the Solo Leveling manga before or after watching the anime, there’s no definitive answer—it depends on personal taste.

Those who enjoy immersive visuals and voice acting may prefer the anime first, while those who appreciate reading at their own pace might want to start with the manga.

Either way, Solo Leveling offers an engaging experience in both formats.