If you’re looking for a wild, hilarious, and action-packed LitRPG series that blends dark humor, sci-fi, and fantasy, Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman is a must-read. This addictive series follows Carl, a Coast Guard veteran, and his ex-girlfriend’s sassy talking cat, Princess Donut, as they navigate a deadly intergalactic game show set in a dungeon-crawling version of Earth. With its unique premise, engaging characters, and relentless pacing, it’s no wonder the series has exploded in popularity among fans of LitRPG, sci-fi, and adventure. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the Dungeon Crawler Carl books in order, share why this series is so captivating, and offer tips for diving into this unforgettable journey.
Why Read the Dungeon Crawler Carl Series?
Before we dive into the reading order, let’s talk about why Dungeon Crawler Carl has become a fan favorite. The series kicks off with an apocalyptic twist: Earth’s structures are obliterated by an alien corporation, and survivors are thrust into Dungeon Crawler World, a brutal reality TV show watched by billions of alien viewers. Carl and Princess Donut must battle bizarre monsters, navigate deadly traps, and outwit other contestants to survive the dungeon’s 18 levels. The series stands out for:
- Dark Humor and Witty Banter: The snarky exchanges between Carl and Donut are laugh-out-loud funny, balancing the story’s high stakes with moments of levity.
- Inventive World-Building: Each dungeon floor introduces new challenges, from undead circuses to haunted crypts, keeping the story fresh and unpredictable.
- Relatable Characters: Carl’s grit and Donut’s diva-like charm make them an unforgettable duo, with their bond driving the emotional core of the series.
- LitRPG Elements: Fans of progression fantasy will love the detailed stat-tracking, leveling systems, and loot rewards that add depth to the narrative.
Whether you’re a gamer, a sci-fi enthusiast, or just craving a unique adventure, this series delivers. To fully enjoy the story and avoid spoilers, it’s crucial to read the books in order, as the plot and character arcs build sequentially.
Dungeon Crawler Carl Books In Order of Release Date
Below is the complete list of Dungeon Crawler Carl books by Matt Dinniman in order of their release date, as of September 2025. The series follows a linear storyline, so reading in publication order is recommended for the best experience.
| # | Title | Release Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dungeon Crawler Carl | October 2, 2020 | Carl and Princess Donut enter a deadly intergalactic game show in a dungeon-filled Earth. |
| 2 | Carl’s Doomsday Scenario | February 2021 | The duo faces the Over City, battling undead clowns and bizarre threats. |
| 3 | The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook | April 2021 | Carl and Donut navigate the Iron Tangle, uncovering secrets to survive. |
| 4 | The Gate of the Feral Gods | October 2021 | The fifth floor brings warrior gnomes, haunted crypts, and new alliances. |
| 5 | The Butcher’s Masquerade | April 2022 | The Hunting Grounds introduce deadly tourists and a vengeful princess. |
| 6 | The Eye of the Bedlam Bride | July 2023 | On the eighth floor, Carl and Donut face forgotten gods and the Bedlam Bride. |
| 7 | This Inevitable Ruin | November 2024 | Faction Wars on the ninth floor pit Carl, Donut, and Katia against alien armies. |
Note: An eighth book, tentatively titled Carl’s Book of Boom, is expected in 2025, but no official release date has been confirmed. Check Matt Dinniman’s Patreon or Amazon for updates.
Dungeon Crawler Carl Books in Order
Here’s the complete list of Dungeon Crawler Carl books in publication order, which aligns with the chronological story progression. As of September 2025, seven books are published, with an eighth announced. Follow this order for the best reading experience:
- Dungeon Crawler Carl (2020)
The series begins with Earth’s transformation into a deadly dungeon for an alien game show. Carl, a recently dumped Coast Guard vet, teams up with Princess Donut, his ex’s pampered cat who gains the ability to speak. Together, they face exploding goblins, absurd challenges, and a galaxy of viewers judging their every move. This book sets the stage for their chaotic adventure.
Why Read It: A perfect introduction to the series’ mix of humor, gore, and heart.
Where to Find It: Available on Amazon, Kindle, and Audible (narrated by Jeff Hays). - Carl’s Doomsday Scenario (2021)
Carl and Donut descend to the Over City, a decayed metropolis filled with undead clowns and bizarre threats. The dungeon’s dangers escalate, and the stakes rise as the intergalactic audience’s ratings dictate their survival. Carl’s resourcefulness and Donut’s flair keep them alive—barely.
Why Read It: Deeper world-building and crazier challenges make this a thrilling follow-up.
Where to Find It: Available on Amazon, Kindle, and Audible. - The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook (2021)
The third book takes Carl and Donut to the Iron Tangle, a nightmarish subway system where logic and space bend. With sponsorships bringing new dangers and the leaderboard heating up, Carl uncovers secrets that could change the game.
Why Read It: The introduction of The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook adds intrigue and rebellion to the mix.
Where to Find It: Available on Amazon, Kindle, and Audible. - The Gate of the Feral Gods (2021)
On the fifth floor, Carl and Donut face a floating fortress, warrior gnomes, and a haunted crypt. Alliances with other crawlers become essential, but trust is hard to come by in this deadly game.
Why Read It: The stakes feel personal as Carl’s leadership shines.
Where to Find It: Available on Amazon, Kindle, and Audible. - The Butcher’s Masquerade (2022)
The sixth floor, known as the Hunting Grounds, introduces outside tourists who hunt crawlers for sport. Carl and Donut face a new predator, Vrah, while navigating a jungle teeming with savage dinosaurs and a vengeful princess.
Why Read It: The action intensifies, and the emotional depth of the characters grows.
Where to Find It: Available on Amazon, Kindle, and Audible. - The Eye of the Bedlam Bride (2023)
The eighth floor brings a pantheon of forgotten gods, a deteriorating AI system, and a deadly mission to capture six monsters for a card-based battle. Carl and Donut face the Bedlam Bride, a monster whose attack drives victims insane.
Why Read It: The series leans into psychological horror while maintaining its humor.
Where to Find It: Available on Amazon, Kindle, and Audible. - This Inevitable Ruin (2024)
The ninth floor pits Carl, Donut, and their ally Katia in a Faction Wars scenario, where nine armies compete to capture a central castle. For the first time, crawlers have their own army, but only one can leave the level alive.
Why Read It: A climactic installment with epic battles and high stakes.
Where to Find It: Available on Amazon, Kindle, and Audible. - Carl’s Book of Boom (Expected 2025, Working Title)
The eighth book’s details are still under wraps, but Matt Dinniman has teased more chaos for Carl and Donut. Stay tuned for updates on the release date!
Why Read It: Fans are eager for the next chapter in this addictive series.
Where to Find It: Check Matt Dinniman’s Patreon or Amazon for updates.
Note: Matt Dinniman has stated the series may span 10 books, but this isn’t set in stone. Always check for the latest releases, as the series is ongoing.
Why Read in Order?
The Dungeon Crawler Carl series follows a linear storyline, with each book building on the previous floor’s events, character growth, and plot twists. Skipping ahead risks missing critical developments, such as Carl’s evolving strategies, Donut’s hilarious upgrades, or the deepening conspiracy behind the dungeon. Reading in publication order ensures you experience the story as intended, with no spoilers to ruin the surprises.
Where to Start: Book or Audiobook?
The Dungeon Crawler Carl series is available in multiple formats, but the audiobooks, narrated by Jeff Hays and produced by Soundbooth Theater, are particularly popular. Hays’ dynamic narration, especially for Donut’s sassy voice, elevates the humor and drama, with some fans saying the audiobooks outshine the written versions. The series also offers an “Audio Immersion Tunnel” with full-cast narration, sound effects, and music for an even more immersive experience. If you prefer reading, the ebooks and paperbacks (published by Ace Books since 2024) include bonus material not found in earlier self-published versions.
- For Audiobook Fans: Start with Dungeon Crawler Carl on Audible. The first book is often on sale, and a free trial may be available.
- For Readers: Grab the Kindle or hardcover editions from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
Tips for New Readers
- Embrace the Chaos: The series thrives on absurdity—expect flaming bears, talking cats, and drug-dealing llamas. Don’t take it too seriously, and you’ll have a blast.
- Try the Audiobook First: Jeff Hays’ narration is a game-changer, especially for Donut’s diva moments.
- Join the Community: Check out the Dungeon Crawler Carl subreddit (r/DungeonCrawlerCarl) for fan discussions, memes, and updates.
- Explore Related Media: A TV series, webcomic, and tabletop RPG are in development, so dive into the expanding universe.
SEO Tips for Bloggers Writing About Dungeon Crawler Carl
If you’re a blogger looking to write about Dungeon Crawler Carl, here are some SEO-friendly tips to boost visibility and engage readers:
- Use Targeted Keywords: Include phrases like “Dungeon Crawler Carl books in order,” “Matt Dinniman series,” and “LitRPG recommendations” naturally in your content.
- Optimize for Featured Snippets: Structure your book list with clear headings and concise descriptions to rank for “people also ask” queries.
- Add Internal Links: Link to related posts on your blog, such as LitRPG recommendations or reviews of similar series like He Who Fights Monsters.
- Engage with Multimedia: Embed fan-made trailers, audiobook clips, or Webtoon previews (with permission) to increase dwell time.
- Leverage Social Proof: Mention the series’ New York Times bestseller status and fan praise to build credibility.
- Update Regularly: Refresh your post with new book releases or adaptation news to keep it relevant.
Final Thoughts
The Dungeon Crawler Carl series is a rollercoaster of dark humor, epic battles, and heartfelt moments that will hook you from the first page. By reading the books in order—starting with Dungeon Crawler Carl and continuing through This Inevitable Ruin—you’ll experience Carl and Donut’s journey in all its chaotic glory. Whether you choose to read or listen, this LitRPG saga is perfect for fans of gaming, sci-fi, and unpredictable adventures. Ready to dive into the dungeon? Grab the first book today and join the millions of fans cheering for Carl and Princess Donut!
Have you read Dungeon Crawler Carl? Share your favorite moment or floor in the comments below, and let us know if you’re team Carl or team Donut!
