Step into the hilarious and action-packed world of Noobtown, where a guy named Jim—yes, just Jim—finds himself reborn in a fantasy realm that feels like a video game gone rogue! Ryan Rimmel’s Noobtown series is a standout in the LitRPG genre, blending snarky humor, town-building adventures, and epic quests with a protagonist who’s as relatable as he is unlucky. Perfect for fans of Dungeons & Dragons and irreverent fantasy, this series delivers laugh-out-loud moments alongside surprising depth.
From battling goblins to negotiating with cranky townsfolk, Jim’s journey in the chaotic world of Ordinal is anything but ordinary. With a sarcastic demon companion named Shart perched on his shoulder, Noobtown’s charm lies in its ability to poke fun at RPG tropes while crafting a story that’s both thrilling and heartfelt. Ready to explore why this series has captured the hearts of LitRPG fans? Let’s dive in!
How Noobtown Began
Ryan Rimmel, a self-professed Dungeons & Dragons enthusiast and tech tinkerer, launched the Noobtown series in 2019 with The Mayor of Noobtown. Inspired by his love for gaming and storytelling, Rimmel wanted to create a LitRPG world that felt like a living RPG, complete with stats, skills, and a hefty dose of humor. Drawing from his experiences playing tabletop games, he crafted a narrative that balances crunchy game mechanics with witty dialogue, making Noobtown a love letter to nerd culture.
The series’ origins are rooted in Rimmel’s desire to subvert the overpowered hero archetype. Jim, the protagonist, isn’t a chosen one—he’s just a guy stuck with a terrible name and a knack for surviving absurd situations. Published through Kindle and Podium Audio, with Johnathan McClain’s vibrant narration, Noobtown quickly gained traction for its fresh take on the isekai and LitRPG genres.
The Heart of Noobtown
The Noobtown series follows Jim, a man who dies in a car wreck and wakes up in Ordinal, a game-like world where he’s tasked with reviving the abandoned town of Windfall. In The Mayor of Noobtown (2019), Jim navigates a forgotten starter zone, battling monsters and grappling with his comically basic name, which locals equate to calling a dog “Spot.” Village of Noobtown (2019) sees him expanding Windfall, facing goblins, and dealing with a talking badger named Badgelor. Castle of the Noobs (2020) ramps up the stakes with an encroaching war, while Tower of the Noobs (2022) pits Jim against the growing threat of the Dark Overlord.
The series shines through its themes of personal growth, teamwork, and perseverance. Jim evolves from a self-pitying newbie to a resourceful leader, learning to balance power and responsibility. Rimmel’s minimalist approach to stats keeps the focus on story, avoiding the genre’s tendency for info-dumps. The setting—Ordinal’s vibrant, dangerous world—feels alive, with quirky NPCs and clever twists on RPG mechanics. The humor, often compared to Dungeon Crawler Carl, blends pop culture references with fourth-wall-breaking wit, making every page a delight.
Beyond the laughs, Noobtown explores how gaming shapes identity and relationships. Jim’s alliances with characters like Badgelor and Zorlando reflect the camaraderie of tabletop gaming, while his struggles mirror the real-world challenge of starting from nothing. This mix of heart and hilarity sets Noobtown apart in the crowded LitRPG landscape.
Why Noobtown Resonates
Noobtown has carved a niche in the LitRPG community, earning praise for its accessible storytelling and infectious humor. Fans on platforms like Reddit and Goodreads laud its balance of action, comedy, and character depth, with many calling it a must-read for Dungeon Crawler Carl enthusiasts. Johnathan McClain’s audiobook narration elevates the experience, bringing Jim’s snark and Shart’s sarcasm to life with impeccable timing.
The series’ lasting appeal lies in its relatability. Jim’s journey from zero to (almost) hero resonates with anyone who’s ever felt like an underdog, while its playful take on RPG tropes appeals to gamers and fantasy lovers alike. With nine books planned and a dedicated fanbase, Noobtown continues to grow, proving that even a noob can leave a lasting mark.
- Publication Years: 2019–present
- Number of Books: 8 released, 9th upcoming in 2025
- Genre: LitRPG, Fantasy, Comedy
- Narrator: Johnathan McClain (audiobooks)
Grab The Mayor of Noobtown and dive into Ordinal’s wild, witty world! Whether you’re a LitRPG veteran or a curious newcomer, Jim’s misadventures promise a rollicking ride you won’t forget.