No Harem, Overpowered Male Protagonist

No Harem, Overpowered Male Protagonist
When the protagonist is an unfaithful loser, do you have the urge to transmigrate into the novel to give him a good beating? If so, I present to you a list of novels I enjoyed with an overpowered male protagonist and no harem. Featuring:

- overpowered protagonist
- no harem, preferably no romance
- loner, antihero, or evil protagonist (not a guarantee)
22 90326 66
246 Followers
Crepescule
Created: Apr 12th, 2020, Updated: Mar 12th, 2023
Created Apr 12th, 2020
Updated Mar 12th, 2023
CN (4.4)
40 Chapters Every 280.6 Day(s) 7219 Readers 189 Reviews 12-14-2018
Literally my favorite novel.
CN (4.6)
603 Chapters Every 1 Day(s) 3365 Readers 29 Reviews 03-28-2024
Why is this novel low-key better than Lord of the Mysteries...? It has the same steampunk/Cthulhu setting, and the two novels are surprisingly similar in other aspects.... more>>
CN (4.7)
113 Chapters Every 529.6 Day(s) 13255 Readers 375 Reviews 02-06-2019
Edit: Alright, I'm going to be honest. Klein isn't overpowered at all - there's too many background forces for it to ever happen. That's why I never actually finished the novel (lol) and why I've decided to not read the second one.... more>>
CN (4.7)
24 Chapters Every 25.8 Day(s) 1251 Readers 11 Reviews 06-05-2023
Edit: Great writing as usual, but a huge disappointment for me in terms of plot. Read the review for Lord of the Mysteries to understand me.... more>>
CN (3.6)
744 Chapters Every 16.9 Day(s) 3001 Readers 39 Reviews 11-02-2023
The quality of the translation is worse than MTL. Don't even attempt to read it.
CN (4)
100 Chapters Every 520.3 Day(s) 21749 Readers 495 Reviews 04-25-2016
Reverend Insanity could never lol.... more>>
CN (4)
39 Chapters Every 122.4 Day(s) 2835 Readers 53 Reviews 03-29-2019
I know, I can see the slice of life tag, but it doesn't count.
CN (4.3)
38 Chapters Every 222.5 Day(s) 1203 Readers 47 Reviews 03-27-2020
CN (4.4)
20 Chapters Every 45.4 Day(s) 321 Readers 10 Reviews 05-18-2022
A new novel from the author of The Legendary Mechanic! The first world is amazing, but the second world is a martial arts one (and,... more>>
CN (3.9)
336 Chapters Every 88 Day(s) 5609 Readers 33 Reviews 05-07-2022
CN (4.4)
163 Chapters Every 18.9 Day(s) 2387 Readers 26 Reviews 01-10-2024
This is much better than all of the other behind the scenes and fourth natural disaster novels. It's very well-written, and the author is experienced... more>>
CN (3.6)
70 Chapters Every 108.5 Day(s) 1115 Readers 22 Reviews 10-22-2019
CN (3.9)
577 Chapters Every 18.9 Day(s) 766 Readers 10 Reviews 07-13-2023
I enjoyed reading about the first world (Naruto). The protagonist is very evil, and I love Naruto fanfictions that are about being a member of... more>>
KR (3.9)
17 Chapters Every 179 Day(s) 18529 Readers 252 Reviews 02-17-2019
Yes, I actually think this is the best Korean novel (but not the best manhwa haha). No judgement, please. I don't care much for the... more>>
CN (4.2)
47 Chapters Every 28.3 Day(s) 281 Readers 2 Reviews 02-27-2024
I've read 1200 chapters of this novel. That's quite impressive, at least for me. ... more>>
CN (4.4)
456 Chapters Every 20.8 Day(s) 9968 Readers 114 Reviews 06-14-2023
This novel is a little overrated... ... more>>
KR (3.7)
195 Chapters Every 45.7 Day(s) 6789 Readers 56 Reviews 12-12-2022
One of the first novels I came to enjoy on NovelUpdates.
KR (4.1)
267 Chapters Every 31.7 Day(s) 13213 Readers 60 Reviews 01-21-2024
KR (3.9)
38 Chapters Every 81.1 Day(s) 666 Readers 10 Reviews 07-26-2021
Fits all of the requirements in the description. A rather short novel about revenge. I'm loving the protagonist. He's handsome and always giggles like a... more>>
CN (3.9)
0 Chapters Every 2107 Day(s) 7665 Readers 184 Reviews 06-22-2018
CN (3.7)
40 Chapters Every 665.9 Day(s) 9250 Readers 288 Reviews 06-01-2016
RIP
KR (4)
12 Chapters Every 241 Day(s) 11488 Readers 88 Reviews 09-29-2020
CN (3.7)
80 Chapters Every 477.1 Day(s) 14014 Readers 277 Reviews 03-14-2017
The romance started around chapter 755. Not sure about the harem, but it doesn't seem to be there, according to others.... more>>
CN (3.9)
465 Chapters Every 52.5 Day(s) 6111 Readers 60 Reviews 02-18-2022
It’s really good and unique at first, but you’ll eventually get tired of it.
KR (3.9)
21 Chapters Every 186.9 Day(s) 16844 Readers 182 Reviews 11-09-2017
Apparently, there's a harem (the tag) and the protagonist's personality degenerates a lot in the latter half of the novel. But I think I've read... more>>
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Comments (22)
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  1. AnotherBoredPerson
    AnotherBoredPerson· Apr 13, 2020 09:25 AM
    I recommend tr*sh of the count's family for this list. TCF doesn't has romance and really great! And Overlord seems suited in this list. clear.pngclear.png
    Reply · 4 Likes · ·
    • Crepescule
      Crepescule· Author · Apr 13, 2020 10:07 PM

      Yeah, I've heard of Overlord, but I prefer protagonists who look human. I like to picture scenes in my mind. 

      I've read through a few chapters of TCF in the past, but the protagonist didn't seem that overpowered. Does he get really strong at some point? Like he can defeat everyone without trying too hard?

      Reply · ·
    • pendwelling
      pendwelling· May 6, 2020 08:24 AM

      @Crepescule I wouldn't really say he becomes overpowered because he is (and is conscious of the fact that he is) physically pretty weak. Although, he has the usual transmigration advantage that is "I read the first five novels of the book I transmigrated in" and because of that, he manages to collect ancient powers that make him hella OP but they do have drawbacks so he can't use them like a full-on beast, get what I mean?

      So I wouldn't say he is weak, per se, he's overpowered but not too OP. Putting aside the powers he collects along the way, I'd say he's more OP when it comes to his planning/strategizing. He is very much like a chess master, letting his party do most of the actual heavy lifting, but when he does enter a fight, usual it's when he really needs to use his power regardless of drawbacks. (Although I wouldn't call him OP enough to defeat an enemy with a few moves.)

      (And the lack of romance is great, honestly. There's no harem or forced romance and fittingly so since the MC feels very much like the kind of person that wouldn't bother with romance, but if you could consider a protection squad as a harem, then I guess it can be one haha)

      Reply · ·
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    • animefan4004
      animefan4004· Sep 21, 2020 12:27 PM
      @Crepescule I suggest you go read “Isaac”
      Reply · ·
    • kateha
      kateha· Feb 2, 2021 08:25 AM

      @Crepescule yes he is, he was just too lazy to use his strength

      Reply · ·
  2. animefan4004
    animefan4004· Jul 21, 2020 09:39 PM
    Library of Heaven’s Path becomes a harem at literally the last chapter of the novel
    Reply · 2 Likes · ·
    • Crepescule
      Crepescule· Author · Jul 22, 2020 02:59 AM
      Wow, I guess the harem tag is there for a reason. clear.pngI quit reading it after the romance began. But I think this novel deserves to stay on the list because of how absurdly overpowered the protagonist is. I’ll definitely add a note in the comment!
      Reply · ·
    • animefan4004
      animefan4004· Aug 8, 2020 12:19 AM
      @Crepescule The author didn't even plan on making it harem, he just did it because the readers pushed for it to become one.
      Reply · 1 Like · ·
  3. animefan4004
    animefan4004· Jul 17, 2020 02:03 PM
    Player who returned 10000 years becomes a harem later on according to other Korean readers
    Reply · 1 Like · ·
    • Crepescule
      Crepescule· Author · Jul 19, 2020 11:09 AM
      Seriously??? I'm still stuck on chapter 5 so I'm not that sure. But thanks for notifying me! I'll remove it from the list for now.
      Reply · 1 Like · ·
  4. moonstar918
    moonstar918· Feb 4, 2023 07:22 PM

    recommendation: world's apocalypse online, if you like smart mc

    Reply · ·
  5. TMP98
    TMP98· Sep 27, 2021 11:55 AM
    Love your list. I'm definetly checking out the novels I havn't read yet. And if you're interested here is a recom endation from me: The Great Conqueror. (114 Chapers right now) From what i remember it should fit, although there weren't any updates recently.
    Reply · ·
  6. chorey
    chorey· Aug 5, 2021 05:55 AM
    guess we have somewhat similar taste. highly recommend "the regressed demon lord is kind", if you did read it let me know what do you think of it!
    Reply · ·
  7. FytchShishi
    FytchShishi· Dec 18, 2020 01:11 AM
    YES
    Reply · ·
  8. Deathlord
    Deathlord· Nov 22, 2020 07:13 PM
    I don't know whether you have read 'Reader', cause it also deserves it's place hereclear.png
    Reply · ·
    • Crepescule
      Crepescule· Author · Nov 28, 2020 11:52 AM
      I've read that novel! I've also taken a look at the manhwa. The protagonist didn't seem to be that overpowered, and I was bored of waiting for updates. So I dropped it and forgot about it. But since you've recommended it, I think I'll check it out again! clear.png
      Reply · ·
  9. orangeX
    orangeX· Apr 30, 2020 05:03 AM
    I love no.2 novel the TLM.its not overpowered from start but have future knowledge,MC Player change into NPC love this novel.Some chapter are funny.Do you have suggested of novel like that
    Reply · ·
    • Crepescule
      Crepescule· Author · Apr 30, 2020 09:52 AM

      Sure!

      In this list:

      #1: Doom Lord / #9: The World Online - (future knowledge, kingdom building)

      #4: Gamers of the Underworld - (NPC protagonist, mostly comedy, less about the protagonist, kingdom building)

      #11: Dungeon Hunter - (dungeon master/ NPC protagonist, dungeon building, future knowledge) (literally the dungeon version of TLM)

      #18: I’m the Boss Who Modified the World - (NPC-like protagonist, ridiculously overpowered, not cold protagonist)

      #36: System Supplier - (NPC-like protagonist, ridiculously overpowered, not cold protagonist) (why is this even in my list? I didn't like this one lol)

      ...and literally all other KR novels in this list have future knowledge

      Outside list:

      Gate of Revelation - (NPC protagonist, but wasn't quite OP enough for this list)

      I Am A Legendary BOSS - (NPC protagonist, but wasn't quite OP enough for this list)

      The Great Merchant in the Cataclysm - (NPC-like protagonist, but wasn't quite OP enough for this list)

      Three Meals of a Reincarnator - (protagonist feels like an NPC, but wasn't quite OP enough for this list)

      Reply · 1 Like · ·
  10. Eqdo8490
    Eqdo8490· Apr 27, 2020 11:09 PM

    I'm kind of surprised lotm (Lord of the Mysteries) isn't here, since it's so popular in China and overseas--I would recommend it if you haven't read it yet!

    I also recommend 'The Great Storyteller' and 'Chrysalis', though 'Chrysalis' has a ant protagonist, and 'The Great Storyteller' isn't as action-packed.

    Reply · ·
    • Crepescule
      Crepescule· Author · Apr 28, 2020 08:32 PM

      Originally, I ignored Lord of the Mysteries because I noticed the tags and thought that the protagonist wasn’t overpowered enough. Protagonists aren’t usually overpowered in mystery novels because something just makes you feel like they aren’t in control, like there’s some higher being behind the strings. And when I say overpowered, I mean that the protagonist is THE strongest or has a ridiculous cheat. But it seems similar to the Devil’s Cage, so I’ll put it in my reading list. 

      The Great Storyteller also looks interesting. I hope it’s the same kind of novel as Great Doctor Ling Ran.

      Reply · ·