Recently, virtual reality has become a trending theme in TV shows, movies, books, and other media. One of these is the novel Ready Player One (RP1) by Ernest Cline.

It involves the OASIS, a massive virtual reality simulation where most of humanity now spends their days. When its eccentric creator dies, a contest is initiated that promises ownership of the simulation the owner. Now, Wade Watts has cracked the first clue and he suddenly finds himself on the run, and the only way out is to win.

Its blend of 90’s nostalgia, quirky humor, and sci-fi vibes has made RP1 an extremely popular book. It’s also been turned into a movie, which boosted everyone’s interest in this particular blend of storytelling.

Books Like Ready Player One

So you’ve finished the book and you’re looking to read something similar. If you’re ready to go down the rabbit hole, then here is a list of books that are similar to Ready Player One.

1. Armada by Ernest Cline

Zack Lightman is addicted to the titular game Armada, where players protect Earth from hostile aliens. But the game turns out to be real and he soon finds himself a cadet fighting aliens he’s only fought in video games before.

2. Warcross by Marie Liu

Just like RP1, Warcross is set in an alternative reality where virtual reality is a dominant aspect of living. Emika Chen is a hacker who, in an effort to earn some fast cash, accidentally glitches herself in the middle of a Warcross competition and becomes an overnight star. And now she’s tracking down a shadowy figure who’s bent on collapsing the game.

3. Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson

This is the novel that popularized the terms “avatar” and “metaverse,” and was supposedly the inspiration for Google Earth. Hiro Protagonist is a pizza delivery boy in real life and warrior prince in the virtual world. He races against the clock to stop a computer virus that can kill people in real life.

4. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

Humanity is at war with an insectoid alien species. Ender Wiggin, along with other gifted children, is taught the ways of war at a young age. Isolated because of his talents, Ender finds himself pressured to be the best without regard to the consequences. Check out 7 life lessons you can find in Ender’s Game.

5. Neuromancer by William Gibson

This classic novel launched the cyberpunk genre. In the story, Henry Case was once a world-class hacker who lost his ability to hack when he was caught stealing from his employer. But now someone’s offering to fix him up, and he’s ready to get back in the game.

6. Insignia by S.J. Kincaid

World War III is a bloodless war fought by remote-controlled spacecrafts, and everyone’s fighting to control the planet’s remaining resources. The enemy is winning and a nation looks to 14-year-old Tom Raines and his phenomenal gaming skills as its salvation. But does he have what it takes to be the hero they expect him to be?

7. The Lives of Tao by Wesley Chu

It’s natural to think you’re going crazy when you suddenly hear voices in your head. That’s what out-of-shape I.T. technician Roen thought at first, but he soon finds out that an alien has decided to live in his brain. Now Roen needs to shape up and learn how to kick ass before some else kicks his.

8. Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Life by Bryan Lee O’Malley

Scott Pilgrim thinks he’s living the sweet life. He’s in a rock band and generally does anything he wants. But then he meets the seriously cool and dangerously fashionable delivery girl Ramona Flowers. Now she’s the only one cruising through his mind, but before he can date her, he must first defeat her seven evil exes.

9. Moxyland by Lauren Beukes

Moxyland follows the lives of four vastly different people living in a dystopian society. Lerato is an AIDS baby with a successful corporate career; Tendeka is an idealistic person who is against corporations and corruption; Toby is a narcissist who vlogs his life 24/7; and Kendra is an art school dropout who agrees to be part of an experiment.

10. Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

Jason Dessen wakes up to find himself with a life he doesn’t know. His wife isn’t his wife, he never had a son, and he’s no ordinary college professor. Is this the real world or is it a dream? He must find the truth while staying ahead of a seemingly invincible foe.

11. Only You Can Save Mankind by Terry Pratchet

Johnny Maxwell is about to beat a video game when the alien antagonists suddenly surrender. But they aren’t supposed to surrender! Now the aliens have disappeared from every copy of the game. What’s he supposed to do with a bunch of alien prisoners?

12. Omnitopia Dawn by Diane Duane

Omnitopia Dawn is currently the most successful massive multiplayer online game. Thanks to virtual reality technology, players can touch, taste, feel, and see the game as if it’s real. Now Dev Logan, its creator, is gearing up for a massive expansion but some people have ulterior motives for the game that could be disastrous for the real world.

Virtual Reality in Fiction

Most of these books are similar to Ready Player One because of their elements of virtual reality and its accompanying pros and cons. Others are similar in the sense of storytelling style, tone, and themes.

What most people find appealing (myself included) with these kinds of stories is the thought provoking visions of what could happen in the future. Even now, human technology is making progress in all directions, including virtual reality.

Who knows? There might be a fully immersive virtual world available in the near future. But while we’re waiting for that, let’s satisfy ourselves with reading about them for now.

What did you like about Ready Player One? Share it in the comments below!

 

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