A concept as old as the Manhwa industry itself, Regression has surged in popularity in recent years, becoming one of the most beloved tropes. After all, who wouldn’t be intrigued by the idea of a second chance at life, a chance to make better decisions and overcome life’s injustices?
Top 15 Martial Arts Manhwa To Read In 2025, Ranked
Everyone likes to read such stories of second chances. Regression manhwa allows for such stories. Stories for our main characters and protagonists to get redemption or even revenge. So, to help you find the best regression manhwa to read this year, we’ve curated a list of the top 15 Regression manhwas that you should definitely check out.
15. This Is The Law
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zakaev | Ongoing | 130+ | January, 2025 |
A unique imagining of the classic regression trope, it combines the judicial world of law with regression. A top lawyer, Hyung Jin, fights against the higher powers of Korea for social justice. But before he could make things, he was killed by those same higher powers. But a mysterious power takes him back in time. To fare better in his revolution, he is given the power to protect himself. With new powers and knowledge of the future, can Jin have justice prevail?
Landing at number fifteenth on our list, this is perhaps the most unconventional title in this list. It takes a unique approach by relying on the modern setting of the world and takes into account the intellectual battles more than fights. The legal setting is also engaging. However, the legal setting also brings a very dialogue-heavy plot, which might get too complicated sometimes. But if you move past the technicalities, this is a great title to pick for a quick read.
14. Real Man
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dogado, HA Neulso, KIM Tae-gung | Ongoing | 188+ | January, 2025 |
Our next entry is a more grounded tale based on redemption and broken relationships. It follows Yuhyeon, who becomes the youngest CEO of a megacorp but none to celebrate it with him. After a night of drinking, he wonders if he can go back in time and mend these broken relations. And to his wonder, when he wakes, he has gone back in time. Now armed with the knowledge of the future, he looks to mend his broken friendships.
Coming at number fourteenth in our list comes this tale of regression built on the cutthroat world of corporate politics. This tale blends a story of second chances and self-discovery perfectly with the zeal for success shown by Yuhyeon. Sometimes the repeated internal monologues might off-put certain people, and plot pacing may seem slow at times. However, beyond this, it is a great blend of intellect and strategy and a must-read for readers.
13. F-Class Destiny Hunter
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anamin | Ongoing | 64+ | January, 2025 |
Sometimes destiny is extremely cruel. And the most cruel part of it is that it’s unfair. Such was also the case with Seo Kangrim. In a world where hidden abilities are a reality, Seo is the weakest of the weak. But despite this, everyone fears him for his hidden ability. But destiny turns its back on him when his entire sect is annihilated by an assassin. But when he finds himself suddenly back in the past, he decides he will not let destiny get the better of him again.
This entry comes in thirteenth place. A good mix of action and strategy, this is a pretty good take on the classic trope of a fight against fate. Kangrim has to use both his intellect and his strength, making it a good balance. Despite this, however, things can seem repetitive sometimes, and the convenience of remembering all of his future is a major cheating skill. While this might be a bit jarring to some readers, at the end it is still a great read.
12. Volcanic Age
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeong Jun | Ongoing | 288+ | November, 2024 |
A masterfully blended story of redemption and personal growth, it follows Joo Seo-Chan. Joo, who lived through an age of war, survived merely due to luck. But he ends up becoming the elder of his faction. Now old and on his deathbed, he has lived a life of regrets. But the moment he breathes his last, he suddenly finds himself back in time. Now convicted to repeat the mistakes of his past, this here is the quintessential regression manhwa.
Coming at the twelfth number, this has one of the best art with gorgeous scenes and an impressive plot with a nicely crafted theme. The characters and themes blend pretty effortlessly with the overall storylines. Pacing is a major issue with this, with some arcs feeling rushed and some feeling dragged. In addition, side characters lack a little depth. But if you still want to read this tale of redemption, then you can pick this.
11. The Indomitable Martial King
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yim Kyungbae | Ongoing | 62+ | January, 2025 |
Sometimes good people don’t get their due rewards in life. The Demon King was the same. In a world where humans have enslaved the otherworldly races, it’s only the greatest sorcerer who protects them. But soon the strongest hero comes to defeat him. But before he dies, he is able to cast a spell to reincarnate. But the person he is reversed into is the hero? In this unique take on regression, can the Reborn Demon King protect his subjects?
A good take on the other side of being the demon king, this comes at the eleventh entry on our list. Though it is a relatively recent series, it has proven to be quite entertaining with its effortless binding of a good plot with good action. But it has a major downside as well. Sometimes the powers of the protagonist seem a bit too overpowered, which can make things predictable. But if you like overpowered characters, then this is for you.
10. The S-Classes That I Raised
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biwan | Ongoing | 153+ | January, 2025 |
Jealousy is a dangerous thing. And it’s even worse to be jealous of your own kin. But for Yoojin the F-rank hunter, that was the reality. Extremely useless, he tried his best to always get in the way of his younger brother, an S-Ranker. But his petty mishaps came to an end when, in a failed dungeon raid, his brother perished. With the gift of wish that he received for clearly it, he wished to regress to the past. This time he wants to rectify his past mistakes.
Coming at the tenth number is this rather unconventional take. Unlike other series, this one doesn’t have the MC becoming overpowered. Rather, it focuses on his intellect, his knowledge of the future, and his interpersonal skills. While some might complain that this leads to a lack of action and lack of character depth, it’s still good. When the action does happen, the art and the fight scenes really make up for everything.
9. Return Of The Crazy Demon
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yu Jinseong | Ongoing | 136+ | January, 2025 |
This chaotic mix of regression and revenge is our next entry. Yi Zaha is the mad demon who has been creating chaos everywhere, but when he steals the heavenly pearl, that’s when everything goes down for him. Falling off a cliff while he was escaping from those pursuing him, he thinks this is it. But when he opens his eyes, he’s back in time. Now armed with the knowledge of what happens next, what chaotic madness will Zaha do next?
Coming at the ninth rank, this is for those who love the anti-hero vibes. Zaha is more like an anti-hero, complimented by his dark humor and crazy antics make for one entertaining mess. The ensuring art and overall plot of the story also weave well. However, his antics also sometimes affect the overall flow of the story. And one might say the humor sometimes feels a little forced. Despite all these, the action scenes and the chaos make it a must-read. So give it a try.
8. Level Up With The Gods
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Ajin | Ongoing | 126+ | January, 2025 |
Sometimes, no matter how much you try, you cannot win. In the face of overwhelming strength, Kim Yuwon and the inners were defeated by the Outers. Kim, who climbed the tower faster than anyone and became stronger, still couldn’t move beyond the limitless Outers. But in a desperate effort, one of the inners sacrifices himself to send Kim back to the old timeline. This regression is not simply for revenge or redemption. It’s for everyone’s sake.
Coming at number eight, with a dark and compelling storyline. At points where you’ll think all hope is lost, only for Kim to use his brains to get out of that situation is an absolute treat. In addition to the great plot, the action and the whole build-up of the protagonist is also great. The only aspect in which one might complain is the complex lore and lack of side characters. But if you are okay with a more centralized story, then go for it.
7. A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeon Sun-Wook | Completed | 269 | August, 2024 |
Despair. That’s the only word the world knew when the shadow world descended. Desir fought to the last second with all he had as part of the six survivors. But in the end, his power was not enough. With his friends and everyone he cared about dead, he thought he would be next. But when he opens his eyes, he finds himself in the past. Determined to change the future, this is yet another valiant tale of regression and vindication.
Coming in seventh is this entry. The character-driven plot progression helps with the overall flow of the central storylines. The side characters might feel a little underdeveloped despite being very important to the plot; however, the quick action sequences still let them shine. A major issue is the pacing, though, with some arcs feeling dragged out. Despite this, if you still like to read a new title, you should go for this. And the best thing is, it’s already completed.
6. Doom Breaker
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue-Deep | Ongoing | 101+ | January, 2025 |
Gods made a mistake when they mockingly sent Zephyr back in time. Zephyr, humanity’s strongest fighter, fought desperately against the wretched beings who brought turmoil to this world but could not go past them. But when given a second chance, he decides that this time he will take revenge on them. This epic tale of regression and vengeance starts. Those familiar might also know this by the name of the Reincarnation of the Suicidal Battle God.
Coming at number six is this entry. A story of revenge and regression, it perfectly portrays the rage that is inside Zephyr. The depictions of the fights are great, and the art is also breathtaking. A major complaint, however, is the single-minded focus on Zephyr, which causes the side characters not to get much development. The tale can also be complex sometimes. But all in all, it’s an excellent title in the regression genre.
5. Eternally Regressing Knight
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lee Hyeon Min | Ongoing | 39+ | January, 2025 |
Everyone loves second chances, no? That is until the same nightmares plague you in this life as well. For Encrid, being a knight was a dream. But even with all the efforts, he couldn’t do so. But without giving up, he continued giving his all. Until one day he was stabbed in the neck. Instead of dying, he goes back in time. Now given a second chance with knowledge of the future, he will surely become a knight. Did you think that? Well, there’s a catch.
A very edgy and gloomy title that doesn’t shy away from being graphic, this comes in fifth place. With fast-paced action and a gritty storyline, it brings in a lot of entertainment. While it has some issues, the focus on the darker undertones makes it seem forced. And the side characters also might feel a little lacking in depth. But if more mature and deep storylines are what you like, this regression tale is for you.
4. FFF-Class Trash Hero
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farnar | Ongoing | 172+ | April, 2024 |
In this next entry, we follow Kang Han Soo, who was suddenly flung into Fantasia to fight the demon king. But he was able to achieve that fairly easily. When the time came to go back to his old world, the god of Fantasia came with a report card. Apparently being powerful is not the only quality for being a hero. Now sent back in time to defeat the demon king again, can Kang know what a true hero is? This regression manhwa makes sure you do.
Coming at number four, this entry is here for its good use of the regression theme. While redemption is still a central theme with lower stakes, the story is more lighthearted and can be taken as a casual read. Some might find his cynical and unempathetic approach not to their taste, however. While the humor is there, it is based on the selfishness of the protagonist. But beyond this, it is worth a read.
3. Cheolsu Saves The World
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soosun | Ongoing | 69+ | July, 2023 |
A more real-world take on the regression themes, it follows the life of an ordinary salaryman. When humanity is unable to defend itself against an asteroid, Earth as we know it ends. But Cheolsu, an ordinary office worker, finds himself regressed before the catastrophic event happens. Now tasked with saving humanity, can he prevent the apocalypse? No superpowers, no superknowledge, just the wish to save the world.
Coming in third place comes this entry. Unlike other entries in our list, the MC doesn’t have any superpowers. Nor does this world have any magic or sorcery. This is what gives this series a much-needed real-world rush and makes the stakes appear that much higher. While the long hiatus has affected its popularity a little bit along with the lack of powers, it is still a solid read, especially if you are bored of the usual regression tropes.
2. SSS-Class Revival Hunter
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park Yong-Je | Ongoing | 122+ | January, 2025 |
A very unique storyline that is a little uncharacteristic of typical regression Manhwa, it follows the F-class hunter Kim Gong-Ja. Kim is envious of the hunters who have the strength to make the monster their red carpet. But for a weak guy like him, this is all a dream. Until Kim gets a unique skill that will make him embark on a journey of martial prowess filled with pitfalls and fights as he makes his mark.
Landing at number two is this unique take on regression. Unlike other stories where regression is a one-time event, this manhwa takes a totally different approach. The art is wonderfully drawn and gets the essence of all the fight scenes. The only real thing one can complain about is that at times it feels as if the protagonist is over-relying on his powers. But the pacing and anticipation of new chapters keep that at bay. So do try this manhwa.
1. Infinite Level-Up In Murim
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jimwoo-Kim | Ongoing | 217+ | January, 2025 |
Coming at the top of this list is this entry, which effortlessly mixes the world of Murim and the level-up mechanics of the game system. Yuseong Dan dies on the battlefield without any glory to his name and is about to die. But when he reopens his eyes, he has regressed, and to his surprise, there is a quest and level system in place that lets him become stronger. Can he surpass the hurdles of his first life, or is his fate unsealable? Only time will tell.
From the impeccable plot to the overall action, the reader is engaged throughout. Instead of just relying on brute power, this title mixed the brain and brawns to give a more realistic approach to the level-up system. There is no overreliance on the plot armor either, and all developments feel organic. All of this makes for a wonderful experience that makes this the best regression manhwa. And if this still is not enough, it also has one of the best art in this genre.
