The world of Solo Leveling has never been more vibrant. Following the explosive conclusion of the anime’s second season in late 2025—which brought the legendary Jeju Island Arc to life—fans across the globe are left with one burning question: "Where does the story go from here?" Whether you are a newcomer eager to see Sung Jinwoo’s evolution beyond the screen, or a veteran reader looking to dive into the next generation with the sequel, Solo Leveling: Ragnarok, navigating the world of webtoons in 2026 can be a bit tricky. Between official digital platforms, physical English releases reaching their grand finale, and recent news regarding the sequel's production, there is a lot to catch up on. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly where to pick up the manhwa after the anime, the best official platforms to read online (including how to read for free), and the latest 2026 release dates for the highly anticipated physical volumes.
Part 1: About Solo Leveling Original & Ragnarok
To truly understand Solo Leveling in 2026, you need to look at it as a growing saga. The franchise is now split into two major eras: the legendary rise of Sung Jinwoo and the new cosmic challenges faced by his son.
1. The Original Series: Sung Jinwoo’s Legend
The original Solo Leveling manhwa remains the gold standard of the "system-based" hunter genre. Following Sung Jinwoo, the "World's Weakest Hunter," it chronicles his transformation into the Shadow Monarch.
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Completion Status: The main story is fully complete with 179 chapters.
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The Epilogue: Make sure not to skip the 21 Side Story chapters (often called the Epilogue), which bridge the gap between the original ending and the sequel.
2. The Sequel: Solo Leveling: Ragnarok
Taking place years after the original finale, Solo Leveling: Ragnarok shifts the spotlight to Sung Suho, Jinwoo’s son.
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The Plot: As cosmic entities known as the Itarim (Outer Gods) threaten to invade Earth, Suho must awaken his dormant powers—inherited from his father—and build his own army of shadows.
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Key Differences: While Jinwoo’s journey was a solitary climb to godhood, Ragnarok leans more into team-based combat, exploring the lore of other Monarchs and expanding the universe beyond Earth's gates.
⚠️ Major 2026 Status Update: The "Military Service" Hiatus
If you are starting the Ragnarok manhwa this year, you need to know about the January 2026 announcement.
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The News: The lead illustrator, JIN (REDICE Studio), has officially enlisted for mandatory South Korean military service as of January 7, 2026.
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Current Hiatus: The manhwa concluded its second season (around Chapter 68) and is currently on an indefinite hiatus.
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The Future: REDICE Studio has reassured fans that the series will continue. A new artist, also a disciple of the legendary late artist DUBU, is set to take the reins for Season 3 later this year or in 2027.
The Source Material: Web Novels vs. Manhwa
While most fans prefer the stunning visuals of the manhwa, the original web novels are the true foundation of the story.
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Original Solo Leveling Novel: Complete with 270 chapters. It provides much more internal monologue and "brutal" combat details that were toned down for the webtoon.
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Solo Leveling: Ragnarok Novel: Written by Daul, this is currently the only way to experience the full story of Sung Suho.
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Progress: The Korean novel is complete at 375 chapters (as of July 2025).
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English Status: The official translation on Tapas is currently at Chapter 319.
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Why Read It? With the Ragnarok manhwa on a two-year hiatus due to military service, the novel is your "Fast Pass" to the ending. Interestingly, 2026 fan theories suggest the manhwa may even be an alternate timeline to the novel, making both versions worth exploring for hardcore fans.
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Part 2: Anime to Manhwa: Where to Start?
The Solo Leveling anime has been a masterclass in adaptation, but with Season 2 concluding its epic run in early 2025, many fans are ready to jump into the source material. Depending on where you left off in the anime, here is exactly where to pick up the manhwa:
If You Just Finished Season 1 (Episodes 1–12)
Season 1 ends with the legendary "Arise" scene during the Job Change Quest.
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Where to Start: Chapter 46.
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What to Expect: This begins the Red Gate Arc, the first time we truly see the power and chemistry of Jinwoo’s new Shadow Army.
If You Just Finished Season 2 (Arise from the Shadow)
Season 2 covers the monumental Jeju Island Raid, concluding with the global reveal of Jinwoo’s overwhelming strength and his new shadow, Beru.
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The Technical Ending: The anime finale covers up to Chapter 110.
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Where to Start: Chapter 111.
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Our Recommendation: Start from Chapter 108. Because the anime’s second season finale streamlined several scenes to keep the momentum high. By starting at Chapter 108, you’ll catch important world-building moments and international reactions (including the introduction of certain S-Rank hunters from the US and China) that the anime moved or skipped.
Quick Reference Table
| Anime Milestone | Manhwa Chapter | Volume (Physical) |
| End of Season 1 | Start at Ch. 46 | Pick up Volume 4 |
| End of Season 2 | Start at Ch. 108 | Pick up Volume 8 |
Part 3: How to Read Solo Leveling Online – Official Platforms
Before we dive into the specifics of each app, here is a high-level overview of where you can find the series and how the "economy" of each platform works.
Quick Comparison: Which Platform is for You?
| Platform | Best For... | Free Method | Content Available |
| Tapas | The All-in-One Hub | WUF (Unlock 1 ch every 3–24 hrs) | Original + Ragnarok (Manhwa & Novel) |
| Tappytoon | The HD Experience | TTF (Unlock 1 ch every 24 hrs) | Original + Ragnarok (Manhwa) |
| WebComics | Budget Readers | Daily Tickets (Login rewards) | Original Manhwa ONLY |
| Book Walker | Tablet/iPad Users | None (Buy per Volume) | Original + Ragnarok (Digital Volumes) |
| comiXology | Kindle Owners | None (Buy per Volume) | Original + Ragnarok (Digital Volumes) |
Detailed Platform Breakdown
1.Tapas
Best For: Readers who want every piece of Solo Leveling media in one place.
Free Method: Uses the Wait-Until-Free (WUF) system. In 2026, you can unlock a new chapter for free every few hours.
Content Available: Complete Original Manhwa, Ragnarok Manhwa (currently on hiatus at Ch. 68), and the Ragnarok Web Novel (English translation up to Ch. 319).
Subscription/Paid: Non-subscription. It uses "Ink" currency. You buy Ink or earn it for free through ads and fortune cookies to unlock the latest chapters instantly.
2. Tappytoon
Best For: Mobile-first readers who prioritize crisp HD art and a stable app experience.
Free Method: Uses Time-Till-Free (TTF). Usually allows one free chapter every 24 hours.
Content Available: Complete Original Manhwa and the Solo Leveling: Ragnarok sequel.
Subscription/Paid: Non-subscription. It uses "Points" or "Tokens." You pay for what you read or wait for the daily free pass.
3. WebComics App
Best For: Readers on a budget looking to binge-read the original story by stacking free passes from multiple apps.
Free Method: Daily Tickets. You earn tickets by maintaining a daily login streak and completing check-in tasks.
Content Available: Original Manhwa ONLY. (Does not host Ragnarok content as of 2026).
Subscription/Paid: Optional Subscription. Offers a "Premium Membership" that removes ads and gives you a steady flow of free tickets, though you can also buy individual "Gems."
4. Book Walker
Best For: Tablet users who prefer "Page Layout" (manga style) and want the best value through rewards.
Free Method: None (occasionally offers limited-time free trials for Volume 1).
Content Available: Original Manhwa (Full Volumes 1–15) and Solo Leveling: Ragnarok Digital Volume 1 (Pre-order available for July 21, 2026).
Subscription/Paid: Individual Purchase. You buy per volume (approx. $9.99). Their Coin Back system is excellent for regular readers to earn credit toward future books.
5. comiXology (Amazon Kindle)
Best For: Readers who want permanent offline ownership and a seamless experience on Kindle devices.
Free Method: None (unless included in a Kindle Unlimited rotation).
Content Available: All 15 volumes of the original series and digital volumes of Ragnarok.
Subscription/Paid: Direct Purchase. You pay once to own the digital volume forever. It is the best choice for those who want to avoid timers and daily check-ins altogether.
Part 4: Physical Book Guide – Building Your Collection
The physical English editions of Solo Leveling are a masterpiece of book design. Published by Ize Press (Yen Press), these volumes feature premium full-color printing on oversized paper, making the action feel even more cinematic than the digital version.
The Original Series: Complete & Definitive
The journey of Sung Jinwoo in print is now officially complete.
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Status: Completed (March 2026).
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Total Volumes: 15 Volumes.
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The Final Release: Volume 15 (officially released on March 17, 2026) serves as the ultimate conclusion. This volume focuses on the Side Stories, detailing Jinwoo’s life as a father and a detective in the new timeline. It is the essential "bridge" that connects the original series to the sequel, Ragnarok.
Solo Leveling: Ragnarok: The Sequel in Print
Ize Press confirmed at NYCC 2025 that the sequel is finally coming to Western bookshelves.
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Upcoming: Volume 1 of the Solo Leveling: Ragnarok English print edition is scheduled for July 21, 2026.
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Pre-orders: Most retailers have already opened pre-orders for the sequel.
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What to Expect: Volume 1 will cover the awakening of Sung Suho and his first encounter with the "system" his father left behind.
Where to Buy (Official Retailers)？
In 2026, you can secure your copies through these trusted partners:
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Amazon: Best for global shipping and reliable pre-orders.
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Barnes & Noble / Books-A-Million: Excellent if you want to pick them up in person; these stores often feature exclusive displays for the Solo Leveling finale.
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Crunchyroll Store: Highly recommended for collectors. They usually offer the best "collector-safe" packaging to ensure your books arrive without bent corners or scuffs.
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Kinokuniya: The best place to find exclusive variants or Japanese-language editions if you're a hardcore collector.
🔥 The "Shadow Monarch" Complete Box Set?
Since Volume 15 marks the definitive end of the original manhwa, there are massive rumors circulating in the collector community:
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The Speculation: Fans are buzzing about a potential Complete Collection Box Set (Volumes 1–15).
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Why the Hype? Traditionally, Ize Press releases deluxe sets for their mega-hits. With the original series finished in March and the Ragnarok print debut in June, a complete box set would be the perfect way to celebrate the franchise's legacy this summer.
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Our Advice: If you haven’t started buying the individual volumes yet, keep an eye on the June 2026 solicitations. A bundled set might be announced alongside the Ragnarok launch, potentially including exclusive art cards or a "Shadow Army" collector’s box!
Part 5: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. I heard Solo Leveling: Ragnarok Manhwa is canceled. Is that true?
Absolutely not. It is just an indefinite hiatus. The illustrator (JIN) enlisted for South Korean mandatory military service in January 2026. While the series is currently paused at Chapter 68, the publisher (D&C Media) has confirmed that the legacy of REDICE Studio will continue with a successor artist. Expect the manhwa to return in 2027.
2. Are the Solo Leveling: Ragnarok novels already finished?
Yes and No. The Original Novel: Completely finished and available in English. Ragnarok (The Sequel): The original Korean web novel finished at Chapter 375 in July 2025. However, the official English translation on Tapas is NOT yet finished. As of February 2026, the English version is around Chapter 319. You’ll have to wait a few more months for the final English chapters.
3. I saw an "Official Trailer" for Season 3 on YouTube. Is it real?
Be careful of clickbait! As of February 2026, most "Season 3 trailers" are fan-made. However, industry insiders suggest a major announcement is coming in late 2026. There are even rumors that the story might continue as a full-scale theatrical movie (similar to Demon Slayer: Mugen Train) instead of a traditional TV season.
4. Is there a "Complete Box Set" for the original manhwa?
Not yet, but keep your wallet ready! With Volume 15 releasing on March 17, 2026, the original series is officially "done" in print. This usually means a Limited Edition 1-15 Box Set is just around the corner, likely for the 2026 Holiday season.
5. Can I skip the original manhwa and go straight to Ragnarok?
You could, but you shouldn't. Ragnarok is heavily tied to the Side Stories (the epilogue) of the original series. To fully understand why Sung Suho has these powers, you should at least read the final chapters of the original manhwa first.
6. Should I read the Ragnarok Novel or wait for the Manhwa to return?
If you hate cliffhangers, go for the novel on Tapas. The novel (Ch. 319+) is years ahead of the comic. By the time the manhwa returns in 2027, the novel will likely be near its conclusion.
7. Is the Live-Action K-Drama still happening?
A: Yes. The project was re-confirmed at the end of 2025. Unlike the anime, the K-drama is expected to be a high-budget Netflix or Disney+ original, but a release date hasn't been locked in for 2026 yet.
Conclusion: The Shadow Monarch’s Legacy Never Ends
From its humble beginnings as a web novel in 2016 to the monumental release of the final physical volume in March 2026, the journey of Sung Jinwoo has been nothing short of legendary. Over the last decade, we have watched the "World's Weakest Hunter" defy fate to become the Shadow Monarch, a journey that has resonated with millions across the globe.
While the 2026 "Military Service Hiatus" for Ragnarok may feel like a temporary shadow over the franchise, it is actually the perfect time for a "Level Up" phase. It gives us a moment to breathe, to complete our 15-volume physical collections, and to dive into the Ragnarok novels on Tapas to discover the cosmic secrets awaiting Sung Suho. This intermission is simply the calm before the storm—a storm that will undoubtedly return with the highly anticipated Season 3 and the live-action K-Drama currently in development.
If you’re wondering, "Is it too late to join the hunt in 2026?" The answer is simple: Never. The Solo Leveling universe is more vibrant and complete than ever before. Whether you are hearing that soul-shaking "Arise" for the first time on your screen or feeling the weight of the premium cardstock in your hands, this story of evolution and duty remains a masterpiece of the modern era.
The Shadow Army hasn't vanished; they are simply waiting for your command in the darkness. Gear up, Hunter—the gates are still open.