If you've been devouring Matt Dinniman's Dungeon Crawler Carl series, you're not alone. The LitRPG sci-fi phenomenon has exploded in popularity over the past year, with new readers diving into the eight-book saga daily. The April 2026 release of A Parade of Horribles (Book 8) only fueled the frenzy, leaving fans hungry for more. But here's the big question: how many more books are coming before the dungeon crawl ends?
The Final Countdown: 10 Books, Not 9
Dinniman has confirmed that the main series will wrap up with a total of 10 volumes—though the story itself spans nine books. Confused? Here's the breakdown: the author is currently writing the ninth and final novel, but it's so massive that he's splitting it into two separate releases. Think of it as a two-part finale, likely titled Part 1 and Part 2. This means readers will get two more installments before the saga concludes.
Why the split? Dinniman has hinted that the book's sheer size warrants it, and he's also planning a major cliffhanger at the end of the first part to keep fans on edge. So while the story ends with Book 9, the physical count will hit 10.
What's Next for the Dungeon Crawler Universe?
While the main series is winding down, the world of Dungeon Crawler Carl is far from over. A standalone graphic novel, Dungeon Crawler Carl: Crocodile, is in the works. Co-written by Dinniman and Michael Moreci, with art by Brett Bean, it explores the backstory of fan-favorite character Florin—the bounty hunter turned humanoid crocodile—before the dungeon opened. The project recently completed a crowdfunding campaign and will hit shelves soon.
Beyond books, the franchise is expanding into other media. A tabletop role-playing game and card game from Renegade Game Studios are on the way, following a record-breaking crowdfunding campaign. And perhaps most excitingly, a live-action TV series is in development at Peacock, produced by Seth MacFarlane. For more on how the show might differ from the books, check out why the adaptation has a huge advantage.
No Spin-Offs (Yet), But Plenty of Potential
Dinniman hasn't announced any other spin-off novels, but the galaxy-spanning setting and rich cast of characters—like Princess Donut, Mordecai, and others—offer endless possibilities. For now, fans will have to content themselves with the main series finale and the Florin graphic novel. If you're looking for similar reads, check out five sci-fi books that Princess Donut would approve.
With the end in sight, the Dungeon Crawler Carl community is buzzing. Whether you're a longtime fan or just starting the crawl, one thing is clear: the final descent is going to be epic.
