One of the most compelling and well-received tropes in manhwa is the journey of the protagonists who begin their adventures as weak and seemingly powerless individuals but, through their unwavering determination and hard work, transform into formidable and inspirational figures.

Countless narratives in the manhwa landscape work on this resonant and motivating concept as it gives readers a glimmer of hope that strength can be earned through effort and perseverance. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most engaging manhwa where the protagonist starts weak but becomes undeniably strong. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

10. Poison Dragon – The Legend Of An Asura

Set in the Jianwen period, Poison Dragon follows the lonesome path of Jin Ja-Kang to vengeance. Following the utter annihilation of the Medical Sect, Jin Ja-Kang wakes up to a nightmare only to realize he’s the only remaining survivor of his sect.

In a hellhole of despair, all he’s left with is a poisonous cocktail of anger and hatred. With a determination to avenge his sect and parents’ deaths, Jin Ja-Kang sets on a journey to not stop until he serves his revenge on a corpse-laden cold platter.

9. Level Drain

One’s level is a symbol of absolute power; those who have a high level earn fame and fortune, while those who don’t are commonly looked down upon and exploited. Arqa is an unfortunate guy with a skill that prohibits him from leveling up, hence, he’s labeled a “Rummaging Corpse” – the lowest possible social class. 

However, one day, he acquires a skill that grants him the power to absorb the level of anyone he knocks down! Using his newfound ability, Arqa works his way up from a scorned low-class level one weakling who had everything stolen from him, to be the strongest man in the world!

8. Reformation Of The Deadbeat Noble

Also known as “The Lazy Lord Masters the Sword”, the manhwa follows Airen Farreira who is mocked as the laziest man in the kingdom. However, he simply turns his back on the world and sleeps his life away. But when he starts dreaming about a mysterious swordsman who spends his entire life honing his skills, Airen’s life turns upside down. 

The diligent swordsman in his dreams somehow starts a fire in the lazy lord’s heart and inspires him to pick up a sword in real life. Thus, begins Airen’s journey to search for the meaning of his dream and his new quest to master the sword.

7. Reaper Of The Drifting Moon

Reaper of the Drifting Moon is a survival-themed manhwa where MC starts weak but works hard to become strong. The story revolves around Pyo Wol, an orphan who wanders around the continent until he gets kidnapped by a group of masked people.

Finding himself in a dark and confined space, Pyo Wol struggles for survival but he soon finds out he’s not the only one in this situation! Surrounded by 300 kidnapped children, Wol must fight and kill the others, for only a handful of the strongest will be selected.

6. Heavenly Demon Reborn

The title pretty much says it all, and Heavenly Demon Reborn is a gripping suspense thriller manhwa centered around the themes of reincarnation and revenge. Set in an ancient world where martial artists reign supreme, the series follows Unseong who gets killed in an attempt to avenge his master’s death.

But fate has other plans, as instead of taking his last breath, he awakens as a child! Reincarnated as an elite soldier of a demonic sect, Unseong ventures on a journey to embrace the demonic arts and harness power in his ultimate quest for revenge.

5. Murim Login

Gaming geeks would find Murim Login to be the best finding in the world of manhwa as the series takes place in an era where hunters thrive on hunting monsters that come from Gates. Jin Tae-Kyung is a low-rank hunter who picks up a VR machine and accidentally logs into a game that takes him to the world of martial arts.

To escape from this world, he needs to complete a particular task, and if he, for some reason, fails to achieve it, he will end up dying and permanently being caught in the game. This is the beginning of a new chapter in Jin’s life.

4. Ultimate Outcast

Ultimate Outcast is an ideal series for those who’re looking for reality-based manhwa where the protagonist strives to be the best. “Ultimate Outcast” offers an engaging and thrilling narrative filled with action-packed elements and the growth of the main character in overcoming his weakness and embracing his abilities.

Most outcasts are ostracized because they look, talk, or live differently. But not everyone. And not every previous outcast turns into a revenge machine. After seeing his friend suffer a horrific incident, the once outcast, Kang Haneul, decides to exact revenge with the help of an ability he never knew existed. 

3. Tower Of God

Tower of God is arguably the most prolific South Korean-origin manhwa for beginners in terms of world-building, character exploration, fight build-up, and a rich storyline. The series follows Bam, an “irregular” who begins to climb the Tower in hopes of reuniting with his childhood friend Rachel.

Legends say that if you manage to climb to the top of the tower, any wish will be granted. But to succeed, one must complete dangerous and deadly tests along the way. Aided by other individuals on different floors, Bam decides to go any distance to see Rachel again even if it means dying!

2. Legend Of The Northern Blade

A gripping action-packed manhwa with op MC, Legend of the Northern Blade follows the story of Jin Mu-Won who inherits the title of generation leader of the Northern Heavenly Sect after his father’s death. With no family and allies left, Jin Mu-Won leaves his homeland in an attempt to become stronger.

Years later, after completing his solitary training, the young warrior makes his appearance in the world of Murim, aiming to avenge his father’s death and take down the organization that threatens to plunge the world into darkness! 

1. Eleceed

Set in a world of the “awakened” – people with unique abilities disguised from the regular humans – Eleceed tells the story of Ji-woo, a kind-hearted young lad who harnesses lightning-quick reflexes. Initially, he is unaware of his abilities until he meets Kayden, a renowned ranker in the form of a cat.

Soon, Ji-woo is thrust into a supernatural world featuring powerful individuals and organizations. Together, armed with Ji-woo’s awakened ability and Kayden’s uber-smarts, they’re out to fight those forces who would let evil rule this world. Eleceed is a great kickstart manhwa for beginners having a good mix of comedy and action. 

Which one of the following manhwa where MC starts weak is your favorite? Feel free to comment down your thoughts and make sure to recommend some other manhwa like the ones listed above, also don’t forget to share this article with your fellow otaku friends.

We post daily anime and manga news articles, so make sure to follow us on Instagram. You can also check out our manhwa ranking page for more articles like this.