Searching for a guide to the how to build a dungeon manga? You’re likely trying to figure out if this mature dark fantasy series is right for you before diving in. It can be tough to find clear details on its plot, themes, and where to even read it legally.
The “How to Build a Dungeon: Book of the Demon King” manga is a mature dark fantasy series adapted from a Japanese web novel. It follows Aur, an ambitious man who gains the power to create a dungeon and summon monsters, including the succubus Lilu, on his quest to become the ultimate Demon King.
Based on analysis of the official publications and fan community data, this guide breaks down everything you need to know. You’ll discover the complete plot, character details, a direct comparison to the original web novel, and where to find every volume officially released in English as of 2026.
Key Facts
- Mature Content Warning: The series is officially rated 18+ for explicit violence, gore, and sexual content, making it a seinen title intended strictly for adults.
- Strategic Focus: A core appeal is its detailed depiction of dungeon management, where the protagonist strategically designs his labyrinth, sets traps, and manages resources.
- Web Novel Origin: The manga is an adaptation of a completed Japanese web novel by Warau Yakan, which provides a more detailed narrative for those wanting to go deeper.
- Official English Publisher: Seven Seas Entertainment is the official publisher of the English translation, releasing it under their Ghost Ship imprint for mature titles.
- Ongoing Series: While the source material is complete, the manga adaptation illustrated by Toshimasa Komiya is still ongoing, with new volumes being released periodically.
What Is the ‘How to Build a Dungeon Manga’ Series?
“How to Build a Dungeon: Book of the Demon King” is a mature dark fantasy manga adapted from a Japanese web novel, written by Warau Yakan and illustrated by Toshimasa Komiya. The story follows a man named Aur who is reincarnated with the power to create and manage a dungeon, aiming to become a powerful Demon King. The series is known for its strategic world-building, dungeon management mechanics, and explicit adult themes.
For those new to manga terminology, this series fits into several key categories. It is a “seinen” series, a demographic category in Japanese comics that targets adult male readers, which explains its mature content. It also falls under the “isekai” genre, where a character is transported from their world into another, a very popular trope in modern manga and light novels. Its official title is How to Build a Dungeon: Book of the Demon King, but it is also widely known by its Japanese name, Maou no Hajimekata.
Here are the essential facts about the series at a glance:
* Genre: Dark Fantasy, Isekai, Harem, Seinen
* Original Author: Warau Yakan
* Manga Artist: Toshimasa Komiya
* Original Source: Japanese Web Novel
* English Publisher: Seven Seas Entertainment (Ghost Ship Imprint)
What Is the Plot, Genre, and Core Themes of the Series?
The plot centers on a protagonist named Aur who becomes a Demon King with the ability to build and manage a dungeon. He summons monsters, sets traps, and expands his influence by strategically eliminating adventurers and other threats. Its genre is a mix of dark fantasy, isekai, and harem, with a strong focus on strategy and world-building. Be warned, it contains mature, uncensored content.
Content Warning: This series is intended for adults and contains graphic violence, gore, and explicit sexual scenes. Reader discretion is strongly advised.
Plot Summary
The story begins with Aur, a man who finds himself in a new world with a unique and powerful ability: a “Book of the Demon King” that allows him to create and customize his own dungeon. His goal is simple and ruthless: to grow his power, expand his labyrinth, and become the most powerful Demon King. He starts by summoning his first monster, the succubus Lilu, and together they begin building a fortress designed to lure in and destroy unsuspecting adventurers, absorbing their energy to further fuel the dungeon’s growth. The narrative follows his calculated and often brutal methods of dungeon creation and strategic warfare.
Genre Breakdown
The series is a blend of several popular genres, which contributes to its unique appeal.
* Dark Fantasy: Unlike heroic fantasy, the world is grim, the protagonist is an anti-hero, and the methods used are often morally questionable. The tone is cynical and violent.
* Isekai: Aur is transported from another existence into this fantasy world, a common setup that allows the reader to learn about the new world alongside the protagonist.
* Dungeon Management: A significant portion of the story focuses on the logistics and strategy of building a dungeon, similar to a simulation or tower defense game.
* Harem: Aur summons and attracts several female monster companions who are devoted to him, which is a central element of the story’s character dynamics.
Key Themes
Beyond the action and ecchi scenes, the manga explores several core themes:
* ✅ Ambition and Power: The primary driver for the protagonist is his insatiable thirst for power and control. The series examines how absolute power can shape one’s morality.
* ✅ Strategy and Intellect: Aur often triumphs not through brute force, but through clever planning, trap design, and resource management.
* ✅ Moral Ambiguity: The story is told from the perspective of a “villain.” It challenges readers to follow a protagonist who lacks conventional heroic qualities and operates on his own set of rules.
Who Are the Main Characters in ‘How to Build a Dungeon’?
The narrative is driven by its small cast of central characters, primarily the dungeon master and his most trusted servant.
- Aur: The ruthless and calculating protagonist and new Demon King. He is a master strategist who views his dungeon as a complex machine to be perfected. His ambition is his defining trait, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals.
- Lilu: A powerful and devoted succubus who is the first monster Aur summons. She serves as his primary partner, advisor, and enforcer. Lilu is utterly loyal to Aur and shares his vision for creating the ultimate dungeon.
Where Can You Read or Buy the ‘How to Build a Dungeon’ Manga?
You can buy the official English paperback volumes, published by Seven Seas Entertainment, from online retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. For digital reading, you can find the series on legal platforms such as BookWalker, Kindle, and ComiXology. Always use official sources to support the creators and receive the authentic, licensed translation.
Buying Physical Copies
For collectors and fans of physical media, the paperback volumes are the best option. They are published under the Ghost Ship imprint, which is Seven Seas Entertainment’s line for mature manga.
* Major online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million carry the series.
* Specialty anime and manga stores like Right Stuf Anime often have volumes available.
* You can sometimes find paperback bundles or used copies on sites like eBay, but be sure to verify the seller and condition.
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Reading Digital Copies
If you prefer reading on a tablet or e-reader, digital editions are readily available and often released on the same day as the physical copies.
* BookWalker: A popular digital manga store that often has special promotions.
* Amazon Kindle: Read the series on any Kindle device or app.
* ComiXology: Another major digital comics platform.
* Google Play Books & Apple Books: Available for purchase on most mobile devices.
A Note on Piracy: You may come across illegal scanlation sites offering the manga for free. We strongly advise against using them. These sites harm the creators and publisher, and they often feature poor-quality images and inaccurate translations. Supporting the official release ensures the series can continue.
Series Status
As of 2026, the How to Build a Dungeon manga is still ongoing. The English publisher, Seven Seas, continues to release new volumes as they are completed and translated from the Japanese version.
How Does the Manga Compare to the Original Web Novel?
The manga and the original web novel have key differences in pacing, detail, and presentation, appealing to different types of readers. The manga provides a visual, faster-paced experience, while the web novel offers a deeper, more detailed dive into the story’s mechanics and character thoughts.
The manga is generally faster-paced, focusing on key plot points and visual action. The web novel, being the source material written by Warau Yakan, provides significantly more in-depth character monologues, world-building details, and strategic minutiae. Toshimasa Komiya’s art in the manga is a major draw, bringing the grimdark atmosphere and character designs to life in a way text cannot.
Here is a direct comparison:
| Feature | Manga Version | Web Novel Version |
|---|---|---|
| Author/Artist | Warau Yakan (Original), Toshimasa Komiya (Art) | Warau Yakan (Writer) |
| Pacing | More streamlined, faster-paced narrative flow. | Slower, more detailed with extensive inner monologues. |
| Content Focus | Visual action, character interactions, and key plot points. | Deep dives into strategy, resource management, and world lore. |
| Art/Visuals | A major component, defining the look of the world and characters. | Purely text-based, relies on reader imagination. |
| Accessibility | Officially licensed and translated into English by Seven Seas. | Primarily available through fan translations of varying quality; no official English release. |
Pro Tip: For a visual and action-focused experience, start with the manga. If you find yourself wanting more detail about Aur’s strategies and the world’s lore, seeking out the web novel is a great next step.
What Are Some Manga Similar to ‘How to Build a Dungeon’?
If you like “How to Build a Dungeon,” you should read Overlord, which also features a powerful, non-human protagonist managing minions and strategy. Other similar series include The Dungeon of Black Company for its cynical take on dungeon management and Dungeon Seeker for its extremely dark fantasy tone.
For fans looking to explore more series with similar themes, here are a few top recommendations categorized by what you might enjoy most.
- Overlord
- Why it’s similar: This is the most common comparison. It features an overwhelmingly powerful, non-human protagonist (Ainz Ooal Gown) who is transported into a fantasy world and focuses on strategy, world domination, and managing a legion of loyal, monstrous subordinates. It shares the same “evil” protagonist and strategic focus.
- The Dungeon of Black Company
- Why it’s similar: If you enjoy the “dungeon management” aspect, this manga offers a cynical and comedic take on it. The protagonist exploits his workforce to climb the corporate ladder within a massive dungeon company. It’s less grim but shares the theme of resource management.
- Dungeon Seeker
- Why it’s similar: For readers who appreciate the “dark fantasy” element, Dungeon Seeker is even darker. It’s a brutal revenge story where the protagonist is betrayed and thrown into a deadly dungeon, forcing him to become just as monstrous as his enemies to survive.
- Maou-sama, Retry! (Demon Lord, Retry!)
- Why it’s similar: Another isekai series where the protagonist finds himself in the body of a Demon King. While it has a more comedic and lighthearted tone, it shares the core premise of a powerful demon lord protagonist building up his domain and gathering loyal followers.
FAQs About how to build a dungeon manga
Is the ‘How to Build a Dungeon’ manga finished?
No, the manga adaptation of “How to Build a Dungeon: Book of the Demon King” is still ongoing. The English publisher, Seven Seas Entertainment, continues to release new volumes. However, the original web novel on which it is based has been completed by the author, Warau Yakan.
Is there an anime for ‘How to Build a Dungeon’?
As of 2026, there is no official anime adaptation for “How to Build a Dungeon: Book of the Demon King”. While many popular isekai and fantasy manga receive anime, there have been no announcements for this series. Fans should be wary of rumors and only trust official news from the publisher or a major anime studio.
What is the age rating for ‘How to Build a Dungeon’?
The series is rated Mature (18+) for its explicit content. This includes graphic violence, gore, and detailed sexual scenes (harem/ecchi elements). It is a seinen series intended for an adult audience and is not appropriate for younger readers.
How many volumes of ‘How to Build a Dungeon’ are there?
The number of volumes is constantly updating as the series is ongoing. As of late 2026, there are over 10 volumes published in English by Seven Seas Entertainment. It is best to check the official publisher’s website or a retailer like Amazon for the most current count and release schedule.
Is ‘How to Build a Dungeon’ a harem manga?
Yes, the series contains strong harem elements. The protagonist, Aur, summons and forms relationships with multiple female, non-human characters who become part of his inner circle and serve him. This is a central component of the series alongside the dungeon-building and strategic plotlines.
Who is the author and artist of the manga?
The original story was written by Warau Yakan as a web novel. The manga adaptation is illustrated by the Japanese manga artist Toshimasa Komiya, who is responsible for bringing the characters and world to life with his distinctive art style.
Is the manga censored?
The official English release by Seven Seas Entertainment is published under their Ghost Ship imprint for mature titles and is considered uncensored. It contains the explicit content from the original Japanese release. Fans can generally expect the authentic, intended version of the artwork and story.
What does ‘Maou no Hajimekata’ mean?
‘Maou no Hajimekata’ (魔王の始め方) is the original Japanese title for the series. It translates to “How to Get Started as the Demon King” or “How to Become a Demon King,” which accurately reflects the core premise of the story.
Is this manga similar to ‘Overlord’?
Yes, there are strong similarities to ‘Overlord’. Both series feature powerful, non-human protagonists in an isekai setting who are master strategists managing a large number of minions and building a powerful domain. If you enjoy ‘Overlord’, you will likely appreciate the strategic elements in ‘How to Build a Dungeon’.
Where can I find community discussions about the series?
The best places for community discussion are on Reddit and the Fandom wiki. The r/manga subreddit often has threads discussing new chapters or reviews of the series. The “Maou no Hajimekata Wiki” on Fandom is an excellent resource for detailed plot points, character bios, and lore.
Key Takeaways: How to Build a Dungeon Manga Summary
- A Mature Dark Fantasy: This is not a typical adventure manga. “How to Build a Dungeon” is a seinen series rated 18+ for explicit violence, gore, and sexual content, including harem themes.
- Focus on Strategy & Building: The core appeal lies in its “dungeon management” mechanics. The protagonist, Aur, strategically builds his dungeon, summons monsters, and manages resources to expand his power.
- Based on a Web Novel: The manga is an adaptation of a completed web novel by Warau Yakan. The manga streamlines the story visually, while the novel offers more detailed inner thoughts and world-building.
- Official English Version Exists: The series is officially licensed in English by Seven Seas Entertainment under their Ghost Ship imprint. You can buy authentic, uncensored physical and digital volumes from major retailers.
- It Is Still Ongoing: While the original web novel is finished, the manga adaptation illustrated by Toshimasa Komiya is still being released, with new volumes coming out periodically.
- No Anime Adaptation: As of 2026, there has been no official announcement for an anime series. Fans should rely on official sources for any future news.
- Similar to ‘Overlord’: If you enjoy the strategic, world-domination aspect of a powerful non-human protagonist like in ‘Overlord’, this series will likely appeal to you.
Final Thoughts on How to Build a Dungeon Manga
How to Build a Dungeon: Book of the Demon King is a compelling and unapologetic dark fantasy series that knows its audience well. It stands out in the crowded isekai market by focusing heavily on the strategic “dungeon core” mechanics, appealing directly to readers who enjoy simulation games and stories told from an anti-hero’s perspective. The blend of ruthless strategy, power fantasy, and mature harem elements creates a niche but highly engaging experience.
This manga is not for everyone. Its graphic content and morally ambiguous protagonist will be a dealbreaker for some. However, for adult readers seeking a gritty and intelligent fantasy that explores the “villain’s” side of the story, it delivers a satisfying and unique narrative. If you’re a fan of series like Overlord and appreciate detailed world-building, this ongoing series is well worth checking out on an official platform.
Last update on 2026-02-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
