7 Must-Read Manga & Manhwa Like The Delusional Hunter In Another World (OP Misunderstood MCs)
Are you obsessed with the sheer chaos and accidental genius of a protagonist who is too powerful but completely clueless about their own fame? If you’ve finished the latest chapters of The Delusional Hunter in Another World (also known as Illusion Hunter from Another World) and are craving more of that specific blend of overpowered action and hilarious misunderstanding, you’ve come to the right place. As of December 2025, the genre of the "misunderstood OP protagonist" is thriving, especially in the world of Manhwa and Isekai fantasy, offering unique twists on the classic power fantasy.
This article dives deep into the best manga and manhwa that perfectly capture the core appeal of the series: a main character who just wants a simple life but is constantly mistaken by everyone else as a genius, a secret boss, or a world-class Hunter. Prepare for a list that goes beyond the usual recommendations, focusing on the specific "delusional" and "misunderstood" tropes that make this genre so addictive.
The Core Appeal: Why We Love the Delusional Hunter Trope
The Delusional Hunter in Another World features a protagonist who is an alien entity inhabiting a human body, attempting to live a quiet, comfortable life in a world filled with Dungeons and Hunters. The comedy gold comes from the fact that his alien intelligence and unique abilities are constantly misinterpreted by the people around him as the actions of a top-tier, strategic, and often cold-blooded Hunter. He’s fumbling around, but everyone else sees a genius at work. This specific formula is what connects it to a handful of other incredible series.
The key elements to look for in similar titles are:
- The Misunderstanding Trope: The MC’s true intentions are completely different from how they are perceived.
- Overpowered (OP) Protagonist: The MC is undeniably strong, even if they don't realize the full extent of their power or are trying to hide it.
- Isekai or Hunter Setting: A fantasy world, often with a "Tower" or "Dungeon" system, providing a backdrop for action and leveling.
1. The Eminence in Shadow (Kage no Jitsuryokusha ni Naritakute!)
This is arguably the gold standard for the "delusional OP protagonist" genre and the most direct thematic parallel to The Delusional Hunter in Another World.
Synopsis and Why It’s Similar
The protagonist, Cid Kagenou, is a "chuunibyou" (a person with delusions of grandeur) who dreams of becoming a mastermind secretly pulling the strings from the shadows—an "Eminence in Shadow". After being reincarnated into a fantasy world, he decides to live out this fantasy by creating a fictional organization, "Shadow Garden," to fight a fictional evil, "The Cult of Diablos."
The hilarious twist is that the Cult of Diablos is real, and his made-up backstory and random, dramatic actions are interpreted by his followers (who are all genuinely elite and powerful) as brilliant, strategic moves from a true leader. Cid is constantly fighting against his own power level, trying to maintain the "cool" facade of his imaginary role, while his followers are convinced he is a messianic figure. The accidental world-saving is constant, making it a perfect match for fans of the Delusional Hunter's accidental success.
2. SSS-Class Suicide Hunter (SSS-Geup Jasalheon-ja)
While less focused on the "delusional" aspect, this Manhwa shares the critical "Hunter" and "unique overpowered ability" elements, but with a clever regression twist.
Synopsis and Why It’s Similar
The main character, Kim Gong-ja, is a low-ranking Hunter who gains a unique, SSS-class skill: the ability to "copy" the skill of anyone who kills him. The catch? He has to die to activate it, and he regresses back 24 hours. This leads to a story where the protagonist is constantly sacrificing himself, often in gruesome ways, to learn new skills and solve the mysteries of the "Tower of Babel".
The similarity lies in the unconventional path to power and the protagonist's willingness to go to extreme lengths, which often leads to others misunderstanding his motives. He is a genius strategist, but his methods are so unorthodox (like repeatedly dying) that he is a complete anomaly among the elite Hunters. This series offers a darker, more action-heavy take on the overpowered Hunter trope, with strong elements of Murim and Wuxia fantasy.
3. The Hunter of the Other World Who Is Being Misunderstood
The title itself is a dead giveaway, making this Manhwa a direct spiritual successor to The Delusional Hunter in Another World.
Synopsis and Why It’s Similar
This series centers on a protagonist who is trying his best to adapt to an alternate world, but his every action is interpreted through a lens of extreme competence or hidden agenda by those around him. Like the Delusional Hunter, he is a "Carefree Protagonist" whose true, simple goal is overshadowed by the complex, world-shaking narratives that others project onto him. It’s a perfect example of the accidental legend trope, where the MC is just trying to get by, but the world insists he is a secret master.
4. I Was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius
Another excellent manhwa that focuses purely on the power of misinterpretation, particularly within an academy or guild setting.
Synopsis and Why It’s Similar
The main character possesses a unique, powerful ability that is completely misunderstood by the rest of the world. Everyone believes he is a certain type of genius—a monstrously powerful one—when in reality, his power works in a way that is far more mundane or personally motivated. The humor comes from the MC having to constantly live up to this impossible, self-created reputation, often leading to spectacular, yet accidental, displays of "genius" that only deepen the misunderstanding. It’s a great read for those who enjoy the comedy of a character cornered by their own unintended fame.
5. Overlord
For a darker, more world-building-focused take on the OP and misunderstood protagonist, Overlord is a classic Isekai recommendation.
Synopsis and Why It’s Similar
The protagonist, a salaryman named Momonga, is transported into the body of his powerful Elder Lich avatar, Ainz Ooal Gown, from the DMMO-RPG Yggdrasil. While Ainz is genuinely one of the most powerful beings in the new world, he is constantly overthinking his actions. His loyal, powerful, and often evil subordinates (like Albedo and Demiurge) interpret his every mundane action, such as scratching his chin or sighing, as a part of a grand, thousand-year plan for world domination.
Ainz is not delusional, but he is fundamentally *misunderstood*. He is a genuinely kind person trapped in the body of an evil Overlord, and the sheer scale of the misunderstanding between him and his subordinates is the primary source of the series' dark comedy and narrative drive. This series provides a similar satisfaction to seeing the Delusional Hunter succeed, but on a global, kingdom-conquering scale.
6. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken)
While more wholesome than the "delusional" trope, Slime is the perfect entry for fans who love an OP MC who builds a new world and culture through accidental greatness.
Synopsis and Why It’s Similar
Satoru Mikami is reincarnated into a fantasy world as a Slime, gaining incredible abilities like "Great Sage" and "Predator." He quickly evolves into the powerful Rimuru Tempest. Like the Delusional Hunter, Rimuru is not actively seeking to be a world-shaker; he is simply trying to create a safe, comfortable, and peaceful kingdom for all monsters. However, his immense power, combined with his diplomatic skills, leads him to be seen as a benevolent, yet terrifying, Demon Lord by all surrounding nations.
The similarity is in the *accidental rise to power*. Rimuru is constantly trying to downplay his strength, but his actions—such as reviving an entire army or effortlessly defeating a Demon Lord—force him into the role of a world leader. It’s a great series for those who prefer the world-building and nation-building aspects of the OP protagonist genre.
7. Mocked for His Useless Skill, He Shocked Everyone as the #1 Hunter!
This Manhwa is a newer addition that hits the "Hunter" and "Misunderstood Skill" notes perfectly.
Synopsis and Why It’s Similar
The protagonist is initially mocked for having a skill that everyone deems useless or weak, similar to how the Delusional Hunter might be perceived before his true potential is revealed. As the story progresses, the protagonist reveals the true, overpowered nature of his "useless" skill, shocking the elite Hunters and establishing himself as the undeniable #1. This is a great choice if you enjoy the satisfying payoff of a protagonist proving all his detractors wrong through a combination of hidden power and clever application of an underestimated ability.
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