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Solo Leveler: A Gamified Self-Improvement Web Application Using RPG Progression Mechanics
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Human Computer Interaction
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1716002
Abstract
Human motivation and habit formation remain persistent challenges in self-improvement contexts. Traditional task management systems lack the engagement mechanisms necessary to sustain long-term behavioral change. This paper presents Solo Leveler, a web-based gamified self-improvement platform inspired by Role-Playing Game (RPG) progression systems. The application maps real-world tasks and goals onto game mechanics—including experience points (XP), character leveling, skill trees, streaks, and a competitive leaderboard—to drive sustained user engagement. The system is built using a React/Vite frontend, a Node.js/Express REST API backend, MongoDB for persistent storage, and Socket.IO for real-time event broadcasting. An OAuth 2.0 integration with Google enables frictionless authentication alongside traditional JWTbased registration. A tiered quest system (daily, weekly, boss, and custom quests) combined with four categorical skill trees (Health, Knowledge, Productivity, Creativity) provides structured pathways for users to pursue diverse self-improvement goals. Preliminary usage data and design analysis demonstrate that the gamification layer increases task completion intent and provides richer behavioral feedback than conventional to-do applications.
Keywords
Gamification, Self-Improvement, Habit Tracking, RPG Mechanics, Web Application, React, Node.Js, Mongodb, Realtime Systems, Skill Trees
References
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How to cite this paper
@article{1716002,
author = {Rakshit D},
title = {Solo Leveler: A Gamified Self-Improvement Web Application Using RPG Progression Mechanics},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {9},
number = {10},
pages = {1167-1172},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1716002.pdf},
abstract = {Human motivation and habit formation remain persistent challenges in self-improvement contexts. Traditional task management systems lack the engagement mechanisms necessary to sustain long-term behavioral change. This paper presents Solo Leveler, a web-based gamified self-improvement platform inspired by Role-Playing Game (RPG) progression systems. The application maps real-world tasks and goals onto game mechanics—including experience points (XP), character leveling, skill trees, streaks, and a competitive leaderboard—to drive sustained user engagement. The system is built using a React/Vite frontend, a Node.js/Express REST API backend, MongoDB for persistent storage, and Socket.IO for real-time event broadcasting. An OAuth 2.0 integration with Google enables frictionless authentication alongside traditional JWTbased registration. A tiered quest system (daily, weekly, boss, and custom quests) combined with four categorical skill trees (Health, Knowledge, Productivity, Creativity) provides structured pathways for users to pursue diverse self-improvement goals. Preliminary usage data and design analysis demonstrate that the gamification layer increases task completion intent and provides richer behavioral feedback than conventional to-do applications.},
keywords = {Gamification, Self-Improvement, Habit Tracking, RPG Mechanics, Web Application, React, Node.Js, Mongodb, Realtime Systems, Skill Trees},
month = {April},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1716002}
}