Solo Leveler: A Gamified Self-Improvement Web Application Using RPG Progression Mechanics

• Author(s): Rakshit D
• Paper ID: 1716002
• Page: 1167-1172
• Published Date: 13-04-2026
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 9 Issue 10 April-2026
• 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

Citations

IRE Journals:
Rakshit D "Solo Leveler: A Gamified Self-Improvement Web Application Using RPG Progression Mechanics" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 10 2026 Page 1167-1172 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1716002

IEEE:
Rakshit D "Solo Leveler: A Gamified Self-Improvement Web Application Using RPG Progression Mechanics" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 9, no. 10, Apr. 2026, doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1716002

APA:
Rakshit D (2026). Solo Leveler: A Gamified Self-Improvement Web Application Using RPG Progression Mechanics. Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(10). doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1716002

MLA:
Rakshit D "Solo Leveler: A Gamified Self-Improvement Web Application Using RPG Progression Mechanics" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 9, no. 10, Apr. 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1716002

BibTeX

@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}
}