Top 10 Underrated Calculative MCs in Manga, Manhwa & Webtoons You Shouldn't Miss

If you’re looking for characters who seem like they’re on top of the world or are purely just wolves in sheep’s clothing, then this list is for you. From MCs who gamble with their life to those who earn money through their wit, to those just struggling to survive, this list will cover all the underrated calculative top 10 MCs that leave no stone unturned for their conquest for power. Let’s get into it!

Note: This list is not in any particular order or ranked! All of these Mc’s are underrated in the cunning/calculative department and should have more spotlight!

1. The Way to Protect the Female Lead’s Older Brother
 

Themes: Dark fantasy, psychological manipulation, survival, family politics

Summary: Roxana Agriche, born into a twisted noble family, uses her beauty and cunning to navigate deadly politics while protecting someone precious to her. Her every move is calculated, even when surrounded by murderers and sociopaths.

Thoughts: Roxana is terrifyingly smart — she uses manipulation, seduction, and fear like her personal scythe. This isn’t just survival; it’s strategy at its most emotionally devastating. Criminally underrated in the “smart MC” scene because people mistake it for romance, despite the very grotesque aspects associated with it.

2. I Became the Youngest Prince in the Novel
 

 

Themes: Political fantasy, transmigration, power plays, revenge

Summary: After being reincarnated into a weak prince’s body in a tragic novel, the MC turns fate on its head. Instead of following the original plot, he uses his foresight and ruthless intellect to outmaneuver enemies and claim the throne.

Thoughts: A slow-burn strategist who plays the long game. Not flashy, but dangerously calculated. If you enjoy MCs who destroy kingdoms with their minds, this one's for you. More politically based for sure

3. Pick Me Up

 

 

Themes: Game mechanics, tower survival, dark fantasy

Summary: Trapped in a hellish tower where players are mere tools, the MC acts like a cold, ruthless gamer. He treats NPCs as numbers and every situation as an optimization problem, constantly outsmarting the system and others.

Thoughts: This MC doesn’t flinch or hesitate — he's surgical in his decisions, with precise as his middle name. One of the best depictions of “there’s always an asian better than you”, he’s super smart and barely anyone talks about this manga, despite it being so intense.

4. One Outs

 

 

Themes: Psychological, gambling, sports

Summary: Toua Tokuchi, a master gambler, joins a baseball team and uses psychological tricks rather than athletic skill to win. Every pitch is a mind game, every inning a calculated risk.

Thoughts: The OG “you lose because you’re not me” MC. He plays entire corporations like they're poker chips. Despite its brilliance, it’s slept on because it’s "a sports manga." It’s so much more than that. The only complaint about the anime is that it ends too early

5. Funouhan
 

 

Themes: Psychological thriller, supernatural crime, horror

Summary: Usobuki Tadashi is a hitman who doesn’t touch his victims. He kills through manipulation—planting thoughts, creating coincidences, and pushing people to kill themselves or each other.

Thoughts: It’s terrifying how calm and effective he is. This is less about action and more about subtle psychological warfare. Completely underrated in the death game / horror thriller space.

6. Regressor Instruction Manual
 

Themes: Regression, fantasy survival, manipulation, dark MC

Summary: Lee Kiyoung regresses to the start of a dangerous game-like world and pretends to be a hero while manipulating everyone around him for his benefit.

Thoughts: Zero morals, 100% calculation. He builds trust only to exploit it, always staying five steps ahead. Perfect anti-hero for those who love those who act innocent but have insane mindsets.

7. Surviving the Game as a Barbarian

 

Themes: Dungeon survival, game world, action with strategy

Summary: The MC is stuck in a brutal game as a barbarian class, but instead of brute-forcing everything, he analyzes the system, maximizes efficiency, and outplays stronger foes using logic.

Thoughts: Don’t let the title fool you. He’s not just swinging an axe — he’s min-maxing life itself. Quietly, one of the smartest survival MCs in a game world setting.

8. Me, the Heavenly Destined Villain
 

 

Themes: Xianxia, fate manipulation, villain protagonist

Summary: Reborn as the "final boss" in a cultivation novel, the MC uses plot armor and destiny itself to his advantage. He lets heroes rise… then crushes them at their peak for maximum gain.

Thoughts: He’s basically hacking the story’s narrative. Top-tier manipulator with smug energy. Overshadowed by repetitive cultivation manhua, but this one flips the genre in a smart way.

9. Debut or Die

 

Themes: Idol survival, realism, second chance

Summary: Forced to debut as an idol or die (literally), the MC with a previous life’s knowledge uses charisma, negotiation, and behind-the-scenes strategies to survive the industry.

Thoughts: No swords or magic — just raw social intelligence. Outwits executives, rival groups, and fans alike. Unique and underappreciated in the world of “smart MCs.”

10. Hellcraft / Hell Maker
 

Themes: Horror, dungeon design, survival game

Summary: The MC creates twisted hell-like dungeons to punish sinners. He manipulates the environment, psychology, and game logic to break people mentally.

Thoughts: Less of a direct tactician and more of a cruel mastermind who shapes others’ fates through traps and fear. Niche but super smart in its execution. The idea about all the 7 sins and..I won't spoil further, but a must-read for sure!