Why worldbuild?

Worldbuilding underpins EVERYTHING, from plots, to characters, to scene settings. This makes worldbuilding the natural starting point for a storyteller’s creative process. Plus, it offers a wealth of benefits, from stress management to literally imagining a different world. And if you’re a professional storyteller (or aspiring one), worldbuilding is a critical part of your path to success, drawing in your audience, giving sequel potential, and adding value to your work.

You’re already a worldbuilder!

Ever played pretend? Made up a story? Built a village in a video game? Drawn a map to pirate treasure? Then you’re already a worldbuilder! It’s something we naturally do as children, and a skill we often lose as adults. But you can get it back with practice!

World Anvil is built to help you remember what you already know: you possess endless creative potential. We’re here to help you tap into it again.

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Take the first step. Create your account. Your world and characters await!

Join a friendly, positive Community of 2 Million Players & GMs

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"I’ve been forging worlds for over 40 years. Every new world I create now begins, takes root, and comes alive exclusively in World Anvil. There is simply no better environment to organize, create and comprehend a complex, functioning, breathing universe."

Tracy Hickman

Co-Creator of Dragonlance, Award-Winning Novelist & RPG Creator

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Amazing Worlds

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Interactive Maps

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Gamemaster: Create a homebrew setting

  • Pick a genre & RPG system.
  • Choose your big adventure idea.
  • Focus on 3 important setting aspects.
  • Map out your starting point.
  • Get your players involved.

Writer: Create a fictional world

  • Pick a genre & mood/vibes.
  • Describe a unique twist.
  • Craft 3 compelling characters.
  • Focus on 3 important setting aspects.
  • Outline your novel (or start writing!)

Worldbuilding Examples

Good worldbuilding adds depth and dimension to your storytelling. It creates natural challenges for your characters, adds the weight of history to conflicts, and provides a layer of mystery for exploration. Here are some exceptional worldbuilding examples from books, TV shows, movies and games. Think about the ways the world makes these stories special - and how these stories only make sense in their particular world.

45+ RPG systems

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Take the first step. Create your account. Your world and characters await!