The Most Mesmerizing Fantasy World Ideas of 2023

Looking for exciting and out-of-the-box fantasy world ideas? You’ve come to the right place!

Read on for ideas like a world where time flows differently in different region, allowing for time to be traded and such, or a world where humans and the merpeople coexist in relative peace, and many more!

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Fantasy World Ideas
- Picture-inspired fantasy world ideas
Fantasy World
- Types of fantasy worlds
- Characteristics of a fantasy world
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Fantasy World Ideas

From The Lord of the Rings to Harry Potter to The Hunger Games, every fantasy world has mesmerizing aspects that entice the readers to explore the world more. From a high fantasy universe to a post-apocalyptical world, here are some exciting ideas for a fantasy world.

Limited Magic

A world where magic is limited and regulated by a powerful organization, with a black market for illegal spells and potions.
Soulmate Connection

An alternate universe where soulmates are predetermined is always intriguing because it challenges the notion of free will and the power of fate.

Imagine this scenario: in a world where soulmates are connected to each other with an invisible red string, an aromantic seeks the help of a witch to defy the system by cutting said string.
Dream Connection

Or a world where people can see their soulmates in a dream but it’s always pitch black, they can only remember their soulmate’s voice, or the feel of their hair, etc. (For more story ideas related to the soulmate trope, head to my post 17 Enticing Soulmate Story Ideas.)
Blurred Lines

A world where spirits and the dead can be summoned, and the line between life and death is blurred.
Advanced Societies

A world where creatures from myths and legends, such as dragons and unicorns, exist and have their own societies.
Merpeople in Our Midst

A world where humans and merpeople live side by side.

Imagine this scenario: the two factions live in relative peace with each other, but talking too much to a mermaid/merman will cause a human to gradually forget themselves to the point of wanting to follow their merfolk friend underwater and subsequently die from lack of oxygen.

(For more mermaid/merpeople-related story ideas, head to my post Alluring Mermaid Story Prompts and Ideas.)
Steampunk and Magic Colliding

A world where technology and magic coexist, with steam-powered robots and crystal-powered airships running side by side.

(For more steampunk story ideas, head to my post The Most Creative Steampunk Story Ideas.)
Astrotechnological World

A world where technology has gone as far as creating a star-birthing machine. (Originally appeared in my post Space Opera Story Ideas and Writing Prompts.)
Realm of Experiential Commodities

A world where intangible elements (for example memories, dreams, fears, and other personal experiences) can be extracted, stored, and traded.
Timeless Dimension

In a parallel world where time seems to stop and no one ever gets old, what kind of trouble is potentially brewing there? (Originally appeared in my post 22 Enchanted Forest Story Ideas.)
Dreamfire World

A world where dragons hoard dreams instead of treasures and your protagonist is a hero hell-bent on slaying the dragon King in order to release dreams back to humankind. (Originally appeared in my post Dragon Story Ideas.)

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Picture-inspired fantasy world ideas

A picture speaks a thousand words, so here are some intriguing fantasy world ideas inspired by a picture. Please click on each picture to learn more about it.

1. A world where time flows differently in different regions, leading to a society where time travelers exist and time itself can be a commodity.

(Please click on the image for more information about it.)

2. A world where reality is determined by a collective consciousness, leading to a society where people can influence reality by their thoughts and beliefs.

(Please click on the image for more information about it.)

3. A world where emotions physically manifest as sentient creatures, leading to a society where people must navigate and communicate with their own emotions in order to survive.

(Please click on the image for more information about it.)

Fantasy World

Now that we’ve seen some fantasy world story ideas, let’s delve deeper into the terminology.

A fantasy world is a fictional setting that exists in the imagination of an author, and is typically depicted in works of fantasy fiction. It is often set in a different time or place, and may feature mythical creatures, magic, and other elements that do not exist in the real world.

The purpose of a fantasy world is to provide a backdrop for the story, to create a sense of wonder and escapism for the reader, and to allow the author to explore themes and ideas in a fantastical and imaginative way. It can range from a fully realized and detailed alternate universe to a more generalized and vague setting, but it is always an essential aspect of the fantasy genre.

Types of fantasy worlds

There are many different types of fantasy worlds. Here are a few of them:

1. A world that’s parallel to Earth, in which the two are linked by an enchanted item or portal (for example: the world of Narnia in The Witch, the Lion and the Wardrobe.)

2. A secretive universe that is concealed from ordinary people (for example: the Percy Jackson’s universe in the Percy Jackson series, or the Wizarding World in the Harry Potter franchise.)

3. Earth as imagined in a distant past or future (for example: Middle-earth, the setting of much of J. R. R. Tolkien‘s fantasy stories, or the Star Trek universe.)

4. An alternate version of the Earth and its history (for example: Lyra’s world in His Dark Materials.)

5. A completely different world from Earth (for example the Star Wars universe).

These are just a few examples and the boundaries between them can sometimes blur.

Characteristics of a fantasy world

Some common characteristics of a fantasy world include:

1. Magic and supernatural elements, such as spells, mythical creatures, and enchanted objects.

2. A rich and detailed mythology, with its own legends, gods, and beliefs.

3. A distinct geography, including kingdoms, forests, mountains, and other unique landscapes.

4. A different history, with its own wars, legends, and cultures.

5. A diverse cast of characters, including humans, elves, dwarves, and other mythical races.

6. A clear division between good and evil, often with a struggle between the two forces as a central conflict.

7. A sense of adventure, with quests, battles, and explorations.

8. A distinctive aesthetic, often inspired by medieval or Renaissance art and architecture.

9. A departure from the laws of physics and reality as we know it, allowing for imaginative and fantastical events to occur.

When creating your own fantasy world, it helps to figure out each of these aspects to help you visualize and plan the setting of your story. And remember, the process of creating a fantasy world is ongoing. You can always add more details and refine your ideas as you go along.