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
A fantasy world is a fictional setting that exists in the imagination of an author, and is typically depicted in works of fantasy fiction such as novels, films, and games. A fantasy world 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. The fantasy world 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.
Establishing a fantasy world sets the stage for the events and characters of the story, and helps to showcase the unique identity of the world. By creating a clear and consistent fantasy world order, the author can immerse the reader in the world and make the story feel believable and real.
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.
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.
1. Limited Magic
A world where magic is limited and regulated by a powerful organization, with a black market for illegal spells and potions.
2. Soulmate AU
A world where soulmates are connected to each other with an invisible red string. Imagine if an aromantic orders a special concoction from a witch that would enable him to see the red string, because he’s intent on defying the system by cutting the string.
3. More Soulmate AU
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.)
4. Blurred Lines
A world where spirits and the dead can be summoned, and the line between life and death is blurred.
5. Advanced Societies
A world where creatures from myths and legends, such as dragons and unicorns, exist and have their own societies.
6.
A world where humans and merpeople live side by side in relative peace, 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, because there’s no way they can change into a mermaid.
(For more mermaid/merpeople-related story ideas, head to my post Alluring Mermaid Story Prompts and Ideas.)
7. A world where technology and magic coexist, with steam-powered robots and airships powered by enchanted crystals running side by side.
8. 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.)
9. A world where outrageous items (for example memories, dreams, fears, etc.) can be extracted, stored, and traded.
10. 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.)
11. The steampunk genre is a boundless realm brimming with possibilities, offering a multitude of fantasy worlds that beckon with endless amusement and exploration. Consider these: a world where clockwork animals are companions to children, or a world where a brilliant engineer accidentally creates a self-aware clockwork automaton with a thirst for freedom, or a world where the surface has become inhospitable and what’s left is a submerged steampunk society. (For more creative steampunk story ideas, head to my post The Most Creative Steampunk Story Ideas.)
12. 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.)
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More?
I hope the fantasy world ideas above spark some inspiration in you!
That’s all I have for now! If you need more story ideas and prompts, please browse our Story Ideas & Writing Prompts Category!
Have any question or feedback? Feel free to contact me here. Until next time!
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