World Anvil Worldbuilding
banner
worldanvil.com
World Anvil Worldbuilding
@worldanvil.com
Worldbuilding software, campaign manager and novel writing software. Created by two nerds, run with love & passion, supported by the friendliest community on the internet 🥰🥳 Learn more at www.worldanvil.com
Pinned
We promise, you don’t have to learn orbital mechanics, plate tectonics, or evolutionary biology to build a believable fantasy world. This step-by-step guide covers the basics—from "I have a cool idea" to avoiding common pitfalls.
Worldbuilding Guide: Create A Fantasy Setting
This worldbuilding guide explains the 4 types of worlds, common beginner mistakes, and a step-by-step approach to create a setting for your game, campaign, or novel.
academy.worldanvil.com
Design a well-crafted monster lair that challenges players AND enhances your storytelling! 🐲 From environmental hazards to secret chambers, make your dungeons unforgettable. #DnD #gamemaster
How Do I Design A Good Monster Lair?
Design a well-crafted lair that challenges players and enhances the storytelling and immersion of your campaign.
academy.worldanvil.com
January 10, 2026 at 10:18 PM
Ever wondered how to twist folk tales into something fresh for your fantasy world? Join us as Janet chats with author @shona.kinsella (Daughters of Nicnevin) about adapting folklore!
Twitch: www.twitch.tv/worlda...
YouTube: www.youtube.com/watc...
January 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Campaign planning can feel overwhelming! 😰 Here are the essentials you need to outline so you can keep your D&D adventure on track (but not on rails). #TTRPG #DnD
How to Plan An RPG Campaign?
It can be overwhelming, but here are the essentials you'll need to outline up front to plan a D&D campaign (or other tabletop RPG adventure).
academy.worldanvil.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:02 PM
A homebrew setting is the ultimate creative adventure for DMs! Here's how to start building a DnD campaign setting your players will love. #DnD #worldbuilding
How to Create a Homebrew D&D Setting
A homebrew setting provides the opportunity to flex your creativity and truly craft a world of your own. Here's how to get started!
academy.worldanvil.com
January 8, 2026 at 3:59 PM
Forgotten Realms? Eberron? Homebrew? Discover the most popular DnD settings, how to choose the right one for your party, and tips for creating your own! #DnD #worldbuilding
How to Choose a D&D Setting for Your Campaign
Let's explore some of the most popular and interesting options, how to choose the right one for your party, and tips for creating your own homebrew setting.
academy.worldanvil.com
January 7, 2026 at 4:40 PM
Want to plan RPG sessions that keep players engaged? 🎲 Here are tried-and-tested tips for session prep—and things to avoid! No more dice-spinning & distraction... #DnD #gamemaster
How to Plan a D&D Session
Tips for how to plan an engaging RPG session that will keep your players coming back for more—and things to avoid!
academy.worldanvil.com
January 6, 2026 at 5:08 PM
Let's dive into the different kinds of NPCs & monsters your players might encounter—and how to make them MEMORABLE! 🐉 From recurring villains to one-shot encounters, here's your guide. #DnD #TTRPG
Create Better NPCs and Monsters
Let's dive into the different kinds of people and monsters your players might encounter—and how to make them memorable.
academy.worldanvil.com
January 5, 2026 at 11:54 PM
Stuck on campaign ideas? 🎲 This process will help you generate, tailor, and select the BEST DnD campaign concepts to ensure an exciting and immersive experience for your group! #DnD #gamemaster
Brainstorm Better D&D Campaign Ideas
A process for generating, tailoring, and selecting the best DnD campaign ideas to ensure an exciting and immersive experience for your group.
academy.worldanvil.com
January 5, 2026 at 1:49 AM
Stepping behind the DM screen for the first time? 🎲 Whether you're brand new or returning after a break, this guide has practical advice and resources to help you succeed as a Dungeon Master! #DnD #gamemaster
How to Start Dungeon Mastering
Whether you're stepping into this role for the first time or looking to refresh your skills after a long break, you'll find practical advice and resources to help you succeed.
academy.worldanvil.com
January 4, 2026 at 1:23 AM
A well-placed plot twist can add shock and awe to your one-shot—and keep your players on the edge of their seats! 🎲 Ready to surprise your party? Check out our ideas for twists that'll make your session unforgettable. #DnD #TTRPG
Plot Twist Ideas for One-Shots
A well-placed plot twist can add a little shock and awe to your one-shot, and it can also keep your players engaged.
academy.worldanvil.com
January 3, 2026 at 2:48 AM
Great campaign ideas guide your narrative choices, help you avoid predictable cliches, and keep your players engaged, and curious. Here are a few brainstorming methods to help you quickly generate a list of BIG IDEAS for your next campaign.
Brainstorm Better D&D Campaign Ideas
A process for generating, tailoring, and selecting the best DnD campaign ideas to ensure an exciting and immersive experience for your group.
academy.worldanvil.com
December 25, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Magic systems are often the first thing storytellers get excited about when creating a fantasy setting. But they can also be the thing that breaks your story. 😱 This guide can help! From types of magic systems to mechanics and more...
Magic Systems: A Worldbuilder’s Guide
Magic systems are a major aspect of fantasy worldbuilding. This guide explains different types of magic systems, the mechanics of how they work in your stories and games, and other creative considerations.
academy.worldanvil.com
December 24, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Whether you're crafting a fantasy or sci-fi novel or a tabletop RPG campaign, a cool macguffin, article or relic can offer an intriguing, irresistible goal for characters to pursue. Here are some ideas to spark your inspiration!
Worldbuilding Treasure: Creating a MacGuffin, Artifact or Relic
MacGuffins, or quest items, are objects that propel your adventure plot. Here's how to create interesting, powerful relics and artifacts worth hunting!
academy.worldanvil.com
December 23, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass—and evolutionary biology—hold the secret to more dynamic, believable #worldbuilding….
1/3
December 22, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Spotlighting is an essential #worldbuilding technique, helping creators focus efforts on the most impactful parts of their game or novel setting. By developing key locations, you create a rich, immersive setting without becoming overwhelmed.
Spotlighting to Avoid Shallow Worldbuilding
Creating a sense of deep worldbuilding isn't fleshing out every detail. Spotlighting is a method that helps you focus on what matters most.
academy.worldanvil.com
December 18, 2025 at 10:18 PM
Portal fantasy is a great fit if you’re writing for middle grade & young adults. But more modern stories have given it a grown up spin! Let’s discover what it is, common tropes, examples, and things to watch out for as a worldbuilder.
Worldbuilding Guide to Portal Fantasy
Sick of the real world? Want to escape to a place of wonder and danger? Then climb into this wardrobe as we explore PORTAL FANTASY!
academy.worldanvil.com
December 16, 2025 at 8:04 PM
It's easy to see why Portal Fantasy is a popular subgenre - it's ✨literally✨ the best of both
worlds!
1/3
December 15, 2025 at 6:37 PM
It's easy to see why Portal Fantasy is a popular subgenre - it's ✨literally✨ the best of both worlds! Explore what portal fantasy is, famous examples & common tropes, and where to start worldbuilding (as well as what you can leave for later).
Worldbuilding a Portal Fantasy or Isekai Setting
Portal Fantasy is a popular subgenre for middle grade and young adult audiences, but modern stories have given it a grown-up spin! Explore what portal fantasy is, see some famous examples and common tropes, and learn where to start worldbuilding Portal Fantasy, as well as what you can leave for late
youtu.be
December 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM
We promise, you don’t have to learn orbital mechanics, plate tectonics, or evolutionary biology to build a believable fantasy world. This step-by-step guide covers the basics—from "I have a cool idea" to avoiding common pitfalls.
Worldbuilding Guide: Create A Fantasy Setting
This worldbuilding guide explains the 4 types of worlds, common beginner mistakes, and a step-by-step approach to create a setting for your game, campaign, or novel.
academy.worldanvil.com
December 11, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Why worldbuild religion in your fantasy setting? Because... you want a rich source of motivation, magic & conflict for your novel or campaign characters! Check out this guide to get started ➡️
Worldbuilders Guide to Fantasy Religions
Religion can be a source of motivation, magic & conflict for the characters in your game or novel setting. Here are some resources for worldbuilding one!
academy.worldanvil.com
December 9, 2025 at 11:28 PM
It's cozy season! So let's talk about creating swoon-worthy side characters for your ttRPGs with co-authors of STRIXHAVEN: CURRICULUM OF CHAOS, Amanda Hamon & T. Alexander Stangroom!
Watch live at 10AM PST | 1PM EST | 6PM UK
www.twitch.tv/worlda... OR www.youtube.com/watc...
December 6, 2025 at 2:00 PM
It’s the end of the year… which means it’s WorldEmber time! Plus the Articles & World Manager is even more improved, we have announcements for the next Worldbuilding Awards and more!
World Anvil News: December 2025 | World Anvil Blog
Facebook Twitter Pinterest reddit Tumblr It’s the end of the year… which means it’s WorldEmber time! Plus the Articles & World Manager is even more improved, we have announcements for the next Worldbu...
blog.worldanvil.com
December 5, 2025 at 7:33 PM
📍SAVE THIS POST! If you’re worldbuilding a religion, start with these questions!
1/3
December 5, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Biomes are the natural spaces of a world. But how does ✨magic change a world's 🌿natural environment? Let's talk about how to craft enchanted ecosystems for your fantasy game or novel!
Guide to Biomes in Fantasy Worldbuilding - World Anvil Worldbuilding Academy
Let's talk about the major considerations when crafting enchanted ecosystems for your fantasy game or novel setting!
academy.worldanvil.com
December 4, 2025 at 7:24 PM
A second world setting is a BIG undertaking, BUT you can get started with just the essentials...
1/3
December 3, 2025 at 10:36 PM