World Anvil Academy
Practical lessons for curious worldbuilders, imaginative writers and unforgettable game masters. Your next great idea starts here.
Browse tagged articlesKeep your curiosity alive
Gothic isn't just a bunch of tropes or an aesthetic. It's far more seductive - and subversive. Unpack why gothic exists, what makes it tick, and how to craft a gothic setting for any genre.
Whether or not you're a cozy fan yourself, the genre's appeal is undeniable. So what draws people in? And more importantly, how can you harness that appeal for your own work?
Revolutions and rebellions are a staple of fantasy and science fiction for good reason. Here's a guide for how to write - and subvert - them in your stories and games.
Dragon riders remain one of fantasy's most enduring and electrifying archetypes. So how do you build a world where dragon riders make sense? Here are your options!
Solarpunk is a speculative fiction movement — part aesthetic, part political philosophy, part genre — built around one electrifying premise: what if we actually fixed things?
Why does the Evil Empire keep showing up as fiction's go-to villain? And more importantly for worldbuilders, how do you create a fantasy or scifi empire that doesn't feel like a cliche?
Second worlds are the most common type of setting in traditional fantasy, and the most ambitious. This checklist cuts through the overwhelm by focusing on what actually matters.
Urban fantasy, paranormal mysteries, dark academia, spy thrillers — the secret world is one of fiction's most versatile settings. Here's what you need to know to build one without breaking it.
When every member of a species or culture feels essentially the same, your audience checks out. The good news? You can fix it without overhauling your entire world.
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.
Every great world starts somewhere
Dive deeper and learn about how World Anvil can help you!
