The Best Fantasy Worlds to Explore in Games

4 May 2025

Let’s face it, when reality gets a little too samey or stressful, there’s something magical about diving into a spectacular fantasy world. From ancient kingdoms and ethereal landscapes to sprawling universes brimming with adventure, video games have given us some truly jaw-dropping places to explore. These aren’t just maps or levels; they’re entire worlds that feel alive, rich with lore, mystery, and endless possibilities.

In this article, we’ll take a journey through some of the best fantasy worlds that gaming has to offer. Perfect for days when you're itching to escape reality and live out your wildest fantasies. Ready? Let’s dive in.

1. The Elder Scrolls: Tamriel

Ah, Tamriel—a name that instantly resonates with gamers who adore open-world exploration. The Elder Scrolls series (think Skyrim, Oblivion, and Morrowind) is like a treasure chest overflowing with fantasy goodness. Tamriel is massive, diverse, and dripping with enough lore to make your head spin.

Want to climb snow-capped mountains? Done. Fancy wandering through dense forests filled with mythical creatures and hidden secrets? Check. Or maybe you’ve got a thing for vibrant cities teeming with NPCs who all have their own stories to tell. Tamriel gives you all this and so much more.

What makes it extra special? The freedom. It’s not just about following the main questline (although you can if dragon-slaying is your cup of tea). You can live your life as a thief, a mage, or even a werewolf if you’re feeling particularly wild. Tamriel is your playground, and it’s as deep as the oceans of Black Marsh.

2. Hyrule – The Legend of Zelda Series

If Tamriel feels like a vast epic, Hyrule is like stepping into a beautifully illustrated fairy tale. Whether it’s the pixelated landscapes of the original The Legend of Zelda or the jaw-dropping open world of Breath of the Wild, Hyrule has always been a place worth visiting.

What’s so enchanting about Hyrule? It’s the kind of world that feels crafted. From the sweeping plains of the Great Plateau to the mysterious Lost Woods, every corner invites exploration. Plus, it’s filled with puzzles, secrets, and quirky characters waiting to help (or hilariously hinder) you on your quest.

But the cherry on top? Hyrule's history is so intricately woven into the gameplay. Every ruin you pass has a story—there’s a sense of nostalgia mixed into its mysterious atmosphere. Add in the chance to battle foes like Ganon while wielding the legendary Master Sword, and it’s easy to see why gamers keep coming back.

3. The Witcher: The Continent

If you’re the type who thrives on morally complex narratives and gritty realism, The Continent from The Witcher series is your jam. It’s a grim, medieval-inspired world where choices matter, monsters lurk around every corner, and humans are often more dangerous than beasts.

The Continent is divided into diverse regions, from the lush and deadly forests of Velen to the bustling cities like Novigrad. The level of detail is insane—it’s not just about the scenery. It’s about the world feeling alive. NPCs go about their daily lives, the weather shifts dynamically, and every location feels inhabited by its own unique history and culture.

And let’s not forget the monsters. From majestic griffins to bone-chilling wraiths, The Continent is as much about monster hunting as it is about political intrigue and personal quests. If you’ve got a thing for gray morality and rich storytelling, this is the fantasy world for you.

4. Azeroth – World of Warcraft

Whether you’ve played World of Warcraft for a decade or just dipped your toes in, one thing’s undeniable—Azeroth is absolutely massive. This world has seen cataclysms, wars, and ancient evils rise and fall, yet it remains one of the most iconic and beloved universes in gaming.

Azeroth is pure fantasy gold. You’ve got everything—a sprawling world map, vibrant zones like the mystical forests of Teldrassil, and chaotic, lava-filled hellscapes like the Burning Steppes. Whether you’re a fan of snowy peaks, golden deserts, or haunted ruins, Azeroth’s got you covered.

But the beauty of Azeroth isn’t just in its geography—it’s in its community and history. The factions (Alliance vs. Horde), the epic battles, and the countless expansions make Azeroth feel like a living, breathing world that constantly evolves. And let’s be real, there’s something oddly satisfying about riding around on a dragon mount while duking it out in a raid.

5. Middle-earth – Shadow of Mordor & Shadow of War

J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth is the OG of epic fantasy worlds, and the video game adaptations (Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War) bring it to life in an entirely new way. This is a world of towering mountains, ominous fortresses, and endless fields, all wrapped in a heavy dose of magic and darkness.

What makes Middle-earth so addictive to explore? The Nemesis System. This unique gameplay mechanic creates a dynamic experience where enemies remember your actions, creating personal rivalries that make every encounter feel meaningful. It’s almost like the game world is reacting to you.

Plus, how could we not mention the iconic locales? Fighting through the desolate lands of Mordor, sneaking through the forests of Ithilien, and spotting Sauron’s fiery eye in the distance—it’s a dream for fans of high fantasy.

6. The Lands Between – Elden Ring

If mystery and danger are your thing, The Lands Between from Elden Ring deserves your attention. Created by gaming masters FromSoftware (Dark Souls, Bloodborne) with a little help from George R.R. Martin, this world is… let’s just say, breathtakingly brutal.

The Lands Between is a mesmerizing blend of beauty and treachery. One moment, you’re gazing at a golden Erdtree towering over the land; the next, you’re being absolutely obliterated by an otherworldly creature. Fun, right?

Its open world is filled with secrets begging to be uncovered—hidden dungeons, cryptic NPCs, and lore that only reveals itself to the truly dedicated. The thrill of piecing together its mysteries makes every death (and trust me, there will be many) worth it.

7. Dragon Age: Thedas

Thedas, the setting for Dragon Age, is a world steeped in political intrigue, dark magic, and, well, dragons. It’s a place where kingdoms rise and fall, where mages battle for freedom, and where ancient evils threaten to consume everything.

What sets Thedas apart is its emphasis on relationships. The characters you meet and the choices you make shape the world around you. Want to save a kingdom? Cool. Want to destroy it instead? Also cool. This level of agency makes exploring Thedas deeply personal.

From the bustling cities of Orlais to the haunted Fade, every corner of Thedas brims with lore. And the creatures? Let’s just say you’ll need more than a basic sword to tackle some of these monstrosities.

8. Final Fantasy Worlds (Ivalice, Eorzea, and More)

The Final Fantasy franchise isn’t just one world—it’s many. Whether it’s the steampunk vibes of Midgar (Final Fantasy VII), the medieval fantasy of Ivalice (Final Fantasy Tactics), or the sprawling MMO playground of Eorzea (Final Fantasy XIV), every entry offers a new and dazzling world to explore.

These worlds are rich with detail. They’re filled with colorful characters, epic battles, and enough side quests to last a lifetime. Plus, there’s always that unforgettable mix of magic and machinery that makes Final Fantasy stand out.

And the music? Let’s not get started on that—because nothing elevates your journey through a fantasy world quite like a Nobuo Uematsu score.

Final Thoughts

Fantasy worlds in video games aren’t just escapism—they’re an invitation to live another life, to be the hero (or the villain), and to explore places that only exist in our wildest imaginations. Whether you’re venturing through the snowy peaks of Skyrim or battling ancient evils in Middle-earth, these worlds offer something unforgettable. So, grab your sword, gather your party, and get ready to dive into adventure.

After all, who wouldn't want to explore a world where the impossible feels possible?