10 Best Tools for Worldbuilding
Education
Introduction
Worldbuilding can be a complex task, but it doesn’t have to be. Here, we’ll explore 10 essential tools and apps that can assist you in various aspects of worldbuilding, including map making, storytelling, organizing information, and more. Plus, there’s a bonus tool at the end!
1. Incarnate
One of the most favored tools for fantasy map-making, Incarnate lets you create world maps, regional maps, city and village maps, battle maps, and interior maps. While there’s a free version available, the pro version—at only $ 5 a month—unlocks features that are essential for serious world builders. If you're interested, I can provide a tutorial on achieving specific styles in Incarnate.
2. Wonderdraft
Wonderdraft is another popular map-making tool that rivals Incarnate. It boasts a fantastic land mass editor, and while it lacks a free version, it offers impressive design elements that can make your maps truly stand out.
3. Worldographer
Worldographer is a hex-based mapping system that supports everything from world maps to detailed battle maps. Although it's tailored for Dungeons & Dragons (DND) and RPGs, it's also versatile enough for novel writing. It excels with its child and parent map features for detailed geographic layouts, along with built-in note-taking abilities to track world facts.
4. Asgar's Fantasy World Generator
For those interested in world generation rather than design, Asgar's Fantasy World Generator is a remarkable tool. It can create a complete world based on customizable parameters—like the number of cultures, states, towns, and religions—while allowing you to customize the display with geographical and cultural elements.
5. World Anvil
World Anvil is an all-encompassing suite of worldbuilding tools that helps you organize all details of your world. You can import maps from other tools and make them interactive, create timelines and detailed notes, and even collaborate with others.
6. Campfire
For a more guided approach, Campfire organizes your work into specific modules, making it easier to define story elements, locations, characters, and timelines. This platform not only allows map uploads but also helps to create individualized character sheets.
7. Legend Keeper
Legend Keeper offers a streamlined worldbuilding experience to create notes and wikis linked to your maps. It emphasizes organization via pins, notes, and freeform whiteboards, making it user-friendly for those who want simplicity without sacrificing functionality.
8. Obsidian
Obsidian is a versatile note-taking app suitable for various aspects of life—not just writing. Its main selling point is the ability to link important notes, which helps visualize relationships and keep track of information. There are hundreds of plugins available to enhance its functionality.
9. Notion
Notion serves as a second brain for many users, helping keep track of research, worldbuilding, and personal organization. It’s incredibly flexible, allowing you to customize layouts according to your needs.
10. Don John’s Generators
For inspiration, Don John’s Generators provide a plethora of options—from generating names of monsters to entire storylines. They can create elaborate settings, treasures, and character details that can truly elevate your writing.
Bonus: Comprehensive Resource Compendium
If you’re still looking for help in worldbuilding, I’ve compiled a vast compendium featuring storytelling, plot crafting, character building, and world generation resources. This invaluable toolkit includes guides on building biomes, creating magic systems, establishing economies, and much more.
Keywords
- Worldbuilding
- Map Making
- Storytelling
- Fantasy Maps
- RPG Tools
- World Anvil
- Notion
- Obsidian
- Generators
- Character Building
FAQ
What is Incarnate?
Incarnate is a popular tool for creating fantasy maps with various styles, including world maps, regional maps, and battle maps.
Do I need to pay for these tools?
Many of these tools have both free versions and paid subscriptions. For instance, while Incarnate offers a free version, its pro version has additional essential features for just $ 5 a month.
What is World Anvil used for?
World Anvil is a suite of tools designed to help writers and RPG creators organize their worlds, complete with interactive maps, timelines, and collaborative features.
How does Don John’s Generators help with writing?
Don John's Generators provide inspiration through various generators that create monsters, plots, settings, and more, which can help overcome writer's block.
Can I use these tools for purposes other than worldbuilding?
Yes, some tools like Obsidian and Notion are versatile and can help in many aspects of life beyond just writing, including personal organization and note-taking.
