RPG Campaign Settings

Worlds of Wonder & Peril

Ancient realms await—mist-shrouded kingdoms, steam-powered metropolises, and war-torn domains where legendary adventures unfold. Campaign settings aren't just backdrops—they're living, breathing worlds where heroes rise, empires fall, and sagas are forged in blood and magic.

From the sunbaked deserts of Athas where metal is more precious than life, to gothic realms where fog shrouds ancient tombs and dark forests—each setting offers unique dangers, distinct cultures, and tantalizing secrets. These aren't just places to visit; they're realms to conquer, mysteries to unravel, and histories waiting to be rewritten by your players' deeds.

Whether your party craves the political intrigue of Waterdeep, the post-apocalyptic brutality of Dark Sun, or the lightning-rail adventures of Eberron, these finely crafted worlds provide the perfect stage for epic battles, heart-wrenching moral choices, and stories that will echo across your gaming table for years to come.

Notable Campaign Settings

Blackmoor

First published 1975

Published by TSR/Zeitgeist Games

D&D OD&DAD&DD&D 3.5E

Dave Arneson's legendary first fantasy campaign and one of the oldest RPG settings ever created. A dark, low-fantasy world featuring the mysterious Castle Blackmoor, arcane technology, and subterranean horrors.

Wikipedia →

Greyhawk

First published 1980

Published by TSR/Wizards of the Coast

D&D 5ED&D 3.5EAD&D

Gary Gygax's original campaign world, a classic medieval fantasy setting with evocative locations like the Free City of Greyhawk and Castle Greyhawk. Known for its political intrigue and iconic characters.

Wikipedia →

Forgotten Realms

First published 1987

Published by TSR/Wizards of the Coast

D&D 5ED&D 3.5EAD&D

The most popular D&D setting, featuring the Sword Coast, Waterdeep, and countless legendary heroes. A high-fantasy world with deep lore spanning hundreds of novels and adventures.

Wikipedia →

Eberron

First published 2004

Published by Wizards of the Coast

D&D 5ED&D 4ED&D 3.5E

A pulp noir setting that combines magic with technology, featuring lightning rail trains, sentient constructs, and a cold war between nations after a devastating conflict.

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Ravenloft

First published 1990

Published by TSR/Wizards of the Coast

D&D 5ED&D 3.5EAD&D

A gothic horror setting consisting of demiplane domains, each ruled by a Darklord. Features locations inspired by classic horror literature and films, perfect for horror-themed campaigns.

Wikipedia →

Dark Sun

First published 1991

Published by TSR/Wizards of the Coast

D&D 4EAD&D 2E

A post-apocalyptic desert world where arcane magic has drained the life from the land. Features psionics, powerful sorcerer-kings, and a brutal, resource-scarce environment where metal is rare.

Wikipedia →

Glorantha

First published 1975

Published by Chaosium

RuneQuestHeroQuest13th Age Glorantha

One of the oldest and most detailed fantasy settings, featuring bronze-age cultures where myth and magic are deeply connected to daily life. Known for its complex religions and rune magic system.

Wikipedia →

Creating Your Own Campaign Setting

While published settings provide rich worlds to explore, many Game Masters find joy in crafting their own unique campaign settings. Creating a homebrew world allows complete creative freedom and can be tailored perfectly to your group's interests and play style.

Start Small

Begin with a single town or region rather than an entire continent. A detailed village with memorable NPCs and local conflicts provides more immediate play value than a sketched-out world map.

Build Around Conflicts

Great settings revolve around tensions—religious divides, resource scarcity, political rivalries, or magical catastrophes. These conflicts create natural adventure hooks for your players.

Involve Your Players

Allow players to help build the world through their character backstories and during session zero. This creates investment and may introduce elements you hadn't considered.

Borrow Shamelessly

Combine elements from fiction, history, and published settings that inspire you. The most creative worlds often remix familiar elements in surprising ways.

Setting Resources

Supplement

Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

Wizards of the Coast 2015
D&D 5E

A comprehensive guide to the Sword Coast region of the Forgotten Realms, including new character options, backgrounds, and detailed lore about the cities and factions of the area.

Official Resource →
Supplement

Explorer's Guide to Wildemount

Wizards of the Coast 2020
D&D 5E

A detailed sourcebook for Matthew Mercer's Critical Role campaign setting, featuring new subclasses, spells, magic items, and the Dunamancy school of magic.

Official Resource →
Supplement

Lost Omens World Guide

Paizo 2019
Pathfinder 2E

An overview of the major regions of Golarion following the 10-year time jump in Pathfinder 2E, featuring new ancestries, backgrounds, and items unique to each region.

Official Resource →