Creating Fantasy Maps: 9 Tips to Build Your Fictional World
Maps are more than just pretty pictures—they’re the blueprint for your world.
Whether your characters are trekking through treacherous mountain ranges or scheming in shadowy city alleys, creating fantasy maps can add depth to your novel.
If you're an experienced fantasy author or a newbie looking to build your first world, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about creating fantasy maps.
Why creating fantasy maps is essential
Fantasy maps aren't just eye candy—they're tools for storytelling. A well-made map can:
Anchor readers in your world.
Provide you with a reference to keep your story consistent.
Spark ideas for new plotlines or conflicts based on geography.
Think about iconic fantasy stories like The Lord of the Rings. Could Frodo's journey have been as gripping without the detailed map of Middle-earth? Probably not.
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of how to create a fantasy map that feels alive.
1. Start with your worldbuilding
Before you put pen to paper (or stylus to tablet), think about the world you're building. Your map should be a natural extension of your world’s lore, cultures, and history. Ask yourself:
What kind of world are you creating? Is it a single kingdom, a sprawling continent, or an entire planet?
What’s the climate like? Deserts, forests, tundras, and oceans all have their place in a fantasy map.
How do people travel? Roads, rivers, and trade routes will influence where towns and cities are located.
What’s the history? Wars, migrations, and disasters shape geography. A kingdom divided by a chasm? A city built on ruins? These details make maps compelling.
📜 If you’re still fleshing out your world, check out our Ultimate Fantasy Worldbuilding Guide article for a structured way to build your setting.
2. Decide on your map’s purpose
Before you dive into the details, ask yourself: why are you creating this map? The purpose of your map will guide the level of detail and style you choose.
Is it for you as the author?
If your map is primarily for personal use, focus on functionality. This map will act as your reference guide to keep locations consistent and help you understand how geography affects your story. For example:
Are two cities close enough for a day’s journey?
Is there a reason why one kingdom hasn’t invaded the other (perhaps due to a mountain range or desert)?
A map for personal use doesn’t need to be perfect—it’s your playground for organizing ideas and experimenting with layouts. Feel free to scribble notes or leave areas blank to fill in later.
Is it for your readers?
No matter who the map is for—your readers or just you—creating fantasy maps adds an extra layer of depth to your storytelling. Readers should be able to glance at the map and immediately understand the world’s major features.
Avoid overloading the map with too much detail, as this can overwhelm readers. Instead, focus on:
Key locations that are relevant to the story (cities, landmarks, and major regions).
An artistic style that matches the tone of your world. A gritty, war-torn world might have a darker, more minimalist map, while a whimsical realm could include bright, playful illustrations.
💡 Pro Tip: If your map serves both purposes, create a rough version for yourself first, then refine it for your readers.
3. Gather your tools
You don’t need fancy software to create fantasy maps, but having the right tools can make a big difference. Here’s what you’ll need:
For hand-drawn maps:
Pencils and pens: Start with pencil for sketching and use pens for clean outlines.
Paper: Graph paper can help with scale, but plain paper works fine too.
Rulers and compasses: For precision when adding roads, borders, or circular cities.
For digital maps:
Software: Try free programs like Inkarnate or World Anvil. These tools make creating fantasy maps easy, even if you’re not a natural artist.
A stylus and tablet: If you prefer drawing directly onto a screen.
Textures and brushes: Many digital platforms offer fantasy map packs for mountains, forests, and more.
💡 Pro tip: Even if you go digital, starting with a rough hand-drawn sketch can help you conceptualize your layout.
4. Rough sketch your map
Don’t worry about perfection at this stage—this is where creativity takes the wheel. Use simple shapes to mark key features like:
Continents, islands, or peninsulas.
Mountain ranges and hills.
Bodies of water like lakes, rivers, and seas.
Forests, deserts, or swamps.
Major cities, towns, and villages.
Questions to guide your sketch:
Where are natural boundaries like mountains or rivers?
What areas would be difficult to traverse?
How would these features affect politics or trade?
💡 Example: A kingdom nestled in a mountain valley might have natural defenses, while a port city on a major river could be a hub for trade—and intrigue.
5. Use online tools for creating fantasy maps
If sketching isn’t your thing or you want something polished, these online tools are a lifesaver:
Inkarnate: A user-friendly map-making tool tailored for fantasy worlds. Create professional-looking maps with features like forests, mountains, and custom icons. Perfect for creating large-scale maps or zooming in on specific regions.
World Anvil: More than just a map maker, this is a full-fledged worldbuilding platform. It allows you to craft maps, organize your lore, and even build timelines and character backstories—all in one place.
DungeonFog: Ideal for designing detailed locations such as cities, dungeons, or specific adventure spots. If your story features a lot of localized action, this is the tool for you.
Example of a fantasy world map built with Inkarnate
6. Add realism with geographical rules
When creating fantasy maps, using real-world geography as a guide can help your world feel grounded and believable. Keep these rules in mind:
Rivers flow downhill. They start in high areas (mountains) and end in low areas (oceans or lakes).
Mountains cluster. They don’t pop up randomly—mountain ranges are usually the result of tectonic activity.
Deserts are near mountains or far from water. Look up “rain shadows” for a quick geography lesson.
💡 Tip: Study real-world maps to see how natural features shape human activity.
7. Add personality with names and labels
This is where your creativity shines! Naming places on your map adds personality and flavor to your world. Here’s how to do it:
Match the tone of your world: If your world is dark and gritty, "Raven's Hollow" might fit better than "Sunshine Meadows."
Borrow from cultures: Pull inspiration from real-world languages, but don’t directly copy.
Mix it up: Include a variety of names—some practical (Stonebridge), some fantastical (Eryndor).
💡 Example: A desert kingdom might use Arabic-inspired names, while a forested land could have Celtic-style place names.
8. Add the finishing touches
Your map is sketched and labeled—now it’s time to make it beautiful. Here’s how:
For hand-drawn maps:
Use fine-tip pens to outline landmasses and features.
Add shading for mountains and forests to give them depth.
Use watercolors or colored pencils to bring your map to life.
For digital maps:
Add texture to terrains (e.g., sandy textures for deserts, rocky textures for mountains).
Use layers to separate features and make editing easier.
Play with color palettes. Earthy tones are popular, but bright and whimsical colors can also work.
9. Keep evolving your map
Your fantasy map is a living, breathing tool that can grow alongside your story. Think of it as a flexible framework rather than a static piece of art. As you develop your plot, you might discover new locations or decide to expand your world.
How to evolve your map:
Add new locations as needed: Perhaps your story introduces a hidden valley, an underground city, or a newly discovered island. Add these as your narrative requires.
Refine details based on your story’s needs: If your characters spend a lot of time in a specific region, flesh out its geography in greater detail. For example, you might add smaller villages, trade routes, or natural obstacles.
Use your map for inspiration: Sometimes, the act of drawing or revisiting your map can spark new plot ideas. A mysterious ruin on the edge of the forest might inspire a subplot, or an impassable desert might force your characters to take a dangerous sea route.
When to revisit your map:
During revisions: As your story evolves, check that your map still makes sense. Are the distances realistic? Do key locations align with the plot’s needs?
When planning sequels: If your series expands to new regions, you can grow your map accordingly, adding neighboring continents, oceans, or islands.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep a digital copy of your map or draw it in layers, so you can easily tweak or expand it without starting from scratch. If you’re working with a professional illustrator for a final version, make sure they leave room for additions in case your world grows.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How detailed should my fantasy map be?
The level of detail depends on your story. For a sweeping epic, you might need entire continents with cities, rivers, and trade routes. For a more localized tale, a single kingdom or region may suffice. Focus on the areas that are relevant to your plot, and don’t feel pressured to overcomplicate the map with unnecessary details.
Do I need artistic skills to create a great fantasy map?
Not at all! If drawing isn’t your strength, use digital tools like Inkarnate or Wonderdraft, which make it easy to design polished maps. Alternatively, a simple hand-drawn map with basic shapes can still work as a reference for your story.
Should I include my map in my book?
Including a map can enhance the reader’s experience, especially if geography plays a significant role in your story. But it’s not always necessary. Consider your audience and whether the map adds value to the story. If it feels essential, ensure it’s clear, readable, and visually appealing.
