6 Best Worldbuilding Software for Fantasy Writers and DMs
Worldbuilding is half the fun of writing fantasy or running a D&D campaign—but keeping track of every kingdom, culture, and magical system? That can get messy fast.
That’s where worldbuilding software comes in.
Whether you need an all-in-one workspace, a place to store maps, or a tool to keep track of your world’s sprawling lore, there’s a fantasy worldbuilding tool for you.
This guide will break down the best worldbuilding software for fantasy writers and dungeon masters (DMs), including some of my personal favorites and why they work so well.
Plus, I’ll show you how I use Notion for my own worldbuilding (and where you can grab my Notion Worldbuilding Template to organize your own fantasy realm).
Let’s get into it.
What makes great worldbuilding software?
Not all software for worldbuilding is created equal.
Here’s what I look for in a solid tool:
Customizability – Every writer and DM works differently. The best worldbuilding tools let you tweak layouts, categories, and notes to fit your style.
Ease of use – You don’t want to spend more time learning the tool than actually building your world.
Collaboration features – If you’re co-writing or running a D&D campaign, being able to share and edit with others is a huge plus.
Organization tools – The ability to categorize lore, characters, locations, and magic systems in a clear, structured way is a must.
Cross-platform accessibility – The best worldbuilding software should work across devices so you can brainstorm on your laptop, tablet, or phone.
With that in mind, let’s get into the best fantasy writer worldbuilding tools you should consider.
6 best worldbuilding software tools for fantasy writers and DMs
1. World Anvil (free & paid)
For writers and DMs who love wiki-style worldbuilding, World Anvil is a powerhouse. It’s like having a dedicated world encyclopedia where you can link everything together (+ build maps).
Why I recommend it:
Deep linking – Connect characters, locations, and history seamlessly.
Multiple templates – Keeps things structured and easy to track.
Built-in map support – Upload and annotate maps of your world.
Designed for both novels and RPGs – Whether you’re crafting a campaign or a novel, it works.
2. Fantasia Archive (free)
If you want a free worldbuilding tool that doesn’t skimp on features, Fantasia Archive is a good pick. It’s a complete worldbuilding software with sections for lore, locations, characters, and more.
Why I recommend it:
Free – No paywalls, just an open-worldbuilding playground.
Lightweight and easy to use – No steep learning curve.
Offline functionality – Great if you don’t always have internet access.
3. Notion (free)
If you like flexibility, customization, and an insane level of organization, Notion is an incredible choice for fantasy worldbuilding tools. You can create databases for locations, magic systems, character profiles, plot timelines, and anything else your world needs. Everything can be linked together and structured exactly how you want it.
Why I recommend it:
Highly customizable – You can set up interlinked databases, checklists, writing trackers, and pages however you like.
Perfect for organization – Keep everything structured with nested pages, tags, and linked databases. No more digging through scattered notes.
Easy to navigate – Search and filter through your worldbuilding effortlessly.
Great for both writers and DMs – Whether you’re tracking a novel or a dnd campaign, Notion can handle it all.
Works across devices – Plan your world at home or on the go (desktop, tablet + mobile).
It’s free – Unlike some fantasy worldbuilding tools that locks key features behind a paywall, Notion gives you unlimited pages, databases, and basic collaboration tools for free. If you ever want more advanced features, there’s an option to upgrade—but for most fantasy writers and DMs, the free plan is more than enough.
🌟 If you want to set it up Notion yourself, here’s my guide on How to Structure Notion for Worldbuilding and Fiction Writing.
✅ OR you can save yourself the headache and grab my ready-made Notion worldbuilding template.
4. Scrivener (paid)
If you’re a fantasy writer looking for a tool that keeps worldbuilding and writing in one place, Scrivener is a great choice.
Why I recommend it:
Great for long-form writing – Perfect for novels, with a built-in research binder.
Outline and notecard views – Helps keep track of complex worlds.
Side-by-side document support – Compare your world notes while writing.
5. Google Docs & Sheets (free)
Not fancy, but still one of the easiest tools for worldbuilding, Google Docs & Sheets work great if you want a simple, shareable system for all your notes.
Why I recommend it:
Free and easy to use – No software to install and it’s accessible from anywhere, on any device.
Great for collaboration – Perfect if you’re co-writing or worldbuilding with a D&D group.
Spreadsheet power – Use Sheets to track characters, locations, or timelines in different tabs.
Organized sections with sidebar tabs – Google Docs lets you create and navigate different sections using documents tabs on the left sidebar. That way you can easily switch between notes on lore, characters, locations, and magic systems without scrolling endlessly.
6. Amsel suite (paid)
For D&D game masters looking for a dedicated tool, Amsel Suite is one of the most advanced fantasy worldbuilding tools out there.
Why I recommend it:
Designed for RPG worldbuilding – Built for dungeon masters who need in-depth tools.
Session tracking – Keep detailed logs of your campaigns.
Non-linear storytelling – Lets you easily navigate and manage complex narratives.
Which fantasy worldbuilding tool should you choose?
The best worldbuilding tools depend on your needs:
Want full control? → Notion (+ grab my Notion Worldbuilding Template here)
Need a deep, wiki-style system? → WorldAnvil
Prefer a free tool? → Fantasia Archive
Want to mix writing + worldbuilding? → Scrivener
Need something simple? → Google Docs & Sheets
Running a D&D campaign? → Amsel Suite
There’s no perfect tool—just the best one for how you work.
Happy worldbuilding!
Frequently asked questions about worldbuilding software tools
Can I use worldbuilding software for genres other than fantasy?
Absolutely! While most fantasy worldbuilding tools cater to magic, kingdoms, and lore, they work just as well for sci-fi, historical fiction, dystopian, or even contemporary settings. If your story has complex world elements—like politics, geography, or unique cultures—these tools help keep it all organized, no matter the genre.
Can I use multiple worldbuilding tools together?
Absolutely! Many writers and DMs combine tools to get the best of both worlds. For example, you could use Notion for organizing detailed lore, Scrivener for drafting your novel, and World Anvil for mapping out your world. Mixing tools can help you customize your workflow based on what you need.
Is worldbuilding software necessary, or can I just use a notebook?
It depends on your style! If you prefer handwriting and sketching ideas, a notebook can work just fine. But if your world is expansive with lots of moving parts, digital tools make it easier to track details, make edits, and link concepts together. Plus, with software like Notion, you won’t have to flip through pages trying to find that one note about your magic system from six months ago.
