WithBaldur’s Gate 3taking place in the world of Faerun, theDungeons & Dragonsgame proved the popularity of the Forgotten Realms as a campaign setting. But long before this latest game came out, Faerun’s regions and cities were also the setting of popular games such asNeverwinter Nights.Despite the setting’s popularity, otherDungeons & Dragonssettings also made the cut in various games.
However, it may interest players and fans to know that specificD&Dsettings have yet to feature in a game. While Dragonlance and Mystara were indeed used as settings for classic games, some underratedD&Dsettings have a lot of potential to house an immersiveDungeons & Dragonstitle.
8Exandria
Set in the world ofExandria, theD&Dpodcast Critical Role follows the exploits of adventuring parties Vox Machina, the Mighty Nein, and the Bells Hells across three campaigns in thecontinents of Tal’Dorei, Wildemount, and Marquet. While the aforementioned continents have their respective cultures and societies, fans could describe Exandria as a high fantasy setting akin to Eberron and the Forgotten Realms, emphasizing moving away fromD&D’s more harmful tropes.
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Although it appears as a stereotypical fantasy setting at first glance, Exandria offers a new spin on traditionalD&Dwith unique features that could work in video games. Manipulating time and space with Dunamancy fits the modern trend of interactive environments. Meanwhile, Matthew Mercer’s Blood Hunter Class allows for aWitcher-esque ARPG take onD&Dmechanics.
7Spelljammer
When newD&Dcampaign settings started popping up,Spelljammerbecame Wizards of the Coast’s answer to continuity concerns. Thanks to this fantasy sci-fi setting, players have access to Wildspace, which “separates” the realms of various campaign settings. With this, as well as ships with “spelljamming helms,” players can theoretically enter any campaign setting they wish without having to homebrew their way past continuity.
Considering the popularity of an RPG likeBaldur’s Gate 3,adventures in Spelljammercould make for immersiveD&Dexperiences. For instance, players could have a Spelljammer RPG with acts separated across different campaign settings, introducing gamers to new worlds and new concepts. This should allow Wizards of the Coast to test which of their worlds can generate fan appeal without risking everything in a single-world experience.
6Strixhaven
Created asa whimsical yet mysterious school for Wizards,Strixhavenmakes for a decent iteration of Hogwarts flavored withD&D’s technical approach to the Wizard Class. Players interested in a fantasy school setting can rely on Strixhaven for a unique take on downtime, exams, and translating campaigns into a school curriculum with a dash of magical experiments and spellcasting mishaps.
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Given the appeal ofHogwarts Legacyto spellcasting fans, Strixhaven has the potential for a similar concept. For instance, the school could be a setting for aPersona-esque game where students save the world in a secret mission, with exams and socialization on the side. As the setting was only introduced in 2021, Wizards of the Coast could include a social RPG as one of the many developments of the Strixhaven setting.
5Nentir Vale
Touted as theMMO-fication ofD&D, the rather infamousD&D4e set inNentir Valewas a contested edition for its full revamp ofD&Drules. Also known as the “Points of Light” setting, Nentir Vale features traditional fantasy world staples such as a destroyed ancient civilization and warring states. Although a “default” setting, Nentir Vale combined elements of popular locations such as Greyhawk and the Forgotten Realms.
Despite the lack of games set in Nentir Vale throughout4e’s lifespan, its “generic”D&Dflavoring could be home to a more RPG-intensive game in the franchise. Should Wizards of the Coast want to experiment with game mechanics,D&D4e’s MMO-leaning approach with Powers instead of 5e’s staple Action Economy could facilitate a unique gaming experience.
4Radiant Citadel
It’s not all time that acampaign setting can remain interesting forD&Dadventuresin the long haul, making 2022’sRadiant Citadela respite for players who want a change of pace in their TTRPG experience. A hub city, the Radiant Citadel was created by refugees from 27 different worlds in the Ethereal Plane that remains connected to 15 of those locations. Its sourcebook,Journeys Through The Radiant Citadel,is stylized as an anthology of adventures taking players across these locations.
Given its 2022 introduction, there remains potential for Radiant Citadel to be the home of aD&Dvideo game adventure. Compared toBaldur’s Gate 3,which is set in the Forgotten Realms with a hardwired mythology, a similar RPG set in theRadiant Citadelcould offer more creative freedom in adventures that don’t necessarily confine players in a single setting.
3Ghostwalk
While the popularity ofDiablo 2resulted in a short-livedDiablo-themedD&Dsetting from 2000 to 2001,Ghostwalkcan become the perfect setting of a Gothic horrorD&Dgame that doesn’t immediately adapt to the Blizzard title. Created in 2003 by Monte Cook and Sean Reynolds, Ghostwalk is set primarily in Manifest, which sits atop the Veil of Souls. In the world’s mythology, the Veil is the place spirits go before venturing into the True Afterlife, with Manifest being a site of resurrections for ghosts who have yet to move on.
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The “miniaturized” setting of Ghostwalk makes for apotential roguelikeD&Dexperience, giving players a central “hub town” while the rest of the world can be procedurally generated. Threats can come from unsavory powers, such as nonhuman races who can’t be resurrected as ghosts, as this “gift” is only provided to humanoid races. Likewise, players can be put into a limited resurrection count, as the setting also features the Calling that can compel ghosts to pass onto the Afterlife and remove any chance of resurrection.
2Pelinore
Developed across various issues ofImaginemagazine, the TSR team in the United Kingdom developed a more grounded take on a fantasy world viaPelinore. While populated by its fair share of kingdoms, the flat disc world of Pelinore shines in the thrill of discovery as much of the known world is left unexplored. Players who want a more “urban” experience could also go to the City League, perhaps the most developed location in the setting.
Pelinore rewards adventurers who dwell in its grounded premise. Exploring its unknown regions can be the perfect incentive to combine adventurers, burglars, and ordinary merry folk. As a setting for a potentialD&Dgame, Pelinore’s “toned-down” fantasy world could make for asandbox RPG likeRuneScapeandAlbion Online.
1Jakandor
At a time whenAD&D 2Eemphasized realism inD&Dadventures,Jakandorbecame a decent option for sword and sorcery stories outside Greyhawk and Mystara. Built as a standalone “campaign arena” by Jeff Grubb in 1998, Jakandor is an island that serves as the site of conflict between the spellcasting Charonti and the barbarians of Knorr. Unlike contemporaryD&Dsettings, Classes in Jakandor are built to accommodate tribal setups. Martial kits reflect warriors of various specializations, while spellcasters reflect both worship of nature and mastery over natural elements.
Although more of a niche setting, Jakandor can be a refreshing take on the typical medieval fantasy worlds ofD&Dgames. Jakandor, built as a remote island, can openD&Dtitles to unique genres flavored with D&D RPG elements, such as a town simulator or a swamp-themed battle royale.
Baldur’s Gate 3is available on the PC and the PS5, with an upcoming Xbox Series X/S release.
