Worldbuilding can get overwhelming fast. I’ve definitely gone down rabbit holes I did not need, and I know how easy it is to stay in planning mode instead of actually writing.
To make things easier for myself and other fantasy writers, I put together a simple worldbuilding template that focuses on what you actually need to start.
The goal is to build just enough foundation so your story can move forward, instead of getting stuck in endless worldbuilding.
You can scroll to see the worldbuilding template laid out with questions and all, or download the free starter kit if you prefer a fillable or printable version ⬇️.
Grab the free Worldbuilding Template
How to use this worldbuilding template
You will build your world in stages:
- Establish the core identity of your world
- Create the key locations that matter to the story
- Define who holds power and how that affects your characters
- Build a basic magic or power structure
- Connect it all back to the story you are writing
This template does not assume you already know every detail. It helps you decide what matters first, then grow the world naturally as your story expands.
Worldbuilding template for fantasy (with steps and prompts)
Step 1: World foundation
→ World name
→ Short concept sentence
→ Tone or atmosphere
→ Technology level
→ Presence and role of magic
→ Overall theme of the world
Helpful prompts
What is the simplest truth about this world?
What makes this world feel different from ours?
What is one limitation that changes how people live?
What belief do most people share here?
Step 2: Core conflict and power
→ Main conflict shaping the world
→ Who holds power right now?
→ Who wants to challenge that power?
→ How are ordinary people affected?
→ What the ruling power fears most
→ What threat could destabilize this world
→ How this affects the protagonist
Helpful prompts
What is one law everyone knows?
What kind of power matters most here?
Who is allowed power and who is not?
What unfair system shapes daily life?
Step 3: Key locations
Starting location
→ Name
→ Type of place
→ Key feature
→ Why the protagonist begins here
→ One detail that shows culture or tone
Destination or goal
→ Name
→ Why it matters
→ What it represents
→ What reaching it changes
Challenge location
→ Name
→ What danger or obstacle exists here
→ Why characters avoid it
→ Story purpose
Safe haven
→ Name
→ Why it feels safe
→ Who protects it
→ What realization happens here
Step 4: Magic or power system
→ Who can use magic?
→ Where magic comes from
→ What magic costs
→ What magic cannot do
→ Who controls or regulates power
→ How magic influences society
→ One example of magic in daily life
Helpful prompts
What happens if someone overuses magic?
What task does magic never solve?
What object or place is tied to power?
What do citizens believe about magic users?
Step 5: Culture and daily life
→ Important cultural belief
→ Common food or resource
→ Language or naming style
→ Important social rule or taboo
→ Common work or trade
→ How people share information
→ How people rest or celebrate
→ One superstition or fear
Step 6: Tie it to your story
→ How this world challenges the protagonist
→ How this world helps the protagonist
→ What setting element supports the theme
→ What world detail raises emotional stakes
→ What the antagonist controls in this world
Pro worldbuilding template
If you want to upgrade to a pro digital system to store every location, character, magic rule, timeline, and world detail in one place, take a look at my Notion Worldbuilding Template.
It works like a worldbuilding wiki.
You can link characters to locations, track magic rules, and keep your plot and worldbuilding connected so you never lose context while writing.
Advanced worldbuilding questions
Use these only once your core world exists and you are drafting.
Build depth where the story needs it, not everywhere at once.
Government structure and key laws
→ Who makes decisions and how do they gain power?
→ What law affects your protagonist the most?
→ Which laws feel unfair to ordinary people?
→ How do leaders stay in control when challenged?
Economic structure and resource tensions
→ What resource is rare and causes conflict?
→ Who controls wealth and trade?
→ What job most people do and why?
→ How does scarcity shape daily life?
Major religions or belief systems
→ What do people believe about creation or purpose?
→ How do religious beliefs influence behavior or laws?
→ Who gains power from faith, and who fears it?
→ How do followers and skeptics clash?
Linguistic flavor or naming rules
→ What naming patterns or sounds define this culture?
→ What key words or phrases reveal identity or region?
→ How does language create belonging or divide groups?
→ Is there a “forbidden” word or phrase?
Social hierarchy and class divides
→ Who has the most status and why?
→ What class or group faces discrimination?
→ What behavior signals status?
→ How do people rise or fall in society?
Warfare, military, or political factions
→ What conflict or rivalry shapes the world today?
→ Who benefits from war, and who suffers?
→ What group secretly influences decisions?
→ What recent battle, rebellion, or coup still matters?
Technology level and innovation patterns
→ What technology changed life recently?
→ Who controls innovation and knowledge?
→ What everyday task tech does not solve?
→ What future advancement fears or excites people?
Cultural arts, celebrations, and food traditions
→ What food or drink symbolizes comfort or power?
→ What holiday or ceremony unites people?
→ What artistic tradition reflects values or history?
→ What social rule exists around sharing meals?
Download your free worldbuilding template
If you want a structured and fillable worksheet version with examples and extra guidance, you can download the full worldbuilding starter kit below.
This worldbuilding template includes:
- 5-minute world foundation
- Four location planners
- Government and power builder
- Magic system starter questions
- Character archetype mixer
- First chapter worldbuilding checklist
- Naming guide and examples
Download the free Worldbuilding Template
Frequently asked questions about worldbuilding templates
What should a worldbuilding template include?
A useful worldbuilding template should focus on essentials: core concept, key locations, magic or power rules, culture basics, and how the world affects the protagonist. If it does not help the story move, it can wait.
How detailed should a worldbuilding template be?
Keep it simple at first. A template should help you start, not trap you in planning. Add detail only when the story asks for it. More detail is not automatically better.
Can I create my own worldbuilding template instead of using one?
Yes. Templates exist to give structure, not rules. If you prefer your own layout, build it. The important thing is consistency and a format that supports your writing process.
Do I need different templates for characters, magic, and settings?
Not at the beginning. Start with one clear template that covers the core world. You can layer in character sheets, magic notes, and location pages later once you know what the story needs.
Where should I store my worldbuilding template?
Use whatever system helps you stay organized. A notebook works. A PDF works. If you want something searchable that grows with your world as you write, a digital worldbuilding wiki like my Notion Worldbuilding Template can help.
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