From Middle-earth to Hyrule, here are the 14 most imaginative fantasy worlds

6. Azeroth, from Warcraft

As with The Lord of the Rings, the world of Warcraft has a tale that “grew in the telling.” When the first Warcraft game came out in 1994, its fantasy world, known as Azeroth, wasn’t the most distinctive place. It was a generic fantasy land slapped out so players could march armies against each other in an epic clash for dominance, and that was all it needed to be.

However, as the franchise grew more popular, the developers at Blizzard filled it out. By the time Warcraft III was released, they’d constructed an elaborate mythology for the world and its many inhabitants. World of Warcraft would see its lore expand as the company released over 20 novels to add to the story, some of which were so popular that elements from them were folded back into the games. Blizzard constantly adds new lands to explore, new characters to meet, and new mysteries to uncover.

All in all, the world of Azeroth might seem a bit generic compared to some of the other entries on this list, but Blizzard has given it just enough unique flavor to get people interested, and before long, they’re hooked. Plus, considering the big the games are, not to mention the 2016 Warcraft movie, it may be one of the best-known fantasy realms of modern times. And unlike, say, Randland, you can actually explore it in game!