For millions of gamers, summer isn’t just a season—it’s an opportunity to escape the mundane and trade the heat of the real world for the vibrant, pixelated horizons of our favorite role-playing games. Whether it is the tranquil, sun-drenched fields of a fantasy kingdom or the neon-soaked streets of a futuristic metropolis, RPGs have long provided the ultimate form of escapism. In celebration of the season, our editorial team at RPGFan reached out to 18 of our writers to identify the fictional locales they would most like to visit. The result is a sprawling, diverse, and deeply personal collection of destinations that span decades of gaming history. From the cozy, community-focused streets of Suikoden III’s Budehuc Castle to the melancholic, rain-slicked charm of Disco Elysium’s Whirling-in-Rags, these are the places where we would choose to spend our time away from the keyboard. The Anatomy of an RPG Getaway The appeal of these locations often stems from more than just visual fidelity. While technical graphical prowess plays a role, our team prioritized "lived-in" environments—spaces that feel like they possess a history, a culture, and a distinct atmosphere that lingers in the player’s mind long after the console is turned off. For those currently in the midst of winter, or for anyone feeling the weight of daily stressors, we invite you to use this guide as a travel brochure for the imagination. Whether these descriptions inspire a sense of warm nostalgia or prompt you to boot up a classic title you’ve yet to explore, these locations represent the pinnacle of world-building in the genre. Coastal Retreats and Seaside Charms Altamira (Tales of Symphonia) As Neal Chandran notes, Altamira offers a quintessential seaside experience. Reminiscent of the bustling, gaudy, and energetic atmosphere of the Jersey Shore, this resort town captures the "tourist trap" aesthetic with precision. With its elemental rail system and iconic Ferris wheel, it’s a place built for vacationers. While year-round living might be too chaotic, the allure of owning a shore house here—to be enjoyed for decades and eventually passed down—remains a powerful, universal dream. Besaid (Final Fantasy X) In a surprising contrast, Benjamin McVey defends Besaid, despite a personal distaste for real-world beaches. Besaid succeeds where reality fails; it is a pristine, digital paradise where the water is clearer than any perfume advertisement and the sand is eternally golden. Accompanied by one of the most iconic, melancholic, and beautiful musical themes in the Final Fantasy canon, Besaid represents a spiritual retreat that transcends the sticky, uncomfortable reality of actual coastal travel. Guldove (Chrono Cross) Aubrey Bryn highlights Guldove, specifically in its "Another World" iteration. Rich in tradition and cultural depth, it is a village that feels alive with history. While modern tourism often threatens the authenticity of such places, Guldove remains a sanctuary for those who value tradition and the preservation of a unique way of life. Bustling Metropolises and Hubs of Culture Edith (The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak) Edith is the quintessential "home away from home." As Audra Bowling explains, this capital city offers a perfect blend of modern convenience and fantasy charm. Whether you’re browsing a bookstore, catching a show at the theater, or sipping a latte while discussing the latest orbal tech, Edith is designed for leisure. Its diverse population and hidden black markets ensure that one is never bored, provided you keep an eye on the city’s complex feline social hierarchy. Chordia (People of Note) For those who prefer their cities with a rhythmic beat, Chordia is unmatched. Matt Wardell describes this pop metropolis as a perpetual weekend. With neon architecture inspired by musical genres and a monorail that connects districts of 80s synthpop and K-pop, Chordia is a paradise for music lovers. It is a world where peace has been achieved, and the only remaining conflict is securing a front-row seat at the next stadium concert. New LA (Xenoblade Chronicles X) Stephanie Sybydlo makes a compelling case for New LA. It is a high-tech sci-fi colony that serves as a melting pot for humans and extraterrestrials alike. While it faces the constant pressure of survival on Planet Mira, it offers a sense of shared purpose and a vibrant, bustling habitat complete with shopping districts and recreational amenities that make the dire circumstances feel like a manageable, communal burden. Pastoral Sanctuaries and Quiet Escapes Arlia (Star Ocean: The Second Story) For the city-dweller, Arlia represents the ultimate detox. Stephanie Sybydlo describes the village as a breath of fresh, clean air—a stark contrast to the smog and noise of a modern metropolis. With its overgrown trees, friendly neighbors, and total absence of modern machinery, Arlia is the place to go when the anxieties of modern life become too much to bear. Elysia (Tales of Zestiria) Rob White reflects on the minimalist beauty of Elysia. As the home of the seraphim, it is defined by its breezy, peaceful atmosphere and high-altitude views. It is a place that reminds visitors how small they are in the grand scheme of the world, offering a sense of solace and awe that can only be found in nature. Lon Lon Ranch (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time) Pete Leavitt champions the pastoral charm of Lon Lon Ranch. It is a small, idyllic operation that represents the simple, cherished friendships formed during childhood adventures. Despite the underlying drama of its ownership, the ranch remains a quintessential place to rest, ride Epona, and enjoy a slice of peace in a world often plagued by darkness. Unique Communities and Whimsical Villages Budehuc Castle (Suikoden III) Audra Bowling highlights the castle as a masterpiece of narrative design. It serves as a neutral ground for diverse cultures to unite. Whether you are trading goods, interacting with a vast cast of characters, or exploring the grounds in the form of a dog, Budehuc Castle represents the ideal of communal cooperation and cultural synthesis. Saturn Valley (EarthBound) Aubrey Bryn identifies Saturn Valley as the peak of whimsy. With its non-judgmental, peaceful inhabitants, it is the perfect place to simply "be." Between the hot springs, the duck population, and the general lack of conflict, it is a low-stress environment—provided you ignore the nearby factory. Pascal’s Village (NieR: Automata) Aleks Franiczek explores the charm of Pascal’s Village. The machine lifeforms, with their endearing cylindrical shapes and philosophical conversations, create a unique, wholesome environment. It is a forest haven that encourages reflection, dialogue, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be alive. Implications and Future Reflections The diversity of these selections—from the 27 locations featured across our full internal list—speaks to the power of the RPG genre. We are not just playing games; we are visiting worlds. As developers continue to push the boundaries of environmental storytelling, the "vacation potential" of these virtual spaces will only increase. For our readers who feel the call to visit these lands, we encourage you to engage with the community. Share your own favorite RPG destinations on our Facebook, Bluesky, Instagram, Threads, or Discord server. Whether you are looking for the quiet of a forest village or the excitement of a musical metropolis, the next great RPG vacation is only a save file away. Intro by Mike Salbato; contributions by the entire RPGFan Editorial Team. Post navigation The Architecture of Memory: How and Roger Transforms Frustration into Empathy
