For many of our readers, summer has arrived, bringing with it the perennial urge to trade the mundane for the extraordinary. Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway to a local beach or an ambitious trek to an exotic, far-flung locale, the vacation season is in full swing. But why should our travel itineraries be confined to the physical world? As RPG enthusiasts, we have spent decades traversing digital realms—breathtaking coastal villages, floating islands suspended in the clouds, tranquil hot springs, and bustling metropolitan hubs. This feature, the result of a massive collaborative effort from 18 of our team members, explores the fictional geography that we would most like to call home for a week. Whether these selections stir warm, nostalgic embers or inspire you to finally boot up that game gathering dust on your shelf, we invite you to join us on this grand, virtual tour. The Geography of Escapism: A Collaborative Feature This project stands as one of the highest-author-count features in our history. By tapping into the diverse tastes of our editorial staff, we have curated a list that spans the entire history of the genre, from 16-bit classics to modern open-world spectacles. A Note on the Season For our readers currently experiencing the depths of winter, consider this a warm, digital reprieve. We encourage you to use your imagination to project yourself into these often-balmy climates, or simply bookmark this guide for when the weather shifts in your hemisphere. Coastal Charms and Seaside Retreats Altamira (Tales of Symphonia) For Neal Chandran, Altamira serves as the quintessential "Jersey Shore" experience. With its gaudy, touristy charm and elemental rail system—a clear nod to the tram cars of Wildwood—it represents the perfect vacation rental. "In a perfect world," Neal writes, "I would buy an Altamira-area home, enjoy it for decades with family, and then sell it as a hot commodity." Besaid (Final Fantasy X) Benjamin McVey admits a deep, personal hatred for real-world beaches, yet finds Besaid transcendent. "You are treated to its iconic theme music, whose piano melody is instantly catchy and tinged with a beautiful sadness," he notes. It is a place that feels cleaner and more pure than any real-world coast could hope to be. Guldove (Chrono Cross) Aubrey Bryn highlights Guldove for its "immaculate vibes" and rich tradition. While acknowledging the political erosion of the village in the game’s timeline, the location remains a testament to a culture worth preserving, standing as a stark contrast to the hollow tourism that plagues our own world. Bustling Hubs and Urban Centers Edith (The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak) Audra Bowling describes Edith as a "fantasy home away from home." As the capital of the Republic of Calvard, it balances modern conveniences with a distinct fantasy aesthetic. Between its bookstores, theaters, and a clandestine black market, Edith offers the perfect blend of leisure and mystery for the discerning traveler. Chordia (People of Note) Matt Wardell makes a compelling case for the "Pop metropolis" of Chordia. With its neon architecture and constant, stadium-filling concerts, it feels like a city that has achieved perpetual peace. "If there’s an afterlife," Wardell muses, "I want it filled with catchy earworms and musical puns." New LA (Xenoblade Chronicles X) Stephanie Sybydlo defends the bustling sci-fi colony of NLA, noting that it serves as a shared burden for its inhabitants. It is a high-tech habitat where the stakes are high, but the amenities—from the pizza places to the basketball courts—make it a beacon of human (and alien) resilience. Tatsumi Port Island (Persona 3 Reload) Paul Skevington is drawn to the isolation of Tatsumi Port Island. "It’s a little world separated from the rest of the world by a blue barrier," he writes. Despite the strange occurrences that happen under the cover of night, the appeal of a quiet bookstore and a bowl of ramen at Hagakure is simply too strong to ignore. Pastoral Escapes and Rustic Havens Arlia (Star Ocean: The Second Story) Stephanie Sybydlo, a self-described "city girl," finds solace in the clean air of Arlia. It represents the ultimate retreat from the noise and pollution of modern urban life, offering a quiet, medieval-styled village where the only thing in the sky is the occasional bird. Hotto (Dragon Quest XI) Aleks Franiczek dreams of visiting this fantasy feudal Japan. Between the mountain vistas and traditional onsen baths, it’s a traveler’s paradise—provided one can adapt to the local custom of speaking exclusively in haiku. Lon Lon Ranch (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time) Pete Leavitt identifies Lon Lon Ranch as a place of true friendship. Despite the dark political drama surrounding the ranch’s ownership, it remains a beautiful, idyllic spot where a traveler can simply slow down, bond with a horse, and enjoy the open air. Springvale (Genshin Impact) Pete Leavitt returns to highlight the simplicity of Springvale. It isn’t a massive, flashy city, but a quiet hunting village. "It was not afraid to slow down," Leavitt notes, praising the "wistful, stirring instrumental theme" that defines the village’s atmosphere. Architectural Wonders and Fantastical Settings Budehuc Castle (Suikoden III) Audra Bowling points to Budehuc as the ultimate neutral ground. Created as a free trade zone, it brought together warring tribes and cultures. It is a sprawling hub of commerce and diplomacy that perfectly captures the spirit of the Suikoden series. Elysia (Tales of Zestiria) Rob White describes the home of the seraphim as "peaceful, light, and breezy." High up in the sky, surrounded by verdant green and bright blue, Elysia offers a sense of perspective that is hard to find on the ground. Kingdom of Zeal (Chrono Trigger) Patrick Gann provides a cautionary tale: "It’s definitely a place to visit, but not to live!" While the enlightened Kingdom of Zeal is visually stunning, its impending doom serves as a reminder that even the most beautiful floating islands eventually come back down to earth. Magic City Geo (Legend of Mana) Hilary Andreff chooses Geo for its academic appeal. Between the magic academy, the scenic beaches, and the fact that the local inn is run by a sentient teapot, Geo offers a whimsical, magical daily routine that is impossible to replicate in the real world. Skyloft (The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword) Matt Wardell coins the term "Skyre" for this floating town. With its fluffy clouds, warm color palette, and the ability to travel via giant Loftwing birds, it is arguably the most desirable real estate in the Zelda universe. Tuliyollal (Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail) Mario Garcia appreciates Tuliyollal for its hopeful vision of a harmonious, multi-ethnic society. "As a Latino player," Garcia notes, "it’s fantastic getting to see cultures from throughout the Americas represented so vibrantly." Unique Characters and Unforgettable Vibes Pascal’s Village (NieR: Automata): Aleks Franiczek wants to discuss existentialism with robots who have "chunky cylindrical body shapes." Saturn Valley (EarthBound): Aubrey Bryn loves the lack of judgment and the abundance of amenities—and the ducks. Harlech Village (Xanadu Next): Ben Love reminds us that it is the close-knit community of misfits that makes this fog-shrouded island truly special. Ivalice (Final Fantasy Tactics Advance): Ben Love describes this as a "childhood fantasy" where conflict is common but the consequences are merely the equivalent of a sporting match. Lindblum (Final Fantasy IX): Rob White loves the cozy, cobbled streets, though he remains wary of the annual "Festival of the Hunt" monster release. Whirling-in-Rags (Disco Elysium): Mark Roddison captures the "weathered melancholia" of this iconic location, describing it as a place you’d reluctantly visit, only to end up staying for the karaoke. Doolin (Folklore): Hagen McMenemy describes this as a place that "burrows under your skin." It is not built to impress, but to provide a mood that sticks with you for years. Implications and Community Engagement This collection of 27 locations highlights a fundamental truth about RPGs: they are not just games, but places where we build memories. Whether we are seeking the adrenaline of a metropolis or the silence of a mountain village, these digital locales provide a necessary escape. We want to hear from you. Which RPG location would you choose for your dream vacation? Does a specific town from your youth still call to you, or have you found a new favorite in a recent release? Let us know your thoughts, and share your own travel bucket list via our Facebook, Bluesky, Instagram, Threads, or our Discord server! Intro by Mike Salbato Post navigation The Architecture of Memory: How and Roger Transforms Frustration into Empathy
