For millions of players, the arrival of summer signals the traditional start of vacation season. Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway to a local beach or an ambitious trek to an exotic international destination, the impulse to escape the mundane is universal. However, for the staff at RPGFan, the most alluring destinations aren’t found on a travel agency’s brochure—they are rendered in pixels, polygons, and high-fidelity textures. In this expansive feature, we’ve polled 18 members of our editorial team to curate a collection of RPG landscapes we would genuinely love to visit or even call home. From bustling, music-infused metropolises to tranquil, sky-bound villages, this list reflects the diverse, imaginative, and deeply nostalgic spirit of our genre. The Methodology: A Collective Effort This feature stands as one of the highest-author-count articles in RPGFan history. By inviting a broad spectrum of our writers to contribute, we aimed to capture a "widest-reach" range of perspectives. The goal? To offer a travel guide for the digital soul. Whether these entries inspire a warm sense of nostalgia for a title you’ve already completed or serve as a catalyst to finally pick up a game you’ve been eyeing, we hope this journey through our favorite virtual haunts proves as captivating to read as it was for us to compile. Coastal Retreats and Seaside Charm Altamira (Tales of Symphonia) For Neal Chandran, Altamira is the ultimate seaside resort. Drawing parallels to the vibrant, gaudy energy of the New Jersey Shore, Altamira offers an elemental rail system and a bustling amusement park. While it may be too touristy for year-round living, it captures the quintessence of a summer "shore house" dream. Besaid (Final Fantasy X) Benjamin McVey offers a contrarian take: despite a personal distaste for real-world beaches, he finds Besaid transcendent. With its pure, crystal-clear waters and an iconic, melancholic piano score, Besaid represents a digital afterlife one could happily spend an eternity inhabiting. Guldove (Chrono Cross) Aubrey Bryn highlights Guldove (Another World) as a village rich in tradition and aesthetic beauty. While the Home World iteration suffers from the political instability of the Porre invasion, the Another World version remains a beacon of "good vibes" for those seeking a slower, more culturally resonant pace of life. Tuliyollal (Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail) Mario Garcia views Tuliyollal as a triumph of harmonious, multi-ethnic urban planning. As a Latino player, Garcia notes the significance of seeing cultures from the Americas represented so vibrantly. With its idyllic "For’ard Cabins" and lively market atmosphere, it serves as a hopeful, breathing vision of a world worth preserving. Rural Escapes and Pastoral Sanctuaries Arlia (Star Ocean: The Second Story) Stephanie Sybydlo identifies Arlia as the ultimate antidote to the suffocating nature of city life. For those tired of smog and constant urban noise, Arlia’s clean air, verdant trees, and neighborly atmosphere offer the perfect "nature trail" retreat to melt away modern anxieties. Elysia (Tales of Zestiria) Rob White finds solace in the breezy, minimal aesthetic of Elysia. As the home of the seraphim, the village is suspended in the sky, surrounded by rolling green fields and brilliant blue vistas. It is a place for those who wish to live at a gentle pace, far removed from the noise of the outside world. Lon Lon Ranch (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time) Pete Leavitt explores the duality of Lon Lon Ranch. While it suffers from light political intrigue and mismanagement, it remains a quintessential pastoral idyll. Between the presence of Epona and the sense of camaraderie, it serves as a beautiful, nostalgic place for the hero to rest. Springvale (Genshin Impact) Also from Pete Leavitt, Springvale represents the beauty of "slowing down." Beyond the high-production spectacle of its parent game, Springvale is a simple hunting village whose character is defined by its wistful, guitar-led soundtrack and genuine, quiet atmosphere. Metropolises, Hubs, and Bustling Cityscapes Budehuc Castle (Suikoden III) Audra Bowling highlights Budehuc as a masterclass in neutral-ground world-building. As a bustling headquarters that brings together hostile adversaries from various tribes, it serves as a symbol of unity and commerce, offering a rich variety of activities for residents—including the ability to explore as a dog. Chordia (People of Note) Matt Wardell champions the pop-music metropolis of Chordia. With streets dedicated to 80s synthpop and 90s boy bands, and a "bass line" monorail, it is a city that thrives on perpetual celebration. For those who want their afterlife filled with catchy earworms, Chordia is the destination of choice. Edith (The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak) Audra Bowling describes Edith as a "fantastical home away from home." Serving as a cultural melting pot for the Republic of Calvard, it balances modern convenience—such as mobile orbal tech—with a cozy atmosphere perfect for grabbing a latte and keeping up with the local Bracer Guild news. Inaba (Persona 4) Lucy Gray posits that Inaba is a "fantastic location" precisely because of its limitations. As a dying, podunk town, it serves as a mirror to the protagonist’s journey. Its moody, fog-filled atmosphere gives it a character all its own, turning a place that might seem boring into a deeply resonant, revitalized home. Lindblum (Final Fantasy IX) Rob White appreciates Lindblum for its balance of urban density and natural beauty. Built into a hill and crowned by a massive castle, the city offers a cozy, "traditional" fantasy aesthetic. Despite the annual Festival of the Hunt, which releases monsters into the streets, the city retains a homely, winding charm. New LA (Xenoblade Chronicles X) Stephanie Sybydlo defends New LA against critics of its repetitive soundtrack, arguing that the music perfectly encapsulates the role of a desperate, high-tech Earth colony. It is a "shared burden" habitat that provides all the comforts of home, from pizza places to basketball courts, amidst an alien frontier. Tatsumi Port Island (Persona 3 Reload) Paul Skevington is drawn to the island’s isolation. Separated from the rest of the world by a blue barrier, the island offers everything from used book stores to karaoke bars. While the "Dark Hour" poses some issues, the general charm and separation from reality make it an alluring prospect for a long-term stay. Whimsical and Unique Locales Excess Express (Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door) Mario Garcia highlights the appeal of luxury travel. The Excess Express is a glamorous setting where one can unwind in a decorated cabin while beautiful landscapes pass by. Despite the occasional bomb threat or ghostly resident, the experience of dining and socializing while on the rails is undeniably appealing. Harlech Village (Xanadu Next) Ben Love emphasizes that a location is defined by its people. In this fog-shrouded island village, a close-knit community of innkeepers, priestesses, and bards provides solace to travelers. It is a reminder that the warmth of human connection can turn even the most mysterious ruin into a true home. Hotto (Dragon Quest XI) Aleks Franiczek dreams of visiting this fantasy feudal Japan. Between the charming Toriyama-esque aesthetics and the traditional onsen baths, it is a top-tier bucket list location. The added challenge of communicating solely through haiku provides a delightful, low-pressure social constraint. Ivalice (Final Fantasy Tactics Advance) Ben Love explores the childhood fantasy of Ivalice, where conflict is regulated by judges and the threat of death is trivial. It is the ultimate play space for testing one’s courage in an endless world of camaraderie, free from the grim consequences of reality. Kingdom of Zeal (Chrono Trigger) Patrick Gann admits that while Zeal is a stunning, enlightened, and beautiful series of floating islands, it is a place to visit rather than stay—given the inevitable, catastrophic fate of the continent. The view is, however, unparalleled. Magic City Geo (Legend of Mana) Hilary Andreff chooses Geo for its academic appeal. As a lifelong student, the magic academy is a draw, as are the beautiful buildings and the sentient teapot running the local inn. It is a place that feels truly lived-in, provided one keeps track of the Mana spirits’ schedule. Pascal’s Village (NieR: Automata) Aleks Franiczek finds the cute, machine lifeforms of Pascal’s Village to be surprisingly heart-warming. Engaging in philosophical debates with a top-hat-wearing robot while a beautiful soundtrack loops in the background seems like a uniquely peaceful way to spend an afternoon. Saturn Valley (EarthBound) Aubrey Bryn prizes the whimsy of the Mr. Saturn. With a hospital, hotel, and a hot spring, the village is an ideal retreat. As long as the local factory remains under the control of a helpful protagonist, it is perhaps the most stress-free environment on this list. Skyloft (The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword) Matt Wardell notes that Skyloft is the "Skyre." With its fluffy cloud vistas, warm color palette, and the ability to travel via giant Loftwing birds, it is a pastoral paradise that perfectly balances community life with the call to adventure. Whirling-in-Rags (Disco Elysium) Mark Roddison finds a strange, melancholy beauty in the grimy halls of Whirling-in-Rags. It is a place for the weary traveler to sit with a beer and a microphone, finding grandeur in the faded, weathered history of Revachol. Doolin (Folklore) Hagen McMenemy describes Doolin as a "mood" rather than a place. With its cold rain and ambient, unsettling silence, it serves as a seam between the living and the dead. It is a destination for those who want to be deeply, quietly unsettled by a setting that feels like a forgotten dream. A Note for Our Winter Readers For those of our readers currently enduring the colder months, we encourage you to use your imagination to transport yourselves to these warmer, more fantastical climates. And for those who have other favorites, our digital doors are always open. Join the conversation on Facebook, Bluesky, Instagram, Threads, or our Discord server to share your own dream RPG vacation spots. Intro by Mike Salbato. Contributors: Neal Chandran, Stephanie Sybydlo, Audra Bowling, Matt Wardell, Rob White, Mario Garcia, Aubrey Bryn, Ben Love, Aleks Franiczek, Lucy Gray, Pete Leavitt, Hilary Andreff, Paul Skevington, Mark Roddison, Benjamin McVey, Hagen McMenemy, Michael Sollosi, and Patrick Gann. Post navigation The Architecture of Memory: How and Roger Transforms Frustration into Empathy
