For millions of players, the arrival of summer signals a season of wanderlust. Whether it’s a quick getaway to a local shoreline or an ambitious trek to an exotic international locale, the urge to escape the mundane is universal. But why should our vacation planning be confined to the physical world? As RPG enthusiasts, we have spent decades traversing breathtaking landscapes: coastal villages bathed in eternal sunsets, floating islands suspended in cerulean skies, and bustling metropolises that hum with magical energy. This summer, we decided to step away from the grind of questing and level-grinding to ask a simple, whimsical question: If we could pack our bags and teleport into our favorite virtual worlds, where would we check in? The result is a monumental collaborative effort. We are proud to feature insights from 18 of our team members, making this one of the most comprehensive features in RPGFan history. From the nostalgic warmth of familiar villages to the neon-drenched streets of futuristic hubs, these are the destinations where we would happily hang up our armor and stay a while. The Geography of Escapism: A Curated List Seaside Resorts and Coastal Retreats Altamira (Tales of Symphonia) Neal Chandran compares Altamira to the iconic New Jersey Shore. With its gaudy, high-energy amusement park and bustling beach hub, it captures the "touristy" charm of a summer boardwalk. While he notes the town is a bit too loud for year-round living, he argues it remains the ultimate fantasy for a vacation rental. Besaid (Final Fantasy X) Benjamin McVey offers a contrarian take on the seaside. "I detest beaches in real life," he admits, yet Besaid is the exception. Transcending the "sticky sand" of reality, Besaid’s pure waters and iconic, melancholic piano score create a digital sanctuary where the air feels cleaner and the company—Wakka, Yuna, and Lulu—is unparalleled. Guldove (Chrono Cross) Aubrey Bryn highlights the "Another World" version of Guldove. Despite the looming threat of political erosion, the village remains a bastion of tradition and immaculate vibes, offering a tranquil escape for those who appreciate history and coastal culture. Bustling Metropolises and Urban Hubs Edith (The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak) Audra Bowling describes Edith as the ultimate "home away from home." As the capital of the Republic of Calvard, it blends fantasy charm with modern conveniences. Between the bookstore-hopping, theater-going, and the intrigue of the local black market, it’s a city that caters to both the curious traveler and the comfort-seeker. Chordia (People of Note) Matt Wardell paints a picture of a "Pop metropolis" that feels like a perpetual, peaceful weekend. With districts dedicated to musical subgenres and a monorail that zips through neon architecture, Chordia is a dream for those who want their afterlife filled with catchy earworms and artistic vibrancy. New LA (Xenoblade Chronicles X) Stephanie Sybydlo defends the industrial heart of the planet Mira. While some criticize its repetitive soundtrack, she views the city as a necessary, functional hub that balances military necessity with the comforts of home—pizza, basketball, and a shared sense of survival among an alien-integrated populace. Tatsumi Port Island (Persona 3 Reload) Paul Skevington finds beauty in the island’s isolation. With its azure waters, used bookstores, and the hidden depths of Club Escapade, it offers a distinct aesthetic separation from the rest of the world. Despite the "nocturnal complications," it remains a top-tier destination for urban exploration. Pastoral Villages and Idyllic Havens Arlia (Star Ocean: The Second Story) Stephanie Sybydlo describes Arlia as the antidote to the "suffocating" nature of city life. With its clean air, verdant trees, and hospitable neighbors, it represents the ultimate retreat for anyone looking to melt away modern anxieties. Elysia (Tales of Zestiria) Rob White finds solace in the breezy, minimal aesthetic of Elysia. Perched high in the sky, the village’s combination of rolling grassy fields and bright, white architecture provides a sense of awe that reminds the traveler they are part of something much larger. Kamura Village (Monster Hunter Rise) Michael Sollosi is drawn to the community spirit of Kamura. While the threat of monster rampages is a reality, the opportunity to practice husbandry alongside cat chefs and enjoy the shade of cherry blossom trees makes it an idyllic place to settle down. Springvale (Genshin Impact) Pete Leavitt reflects on the pacing of Springvale. As a quiet hunting village, it doesn’t try to be flashy. It offers a "wistful, stirring" atmosphere defined by its acoustic guitar soundtrack and a simple, slow-paced lifestyle that modern, high-production RPGs often overlook. Chronology of Our Journeys The selections highlight a shift in player priorities over the decades. Earlier titles like Chrono Trigger (Zeal) and Ocarina of Time (Lon Lon Ranch) focus on high-fantasy wonder and childhood nostalgia. In contrast, modern entries like Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail (Tuliyollal) and Persona 3 Reload emphasize complex, multi-layered urban environments that reflect the diversity and interconnectedness of our own world. Supporting Data: Why We Choose These Spots In analyzing the contributors’ responses, three recurring themes emerge as the "vacation requirements" for our team: Auditory Immersion: Nearly every contributor cited music as a primary factor in their decision. Whether it is the guitar melodies of Genshin Impact or the iconic themes of Final Fantasy X, the sonic landscape of a location is often what makes it "livable." Community Density: Locations like Suikoden III’s Budehuc Castle and Xanadu Next’s Harlech Village were selected not for their grandeur, but for their inhabitants. The presence of memorable, welcoming NPCs is what transforms a "map node" into a "home." The "Safety" Paradox: Many contributors acknowledged the inherent danger in these worlds (monster attacks, political intrigue, or supernatural threats) but found that these risks added a layer of excitement that made the vacation feel like a true adventure rather than a mundane trip. Official Team Perspectives "I always encourage as many of the team to contribute as possible," says Mike Salbato, who oversaw the project. "Seeing 18 different voices share their diverse, deeply personal reasons for these selections really shows the range of what makes an RPG world ‘real’ to us. Whether it’s a desire for quiet, like Arlia, or a desire for mystery, like Doolin, every location here tells us something about the person who chose it." Implications for Future Play For our readers, this list serves as more than just a trip down memory lane. It is an invitation to revisit these games with a "tourist’s eye." When you pick up that controller next, don’t just rush to the next objective marker. Take a moment to sit in the inn, listen to the background track, and observe the NPC routines. As we look toward the future of RPG development, the emphasis on creating "living, breathing" environments will only increase. Titles like Tuliyollal and Edith prove that players crave depth in their virtual travel destinations. What about you? Whether you are currently braving the winter chill or enjoying the summer heat, we want to hear from you. Which RPG locations would make your bucket list? Does the quiet solitude of Folklore’s Doolin call to you, or are you ready for the chaos of a NieR: Automata village? Join the conversation on our Facebook, Bluesky, Instagram, Threads, or our Discord server. Until then, happy travels—virtual or otherwise. Post navigation Echo Generation 2: A Voxel Prequel That Struggles to Find Its Voice
