Guide to Fantasy and SF Subgenres

One of your first decisions as a worldbuilder is “what genre (or genres) describe your setting?” But what is genre, and how does it aid in worldbuilding? Is it good or bad? And what genres are out there? In this article, we’ll delve into all these questions, so you can leverage the power of genre in your world building efforts!

What is genre?

A genre is a category or classification of artistic works, such as literature, music, film, or art, that share similar conventions, styles, themes, or subject matter. Genres help categorize and differentiate works based on these shared characteristics.   In literature, fiction and nonfiction are the two primary genres. But the term “genre fiction” is shorthand for “commercial genre fiction” which encompasses romance, mystery, fantasy and science fiction, and all their subgenres. Most tabletop roleplaying games (RPGs) fall into the fantasy or sci-fi genres, with a few crossing over into horror (notably Vampire the Masquerade and Call of Cthulhu).   Each genre has its own set of conventions in terms of content, style, and form. Subgenres are more specific categories within a broader genre. They share the general characteristics of their parent genre but have additional, more specialized traits.   It’s also possible to combine genres into genre mashups. In fact, science fantasy is a popular genre that combines elements of science fiction and fantasy.

Genre in Worldbuilding

Genre is a foundational choice when you start worldbuilding. It helps guide decisions around the basic concepts of your setting, and helps ensure you create a setting your readers or players will enjoy.   Even if your goal is to subvert genre conventions, you first need to understand them. So let’s dive into a master list of all the fantasy and science fiction genres you might be considering for your next worldbuilding project, ttRPG campaign or novel setting

Major Fantasy Subgenres

High Fantasy

High fantasy is characterized by its epic scope and richly developed worlds, often set in entirely fictional universes. J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings is a quintessential example, featuring detailed maps, complex histories, and diverse cultures. High fantasy often involves a grand struggle between good and evil, with heroes embarking on perilous quests to save their world.   In high fantasy, magic is a fundamental aspect of the world, and mythical creatures like dragons, elves, and dwarves are common. The narratives are usually grand in scale, with multiple intertwining plots and a vast array of characters. The settings often include lush forests, towering mountains, and ancient castles, creating a sense of awe and wonder.      

Common elements of high fantasy include:	Examples:
Grand, epic narratives Fully realized, fictional worlds Magic and mythical creatures Heroic quests and battles between good and evil Detailed histories and lore	Books: The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien Movies: Willow TV Shows: Game of Thrones Video Games: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim TTRPG: Dungeons & Dragons

Sword & Sorcery

Sword & Sorcery is a subgenre that emphasizes thrilling action, heroic exploits, and personal conflicts over grand-scale plots. Robert E. Howard's Conan the Barbarian is a prime example, featuring a rugged hero battling foes in a world filled with dark magic and treacherous enemies. Unlike high fantasy, sword & sorcery stories focus more on individual characters and their adventures rather than the fate of entire worlds.   The settings in sword & sorcery are often gritty and dangerous, with corrupt cities, haunted ruins, and wild frontiers. Magic exists but is usually dark and mysterious, often serving as a tool for antagonists. The protagonists are typically lone warriors or small bands of adventurers, relying on their wits and martial prowess to survive.      

Common elements of sword & sorcery include:	Examples:
Focus on individual heroes and their adventures Action-packed, fast-paced narratives Dark magic and dangerous settings Gritty, often morally ambiguous characters Personal conflicts over epic battles	Books: Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser by Fritz Leiber Movies: Conan the Barbarian TV Shows: Xena: Warrior Princess Video Games: Diablo series TTRPG: Savage Worlds, Dungeon Crawling Classics

Portal Fantasy (Isekai)

Portal fantasy, or isekai, involves characters from the real world being transported to a magical or fantastical realm. C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia is a classic example, where children enter a magical land through a wardrobe. In contemporary media, Japanese anime and manga have popularized isekai, with series like Sword Art Online featuring protagonists who find themselves in game-like worlds.   These stories often explore themes of escapism, self-discovery, and the clash between mundane and magical realities. The transported characters usually play crucial roles in the fantastical world's fate, often discovering latent powers or fulfilling ancient prophecies. The contrast between the ordinary and the extraordinary adds a layer of intrigue and wonder to the narrative.    

Common elements of portal fantasy include:	Examples:
Characters transported from the real world to a fantastical realm Exploration of escapism and self-discovery Clash between mundane and magical elements Protagonists playing crucial roles in the new world's fate Themes of adventure and discovery	Books: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire Movies: Alice in Wonderland TV Shows: Dungeons & Dragons cartoon, The Magicians Video Games: Brütal Legend

Science Fantasy

Science fantasy blends elements of both science fiction and fantasy, creating worlds where advanced technology coexists with magic. Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern series exemplifies this, featuring a society that uses genetically engineered dragons to defend against a deadly spore. The genre allows for the exploration of futuristic concepts while retaining the wonder and mystique of magical elements.   In science fantasy, the boundaries between science and magic are often blurred. Advanced technology might appear magical to the inhabitants, or magical phenomena might be explained through scientific principles. This fusion creates a unique narrative landscape where anything is possible, from space travel and alien species to enchanted artifacts and mystical powers.    

Common elements of science fantasy include:	Examples:
Blending of advanced technology and magic Futuristic and fantastical elements coexisting Exploration of both scientific and mystical themes Unique narrative landscapes with endless possibilities Characters and societies navigating the interplay of science and magic	Books: The Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey Movies: John Carter, Jupiter Ascending Video Games: Destiny TTRPG: Numenera

Urban Fantasy

Urban fantasy is set in contemporary, urban environments where magical or supernatural elements exist alongside the mundane. Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere is a notable example, depicting a hidden, magical London beneath the city streets. This genre often involves secret societies, hidden magical communities, and ordinary people discovering extraordinary abilities or encountering mythical creatures.   The settings are typically modern cities with a hidden layer of magic or supernatural activity. The protagonists might be ordinary individuals drawn into a hidden world, or they could be magical beings navigating human society. The juxtaposition of the familiar and the fantastical creates a sense of wonder and intrigue, making urban fantasy a popular genre for exploring themes of identity, power, and hidden truths.    

Common elements of urban fantasy include:	Examples:
Modern, urban settings with magical or supernatural elements Hidden magical communities and secret societies Ordinary people discovering extraordinary abilities Juxtaposition of the familiar and the fantastical Themes of identity, power, and hidden truths	Books: The Dresden Files series, Jim Butcher Movies: Constantine, Bright TV Shows: Supernatural, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Video Games: The Wolf Among Us TTRPG: Vampire the Masquerade, Urban Shadows

Other Fantasy Genres

Wuxia

Wuxia is a genre of Chinese fiction centered around martial arts heroes in ancient China. These stories often focus on themes of honor, loyalty, and personal growth, with protagonists mastering martial arts techniques and embarking on quests. Examples include Jin Yong's Legends of the Condor Heroes and the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Fairytale

Fairytale fantasy draws inspiration from traditional fairy tales, featuring magical creatures, enchanted forests, and moral lessons. These stories often have a whimsical, timeless quality. Examples include The Brothers Grimm tales and modern adaptations like The Princess Bride.

Gaslamp

Gaslamp fantasy blends elements of fantasy with the aesthetics of the Victorian or Edwardian eras. These stories often feature magic, steampunk technology, and gothic elements. Examples include Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke and Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series.

Flintlock

Flintlock fantasy incorporates elements of gunpowder weaponry and early modern technology into traditional fantasy settings. These stories often feature muskets, cannons, and political intrigue. Examples include Brian McClellan's Powder Mage series and The Shadow Campaigns by Django Wexler.

Gothic

Gothic fantasy combines elements of horror, romance, and the supernatural, often set in dark, mysterious locations like haunted castles or cursed forests. Examples include Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole.

LitRPG/Gamelit

LitRPG, or GameLit, features stories set in game-like worlds where characters level up, gain skills, and complete quests. These narratives often incorporate game mechanics and terminology. Examples include Ready Player One by Ernest Cline and The Land series by Aleron Kong.

Mythic

Mythic fantasy draws on myths, legends, and folklore from various cultures, often reimagining these tales in new and creative ways. Examples include American Gods by Neil Gaiman and The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller.

Arthurian

Arthurian fantasy centers around the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, exploring themes of chivalry, honor, and destiny. Examples include The Once and Future King by T.H. White and The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley.

Major Sci-Fi Subgenres

Space Opera

Space opera is a subgenre of science fiction that emphasizes grand, epic adventures in space. These stories often involve interstellar travel, large-scale battles, and complex political intrigue. Star Wars is a quintessential example, featuring a struggle between good and evil on a galactic scale. In space opera, the narrative is typically expansive, with multiple plotlines and a vast array of characters. The settings include diverse planets, advanced starships, and alien civilizations. The genre combines elements of adventure, romance, and high-stakes drama, creating a sense of excitement and wonder.      

Common elements of space opera include:	Examples:
Grand, epic adventures in space Interstellar travel and large-scale battles Complex political intrigue and diverse civilizations Expansive narratives with multiple plotlines Elements of adventure, romance, and high-stakes drama	Books: Dune by Frank Herbert Movies: Star Wars, Guardians of the Galaxy TV Shows: Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica Video Games: Mass Effect, Halo TTRPG: Starfinder

Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic

Dystopian and post-apocalyptic fiction explores societies that have undergone significant collapse or degradation. These stories often depict oppressive regimes, environmental disasters, or societal breakdowns. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and Mad Max are notable examples. In dystopian and post-apocalyptic settings, the focus is on survival, resistance, and the struggle to rebuild or overthrow a corrupt system. The narratives often explore themes of control, freedom, and human resilience. The settings can range from desolate wastelands to technologically advanced but morally bankrupt societies.    

Common elements of dystopian/post-apocalyptic fiction include:	Examples:
Societal collapse or degradation Oppressive regimes or environmental disasters Themes of survival and resistance Exploration of control, freedom, and human resilience Desolate wastelands or morally bankrupt societies	Books: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Movies: The Mad Max series TV Shows: The Handmaid’s Tale, The Walking Dead Video Games: Fallout, The Last of Us

Cyberpunk

Cyberpunk is characterized by its focus on high technology and low life, exploring themes of artificial intelligence, cybernetics, and corporate control. Neuromancer by William Gibson is a seminal work, depicting a world where hackers and cyber-enhanced individuals navigate a gritty, neon-lit urban landscape. In cyberpunk, the settings are often dystopian, with a stark contrast between the technologically advanced and the socioeconomically deprived. The narratives explore the impact of technology on society, identity, and human interaction. Cyberpunk stories often feature antiheroes, complex conspiracies, and a pervasive sense of existential angst.        

Common elements of cyberpunk include:	Examples:
High technology and low life Themes of artificial intelligence and cybernetics Corporate control and dystopian settings Exploration of technology's impact on society and identity Antiheroes and complex conspiracies	Books: Neuromancer by William Gibson Movies: Blade Runner, The Matrix TV Shows: Altered Carbon, Video Games: Cyberpunk 2077, Deus Ex

Alternate History

Alternate history explores worlds where historical events have diverged from our own timeline, creating different outcomes and realities. The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick imagines a world where the Axis powers won World War II. These stories often examine the ripple effects of pivotal moments in history. In alternate history, the settings and narratives are rooted in real historical periods but with significant deviations. The genre allows for the exploration of "what if" scenarios, examining how different choices and events could have reshaped the world. This can lead to richly detailed and thought-provoking stories that blend fact and fiction.        

Common elements of alternate history include:	Examples:
Divergence from real historical events Examination of different outcomes and realities Exploration of "what if" scenarios Blending of fact and fiction Detailed and thought-provoking narratives	Books: The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick Movies: Inglourious Basterds, Back to the Future TV Shows: For All Mankind Video Games: Wolfenstein, Bioshock

Other Sci-Fi Genres

Military

Military science fiction focuses on futuristic warfare, exploring the strategies, technologies, and ethics of combat. Examples include Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein and The Forever War by Joe Haldeman.

Alien Invasion

Alien invasion stories involve extraterrestrial beings attempting to conquer or destroy humanity. Examples include H.G. Wells's The War of the Worlds and the film Independence Day.

Colonization

Colonization science fiction explores the challenges and adventures of establishing human settlements on other planets or in space. Examples include Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson and The Expanse series by James S.A. Corey.

First Contact

First contact stories focus on humanity's initial encounters with alien species, exploring themes of communication, misunderstanding, and coexistence. Examples include Contact by Carl Sagan and Arrival directed by Denis Villeneuve.

Galactic Empire

Galactic empire fiction features vast interstellar empires with complex political systems and power struggles. Examples include Isaac Asimov's Foundation series and the Dune series by Frank Herbert.

Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering science fiction delves into the possibilities and ethical dilemmas of altering living organisms' genetic makeup. Examples include Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton and Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood.

Hard Sci-Fi

Hard science fiction emphasizes scientific accuracy and plausibility, often focusing on technological and scientific challenges. Examples include The Martian by Andy Weir and 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke.

Space Exploration

Space exploration fiction centers on the adventures and discoveries of exploring outer space. Examples include Star Trek and The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe.

Afrofuturism

Afrofuturism combines elements of science fiction with African culture and history, envisioning futures where black people and their contributions are central. Examples include Black Panther and the works of Octavia Butler.

Retrofuturism (Steampunk/Clockpunk/Dieselpunk/Atompunk)

Retrofuturism explores futuristic concepts through the lens of past eras' aesthetics and technology. Steampunk features Victorian-inspired technology, as seen in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Dieselpunk draws on the interwar period, like Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow. Atompunk envisions a future from the perspective of the Atomic Age, as in The Jetsons.

Solarpunk

Solarpunk envisions optimistic futures where technology and society work harmoniously with nature. It focuses on sustainable living and ecological balance. Examples include The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson and the works of Paolo Bacigalupi.

Build Your World, Your Way

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