Worldbuilding 101: Crafting Cities & Settlements With Purpose

In worldbuilding, cities and settlements are more than just locations on a map—they are the living, breathing centers of culture, trade, and conflict. These places are where your characters will thrive, struggle, and shape their destinies. The design and development of each settlement will reveal much about the people who live there, from their values and resources to the challenges they face. In this Worldbuilding 101 piece, we’ll explore how to create compelling cities and settlements that feel authentic and integral to your world. If you’re new to worldbuilding, be sure to check out the previous post on landscape to understand how the geography of your world lays the foundation for where and why these settlements exist.

Cities & Settlements: The Foundations of Civilization

Cities and settlements are the lifeblood of any world, and where people choose to settle often has a profound impact on the development of cultures, politics, and economies. The reasons for settling in a particular area are rooted in both practicality and opportunity, and it’s important to think about why your characters or civilizations choose to build there.

Strategic Locations and Natural Defenses

One of the primary factors in the founding of a settlement is defense. Natural barriers such as mountains, rivers, or cliffs can provide a strong defense against invaders, creating strategic settlements that prioritize safety and security. A city nestled in the mountains or along a riverbank might be chosen for its natural fortifications, making it harder for enemies to reach. These settlements might also feature strongholds, walls, or watchtowers to further protect their inhabitants.

In addition to protection, geography often influences a city’s role as a military or political center. Cities positioned near critical crossroads, such as borders or key trade routes, often become strategic powerhouses, exerting control over vast territories. The more fortified and strategically positioned a settlement is, the more likely it will serve as a hub of commerce, influence, or defense in your world.

Resources and Economy

Another major reason for settling in a specific location is the abundance of resources. Fertile farmland, valuable minerals, or rich forests often lead to the creation of settlements that revolve around resource extraction and trade. These areas have economies built on the extraction and use of these resources, whether it’s agriculture, mining, or timber. For instance, a farming town might be established near rich soil and water sources, while a mining town could spring up in a mountain range with valuable minerals.

The availability of resources can define the cultural and economic identity of a city. A city dependent on agriculture might be known for its festivals celebrating the harvest, while a mining city may focus on craftsmanship, metallurgy, or trade in precious metals. Settlements near water bodies, such as rivers, seas, or lakes, often thrive due to trade routes that make them hubs of commerce. The presence of certain resources not only shapes the economy but also determines the lifestyle and occupations of the people who live there.

Isolation and Vulnerability

While every settlement has its advantages, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Some cities are isolated, whether by their geographical location, political environment, or cultural practices. These cities might face challenges such as limited access to resources or the inability to establish trade connections with others. A city in the middle of a vast desert or deep in a forest might be self-sufficient, but they may also suffer from isolation, making them vulnerable to attack or dependent on limited resources.

Similarly, settlements located in flood-prone areas or regions susceptible to natural disasters may struggle with constant rebuilding and loss. These vulnerabilities often shape the resilience of a city’s inhabitants, creating a culture defined by survival, innovation, and strength. A coastal city, for example, might face constant risk from rising tides or storms, leading to the development of advanced technologies or magical defenses designed to protect it. These imperfections make settlements feel more grounded and alive, highlighting the delicate balance between strength and vulnerability.

Unique Characteristics and Cultural Identity

No two cities are the same, even if they share similar resources or strategic locations. Every settlement should have its own unique characteristics, culture, and way of life. A city built around trade may have an open, cosmopolitan atmosphere, with influences from distant lands and cultures. A secluded mountain city, on the other hand, may have a more insular, tight-knit community, focused on self-reliance and local traditions.

Cultural identity plays a huge role in shaping the character of each settlement. A city in a forested region may celebrate nature with festivals and rituals, while a city built on ancient ruins might be deeply focused on preserving history and knowledge. The inhabitants of these cities might have distinctive clothing, food, architecture, and even language, influenced by the environment and resources available to them.

These unique traits contribute to the overall worldbuilding by enriching the diversity of the setting. A city is more than just a collection of buildings—it's a reflection of its people, their environment, and the way they interact with their world. Each settlement can serve as a microcosm of the larger world, contributing to the depth and authenticity of your story.

Creating Realistic and Immersive Settlements

The process of creating cities and settlements should go beyond just choosing a location on the map. Consider how the geography, resources, and culture shape every aspect of the city, from its architecture to its economy. What challenges do its inhabitants face? How do they survive, thrive, and adapt to the environment around them?

Once you have a clearer picture of your settlements, they will become more than just backdrops—they will be living, breathing entities that shape your characters’ experiences and actions. Whether your settlements are bustling metropolises or quiet, isolated villages, their characteristics and flaws will create tension, conflict, and opportunities for storytelling.

Looking Ahead: Government and History

Next, we will dive into the governance and historical context of your settlements. How did these cities come to be? Who rules them, and how do their political systems affect their inhabitants? Understanding the government and history of your settlements will further deepen the layers of your world, giving you a more complete picture of how everything fits together.

For now, focus on why your settlements exist and what makes them unique. Think about their resources, their vulnerabilities, and their cultural identity. Each city you create is a reflection of the world it inhabits—and each will offer something important to the larger narrative.