Test Your Gaming Cartography: Can You Recognize These Iconic Videogame World Maps?
We all have our strengths and weaknesses, and I’m going to be real with you for a moment and admit I have absolutely zero sense of direction—both in games and in real life. Stress on the zero, because if you ask me whether to take a left or a right at the stop sign, I’m going to let you down. Even with the clearest instructions, my internal compass often points south when it should be pointing north.
So perhaps it’s no surprise to learn I’m always looking at the world maps when playing videogames, though at least those are fun to use. It helps that using one for the first time always feels a bit magical, too. There’s just nothing quite like deciphering fantasy town names or mysterious landmarks—it’s the opposite feeling I get from Siri’s robotic shouting to announce I’ve missed the turn again. While real-world navigation can be a chore, the meticulously crafted landscapes of our favorite virtual worlds offer a genuine sense of wonder and exploration.
Videogame world maps are more than just navigational tools; they are canvases upon which epic sagas unfold. They represent entire civilizations, dangerous wildernesses, forgotten ruins, and bustling metropolises, all meticulously designed to draw us deeper into their lore. From the sprawling continents of high fantasy to the intricate urban jungles of cyberpunk settings, each map tells a story, hinting at adventures past and future. They are often our first glimpse into the scale and ambition of a game, igniting our curiosity and driving our desire to explore every nook and cranny.
That’s why I’ve settled on making this week’s challenge a tribute to the fictional GPS of videogame world maps, and seeing just how many games you recognize by a lay-of-the-land screenshot. You won’t have to know your left from your right, but you will have to know Midgard from Ishgard. This isn’t about memorizing quest markers; it’s about recognizing the unique geographical signatures that define these unforgettable virtual worlds. Think of it as a geographical pop quiz for your gaming brain!
For this challenge, you’ve got 15 minutes to identify 20 videogames based on a textual description of their world map. Since we can’t show you images directly, use your imagination to picture these maps as described. Some descriptions might give away more than others, and you won’t always “see” worlds in their entirety, but gaming cartographers should have it in the bag, easy. Grab a pen and paper, or just keep a running tally in your head. Ready to prove your mastery of gaming geography?
The Ultimate Videogame World Map Recognition Quiz!
Picture each of the following maps in your mind’s eye. What game are they from?
Map 1:
A vast, untamed northern land characterized by jagged mountain ranges, a colossal central Throat of the World peak, and numerous scattered holds like Whiterun, Solitude, and Windhelm. Rivers snake through forested valleys, leading to icy coastlines and ancient Nordic ruins. The overall shape is somewhat oval, dominated by the central mountain spine.
Map 2:
A sprawling post-apocalyptic wasteland, predominantly brown and grey, featuring a distinctive circular glowing sea, the ruins of a famous American city, and multiple interconnected regions. Settlements like Diamond City and Sanctuary Hills are notable, and the map is dotted with irradiated zones and crumbling infrastructure.
Map 3:
A vibrant, cell-shaded map of a fantasy world with distinct regions like Mondstadt and Liyue. It shows towering cliffs, serene lakes, lush forests, and areas inspired by both European and Chinese aesthetics. Waypoints and Statue of the Seven markers are prominent, encouraging exploration of its diverse biomes.
Map 4:
This map depicts a beautifully rendered medieval-fantasy continent, broken into distinct areas such as the war-torn Velen, the grand city of Novigrad, and the rugged, snowy archipelago of Skellige, surrounded by a turbulent sea. Monster nests and points of interest are plentiful, inviting seasoned monster hunters.
Map 5:
A massive urban sprawl of three distinct islands, featuring a bustling metropolis, rolling hills, and a desert area. Famous landmarks like Vinewood sign and a large military base are visible. Highways crisscross the landscape, connecting diverse districts and natural reserves.
Map 6:
A map showing the distinct landmasses of Azeroth, primarily focusing on the Eastern Kingdoms and Kalimdor. It’s a high-fantasy world with varied terrains, from the swamps of the Blasted Lands to the frozen peaks of Northrend (if including expansions). Major faction capitals are clearly marked.
Map 7:
An incredibly detailed map of a fictional version of late 19th-century America. It features vast plains, dense forests, snow-capped mountains, and swampy bayous, with towns like Valentine, Rhodes, and Saint Denis clearly visible. A network of trails and rivers connects these disparate environments.
Map 8:
This map is circular, representing the realm of Midgard. It features a central lake with multiple spokes leading to different realms, each with unique biomes and geographical features, though the primary focus is often on the central hub and its immediate surroundings. Distinctive symbols denote points of interest and challenges.
Map 9:
A highly detailed, almost hand-drawn map depicting the interconnected caverns and forgotten cities of an ancient insect kingdom. Intricate pathways, fungal growths, crystal formations, and submerged areas are all clearly visible, showcasing a world hidden beneath the surface.
Map 10:
A futuristic map of a dense, neon-soaked megacity, Night City, divided into distinct districts like Watson, Westbrook, and Heywood. It shows a complex network of roads, skyscrapers, and industrial zones, with a clear focus on verticality and urban sprawl. Iconography denotes gigs and quest points.
Map 11:
A stunning, painterly map of the land of Hyrule, dominated by a large central castle and surrounded by diverse regions including deserts, volcanic mountains, snowy peaks, and lush forests. Ancient structures and distinct geological features like Death Mountain and the Lanayru Wetlands stand out.
Map 12:
This map features a massive, intricate open world known as The Lands Between. It is characterized by diverse regions like Limgrave, Liurnia of the Lakes, Caelid, and the Altus Plateau, connected by a sprawling network of paths, legacy dungeons, and the looming Erdtree at its center. Its scale is epic and intimidating.
Map 13:
A stylized map of a region, often showing a grid-based town (Pelican Town) surrounded by farmland, a beach, a forest, and a mine. The simplicity and charming details, like specific houses and pathways, are instantly recognizable to fans of peaceful rural life simulators.
Map 14:
This map displays the vast world of Eorzea, including significant continents like Aldenard and Ilsabard. Key cities like Limsa Lominsa, Gridania, and Ul’dah are prominent, connected by diverse zones ranging from arid deserts to lush forests and frozen tundras, evolving with each expansion.
Map 15:
A historical map representing a vast expanse of medieval England and parts of Norway. It’s characterized by its focus on various shires, major rivers, and historical landmarks, often showing Viking settlements and Anglo-Saxon towns amidst a rich, green landscape.
Map 16:
A regional map showing a distinct landmass, often with a large body of water (the Great Sea) and various islands. Key locations like Dragon Roost Island, Windfall Island, and the Forsaken Fortress are scattered across the vast ocean. The art style evokes a sense of exploration and adventure across the waves.
Map 17:
A vibrant, top-down map of a region typically divided into routes and cities, often with a prominent Elite Four challenge location. Gyms are marked, and the overall design is clear, functional, and instantly recognizable to anyone who’s embarked on a journey to become a master trainer.
Map 18:
This map showcases the Forbidden West, a lush, dangerous land filled with stunning natural wonders and ruined futuristic structures. Regions like the Daunt, Plainsong, and the Isle of Spires are identifiable, alongside majestic mountains, vast deserts, and overgrown cities, all teeming with mechanical beasts.
Map 19:
A highly schematic, often minimalistic map of various planets, star systems, and sometimes entire galaxies. It represents space travel and intergalactic exploration, with distinct nodes for different celestial bodies and mission objectives. The focus is on vast distances and strategic navigation between worlds.
Map 20:
This map presents a post-apocalyptic cityscape, a sprawling and vertical design featuring distinct zones like the Slums, the Old Town, and later, the Countryside. It’s characterized by dense urban decay, parkour-friendly rooftops, and numerous safe zones amidst an infected populace.
Answers: How Did You Do?
No peeking allowed until you’re done! Once you’ve made your guesses for all 20 maps, scroll down to see the answers and check your gaming cartography skills.
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- Fallout 4
- Genshin Impact
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Grand Theft Auto V
- World of Warcraft
- Red Dead Redemption 2
- God of War (2018)
- Hollow Knight
- Cyberpunk 2077
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Elden Ring
- Stardew Valley
- Final Fantasy XIV
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
- The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
- Pokémon (any main series game, e.g., Kanto region)
- Horizon Forbidden West
- Mass Effect (any game featuring the Galaxy Map)
- Dying Light
The Enduring Appeal of Videogame World Maps
Whether you aced the quiz or found yourself stumped by a few, it’s clear that videogame world maps hold a special place in our gaming hearts. They are essential not just for telling us where to go, but for grounding us in the fantastical realities presented by these digital worlds. The feeling of uncovering a new section of the map, of seeing unexplored territory stretch out before you, is a unique joy that many open-world games capitalize on.
They foster a sense of adventure, allow for strategic planning, and often serve as beautiful pieces of art in their own right. From the hand-drawn charm of older RPGs to the intricate topographical masterpieces of modern blockbusters, maps are crucial components of our gaming experiences. They represent freedom, the promise of discovery, and the boundless imagination of their creators.
What are some examples of videogame world maps that stand out to you? Was there a particular game map that you loved exploring, or one that constantly got you lost in the best possible way? Let us know in the comments below!
More Quizzes!
Want to keep testing your knowledge of gaming trivia? We’ve got loads more PC Gamer quizzes, on everything from healthbars to weird currencies to absurd patch notes. Keep your brain sharp and your gaming knowledge on point!
