Cultural Inspirations Behind Popular RPG Worlds

29 November 2025

When you dive into a role-playing game (RPG), you're not just picking up a controller or rolling some dice. You're stepping into a whole new world — sometimes unfamiliar, sometimes oddly familiar. And you know what? That sense of familiarity is no accident. Game developers pull from real-world cultures all the time to create their most iconic RPG settings. And trust me, once you start recognizing those cultural threads, it becomes a whole new way to experience your favorite games.

So let’s break it down. From Norse mythology to feudal Japan, and even Indigenous and Middle Eastern legends — RPGs are rich tapestries woven with cultural influences. Let’s dissect those worlds, shall we?

Why Culture Matters in RPG Design

First off, let's talk about why game devs even bother pulling from real-world cultures. Couldn’t they just create something 100% original from scratch?

Sure, they could. But using cultural inspiration adds depth, resonance, and familiarity that grounds the fantastical. And let's not forget — real history and mythology are full of drama, magic, moral gray areas, you name it. It's like free story gold.

Think of it as seasoning. Anyone can cook plain rice, but when you add spices from all corners of the globe, suddenly you’ve got biryani, paella, or sushi. Same idea with RPGs.

Norse Mythology – The Backbone of Many Fantasy Worlds

Let me guess — a wise old wizard, a world-ending prophecy, and a tree that connects different realms?

Yep, you’re in Norse territory.

Games like God of War (yes, it started Greek but leaned super hard into Norse later) and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim are dripping in Norse themes. The concept of Yggdrasil — the world tree — is echoed in countless RPGs as a representation of interconnected realities. Even the cold, mountainous landscapes of Skyrim scream "Scandinavia."

The gods? Odin, Loki, Thor — you've seen them in more than just Marvel movies. In RPGs, they're often reimagined as powerful NPCs or divine entities. And the apocalypse, a.k.a. Ragnarok? It makes for a pretty epic endgame arc.

Why is Norse so popular? Because it’s equal parts noble and brutal. It adds moral weight to decisions and makes you question what’s right and wrong when the gods are just as flawed as the mortals.

Feudal Japan – Samurai, Honor, and Spirituality

Ever play Ghost of Tsushima, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, or Nioh? Then you’ve walked the path of the ronin — the wandering samurai with a code of honor more cutting than his katana.

Feudal Japan offers a unique flavor of storytelling — one that's driven by duty, betrayal, revenge, and spirituality. Shinto and Buddhist philosophies often work their way into the soul of these games. Spirits (kami), yokai (supernatural beings), and reincarnation don’t just color the story — they are the story.

The architecture, the tranquil shrines, the cherry blossoms that fall just as you draw your sword — all these set the backdrop for personal drama and epic battles. And honestly? It’s just plain beautiful.

The tension between serenity and violence creates a powder keg of narrative opportunities. And that’s why so many RPGs are enchanted by this era and region.

Medieval Europe – The Classic Fantasy Setting

Let’s face it, this one's the granddaddy of them all. Think The Witcher, Dragon Age, Dark Souls, Final Fantasy (at least the early ones). You’ve got knights, dragons, grimy taverns, and plague-infested villages.

But here’s the twist — it’s not always historically accurate. It's more like "Europe with extra magic." The castles are bigger, the swords shinier, and everyone has better skin despite zero access to soap.

That said, medieval Europe's influence is unmistakable. And it goes beyond swords and sorcery. The politics, the class systems, the religious overtones — all of it draws directly from real historical structures.

These games often touch on the corruption of the Church (ahem, Chantry in Dragon Age), the cruelty of nobles, and the plight of common folk. Whether it’s divine right or cursed bloodlines, this setting provides an endless sandbox for tales of rebellion, redemption, and resourcefulness.

Middle Eastern Influences – Sands, Spices, and Magic

Now let’s head southeast. Games don’t pull from the Middle East as often, but when they do, wow it’s memorable.

Take Prince of Persia — infused with Persian mythology, it’s a sweeping tale of fate, time manipulation, and ancient curses. Or Assassin's Creed (especially the early titles), which throws you right into the heart of the Holy Land during the Crusades.

These worlds are rich with bustling bazaars, towering minarets, and stories from One Thousand and One Nights. Think flying carpets, djinn, and puzzle-like palaces — you can almost smell the cardamom and hear the oud playing in the background.

It's a setting that's both mysterious and philosophical. The existential questions baked into Middle Eastern literature — like fate vs. free will — make it perfect for RPG mechanics. What better place to tackle destiny than a land filled with ancient scrolls and prophetic sands?

Indigenous Cultures – The Untapped Goldmine

This one’s a bit underrepresented, but that’s slowly changing. Games like Never Alone (based on Inuit folklore) and Prey (2017) with Native American influences show how much potential there is here.

Indigenous cultures bring a deep connection to nature, oral storytelling traditions, and cyclical worldviews. These themes challenge the common RPG tropes of linear quests and binary morality. Imagine a game where the forest isn’t just a “level,” but a living character with its own spirit and temperament.

Developers are starting to recognize the power of this storytelling. When done respectfully, it brings authenticity and a whole new way of experiencing magic — not as flashy spells, but as ancestral power and communion with the elements.

African Mythologies – Rich, Diverse, and Coming to the Forefront

Africa isn’t a monolith — it’s a continent with over 50 countries and thousands of cultures. Yet for a long time, it was barely present in mainstream RPG design.

That’s changing, and it’s about time.

Games like Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan are leading the charge, blending African folklore, politics, and tradition. Vibrant cities, earthy magic systems, and ancestral guidance tell stories that feel fresh but ancient at the same time.

African mythology offers wonder without relying on European-style dragons or Norse runes. You get trickster gods, animal spirits, warrior queens, and riddles instead of swords. It’s not "high fantasy" — it’s deep-rooted folklore that deserves a seat at the RPG table.

Slavic Folklore – Dark, Twisted, and Beautiful

Let’s talk The Witcher.

Based on Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels, this iconic RPG series is soaked in Slavic mythology. Think bloodthirsty creatures, morally gray decisions, and a cold, gritty realism that hits differently. Baba Yaga-style witches, cursed forests, and haunting lullabies give the world a raw edge.

Unlike other mythologies that glorify heroes, Slavic tales often spotlight flawed protagonists battling inner demons just as much as outer ones. It’s all about choices — and rarely are those choices easy.

This cultural angle makes the world feel lived-in. It’s like Eastern Europe wrapped up in a haunting fairytale. Just don't expect a happily ever after.

Native Latin American Influences – Cryptic Temples and Cosmic Truths

Latin America has a treasure trove of myth and ritual, from the Aztec and Mayan civilizations to the Quechua and Mapuche.

Although underutilized, some games have tapped into this well. Titles like Mulaka, based on the mythology of the Tarahumara people, mix traditional stories with modern game design. And let’s not forget Shadow of the Tomb Raider, which leaned into Mesoamerican themes with mixed success.

These cultures aren't just about rituals and pyramids. They hold complex understandings of cosmology, time, and identity. Concepts like duality and balance between nature and civilization could give rise to fascinating RPG mechanics.

Imagine an RPG where your choices don’t just affect the “kingdom,” but the balance of the universe. Powerful stuff, right?

The Modern Hybrid – Blending Cultures to Create New Worlds

Here's where things get really cool — when developers start blending multiple cultures into one melting pot. Think Final Fantasy or Mass Effect, where architecture might be Greco-Roman but the philosophy is Eastern, and the fashion has African influences.

This mishmash approach makes worlds feel diverse and unpredictable. You’re not just discovering a “fantasy Rome” or “fantasy Japan,” you’re exploring something entirely new, built from real-world fragments.

It’s a bit like making a playlist from different genres. You’ve got the rhythm of Africa, the strings of Asia, the harmonies of Europe — and somehow, it works.

As gamers become more global and culturally aware, they crave stories and settings that reflect that complexity. And developers are answering that call with more inclusive, culturally-rich RPG worlds.

Final Thoughts: Culture as a Portal, Not a Costume

There's a fine line between inspiration and appropriation, and good RPGs walk it with care. The most beloved game worlds don't just borrow cultures for aesthetic — they engage with them meaningfully.

When done right, cultural inspirations don’t just shape game environments — they teach us something new. They make us walk in different shoes, rethink our choices, and connect with stories way beyond our own backyard.

So next time you're leveling up your character or choosing a dialogue option, take a moment. That cryptic rune? That temple guardian? That story of a god caught between love and duty?

It probably came from somewhere real. And that’s what makes RPGs magical.