World Anvil is an impressive world-building and campaign management tool for authors, tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) enthusiasts, and game developers. It offers a plethora of features, from interactive maps to detailed timelines, which help create immersive worlds for stories and games. However, not everyone’s needs and preferences align with what World Anvil offers. That’s where this guide comes in, exploring nine excellent World Anvil alternatives, each with its unique features, pros, cons, pricing, and suitability for different users.
1. Campaign Cartographer 3+
1.1 Overview and features
Campaign Cartographer 3+ (CC3+) is a powerful map-making software designed for creating realistic and attractive maps for games, books, and other creative projects. It offers various features, including a vast library of symbols, customizable templates, and a user-friendly interface.
1.2 Pros and cons
Pros:
- High-quality, professional maps
- Extensive symbol library
- Customizable templates
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve compared to other tools
- Windows-only software
1.3 Pricing and plans
CC3+ is available for a one-time fee of $39.95. Additional add-ons and symbol packs are available for purchase.
1.4 Best suited for
Campaign Cartographer 3+ is ideal for those who prioritize map-making and require professional-quality results.
2. LegendKeeper
2.1 Overview and features
LegendKeeper is a world-building and campaign management tool that focuses on ease of use and collaboration. It offers interactive maps, wiki-style articles, a powerful search function, and a permissions system for collaborators.
2.2 Pros and cons
Pros:
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- Collaborative features
- Powerful search function
Cons:
- Limited map customization options
- No built-in timeline tool
2.3 Pricing and plans
LegendKeeper offers a free tier with basic features and a paid tier at $5/month or $50/year, which includes additional features and priority support.
2.4 Best suited for
LegendKeeper is perfect for those who need a user-friendly tool for managing their world-building project or TTRPG campaign, with a focus on collaboration and organization.
3. Inkarnate
3.1 Overview and features
Inkarnate is a web-based map-making and world-building tool that combines ease of use with a wide array of customization options. It offers a massive library of assets, including symbols, textures, and brushes, to create stunning maps for your stories or games.
3.2 Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Extensive asset library
- Regular updates with new assets and features
Cons:
- Limited campaign management features
- No built-in timeline tool
3.3 Pricing and plans
Inkarnate offers a free tier with basic features, and a paid tier at $25/year, which includes access to the full asset library and additional features.
3.4 Best suited for
Inkarnate is best for those who want to create visually appealing maps with a user-friendly tool, but don’t require extensive campaign management features.
4. Obsidian Portal
4.1 Overview and features
Obsidian Portal is a campaign management tool designed for tabletop RPG players and game masters. It offers a wiki-style platform to create and organize characters, locations, and items, as well as a calendar and adventure log for managing in-game events.
4.2 Pros and cons
Pros:
- Designed specifically for tabletop RPG campaigns
- Easy to use and organize wiki-style content
- Built-in calendar and adventure log
Cons:
- Limited map-making capabilities
- No built-in timeline tool
4.3 Pricing and plans
Obsidian Portal offers a free tier with basic features and a paid tier at $4.16/month (billed annually) or $6.66/month (billed monthly), which includes additional features such as custom campaign styling and ad removal.
4.4 Best suited for
Obsidian Portal is perfect for tabletop RPG players and game masters who need a tool for managing and organizing their campaigns and prefer a wiki-style platform.
5. Kanka
5.1 Overview and features
Kanka is a versatile and user-friendly world-building and campaign management tool that offers a wide range of features, including interactive maps, character and location management, customizable calendars, and a powerful search function.
5.2 Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy to use and navigate
- Customizable calendars
- Interactive maps
Cons:
- Limited map-making capabilities
- No built-in timeline tool
5.3 Pricing and plans
Kanka offers a free tier with basic features, and paid tiers starting at $5/month or $50/year, which include additional features, priority support, and increased storage.
5.4 Best suited for
Kanka is ideal for those who need a flexible and easy-to-use tool for managing their world-building or TTRPG campaign, with a focus on organization and customization.
6. Realm Works
6.1 Overview and features
Realm Works is a comprehensive campaign management and world-building tool designed for tabletop RPG players and game masters. It offers a wide range of features, such as character and location management, interactive maps, customizable calendars, and robust content organization options.
6.2 Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive campaign management features
- Interactive maps
- Customizable calendars
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve compared to other tools
- No built-in timeline tool
6.3 Pricing and plans
Realm Works is available for a one-time fee of $49.99, with optional content packs available for purchase.
6.4 Best suited for
Realm Works is best for tabletop RPG players and game masters who require a comprehensive tool for managing and organizing their campaigns, with a focus on flexibility and customization.
7. Scabard
7.1 Overview and features
Scabard is a campaign management and world-building tool designed to help game masters and authors create and organize their worlds. It offers an intuitive interface, character and location management, and a relationship mapping feature that connects the various elements of your world.
7.2 Pros and cons
Pros:
- Intuitive interface
- Relationship mapping feature
- Character and location management
Cons:
- Limited map-making capabilities
- No built-in timeline tool
7.3 Pricing and plans
Scabard offers a free tier with basic features, and a paid tier at $5/month or $40/year, which includes additional features, ad removal, and priority support.
7.4 Best suited for
Scabard is ideal for game masters and authors who need a tool for managing and organizing their worlds, with a focus on character and location relationships.
8. The Keep
8.1 Overview and features
The Keep is a personal information manager designed for authors, game masters, and world-builders. It offers features such as character and location management, a built-in calendar, and a powerful search function
8.2 Pros and cons
Pros:
- Designed for personal information management
- Built-in calendar
- Powerful search function
Cons:
- Limited map-making capabilities
- No built-in timeline tool
- Outdated interface
8.3 Pricing and plans
The Keep is available for a one-time fee of $34.95.
8.4 Best suited for
The Keep is suitable for authors, game masters, and world-builders who need a personal information management tool for organizing their creative projects and prefer a simple, straightforward interface.
9. TiddlyWiki
9.1 Overview and features
TiddlyWiki is a highly customizable and portable personal wiki tool that can be used for world-building and campaign management. It offers an easy-to-use interface, powerful search function, and a vast array of plugins and themes to tailor the experience to your needs.
9.2 Pros and cons
Pros:
- Highly customizable with plugins and themes
- Portable and easy to share
- Simple, user-friendly interface
Cons:
- Limited map-making capabilities
- No built-in timeline tool
- Requires technical knowledge for advanced customization
9.3 Pricing and plans
TiddlyWiki is a free, open-source tool.
9.4 Best suited for
TiddlyWiki is perfect for those who prefer a highly customizable and portable personal wiki tool for managing their world-building or TTRPG campaign, with the option to tailor the experience to their needs.
Comparison Table
| Tool | Map-Making | Campaign Management | Timeline Tool | Pricing | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Campaign Cartographer 3+ | Yes | Limited | No | $39.95 (one-time) | Professional map-making |
| LegendKeeper | Limited | Yes | No | $5/month | Collaboration and organization |
| Inkarnate | Yes | Limited | No | $25/year | Visually appealing maps |
| Obsidian Portal | Limited | Yes | No | $4.16-$6.66/month | Tabletop RPG campaigns and wiki-style platform |
| Kanka | Limited | Yes | No | $5/month | Organization and customization |
| Realm Works | Yes | Yes | No | $49.99 (one-time) | Comprehensive campaign management |
| Scabard | Limited | Yes | No | $5/month | Character and location relationships |
| The Keep | Limited | Yes | No | $34.95 (one-time) | Personal information management |
| TiddlyWiki | Limited | Yes | No | Free | Customizable and portable personal wiki |
Conclusion
The nine World Anvil alternatives listed above each offer unique features and cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize map-making, campaign management, customization, or collaboration, there is an alternative that fits your requirements. Before choosing a tool, consider your specific needs, budget, and the learning curve associated with each option. By selecting the right tool for your project, you’ll enhance your world-building experience and create a captivating world for your stories or games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why should I consider using an alternative to World Anvil?
While World Anvil is a comprehensive world-building tool, it may not suit everyone’s needs and preferences. The alternatives listed in this guide offer unique features and cater to different requirements, such as map-making, campaign management, customization, or collaboration. Exploring these alternatives can help you find the right tool for your specific project and enhance your world-building experience.
- Are there any free alternatives to World Anvil?
Yes, several free alternatives to World Anvil are available. TiddlyWiki is a free, open-source personal wiki tool. LegendKeeper, Kanka, Obsidian Portal, and Scabard all offer free tiers with basic features, allowing you to explore their functionality before committing to a paid plan.
- How do I choose the right world-building tool for my needs?
To choose the right world-building tool, consider your project’s specific needs, such as map-making, campaign management, customization, collaboration, and your budget. Assess the learning curve associated with each tool, and determine if it aligns with your experience level and available time. The comparison table in this guide can help you narrow down your options and make an informed decision.
- Can I use more than one world-building tool for my project?
Yes, you can use multiple world-building tools for your project if you find that a single tool does not meet all your requirements. For example, you can use Inkarnate for creating visually appealing maps and Kanka or Obsidian Portal for campaign management and organization. However, using multiple tools may require additional time and effort to manage and synchronize your content.
- Are these alternatives suitable for beginners or experienced world-builders?
These alternatives cater to a range of users, from beginners to experienced world-builders. Tools like LegendKeeper, Kanka, and TiddlyWiki offer user-friendly interfaces and are suitable for beginners. On the other hand, Campaign Cartographer 3+ and Realm Works have a steeper learning curve but offer more advanced features for experienced users. When selecting a tool, consider your experience level and the learning curve associated with each option.
Leave a Reply