As a writer with a deep passion for the fantasy genre, I have always been drawn to the limitless possibilities that come with fantasy stories.

From reading the adventures of Dorothy, Alice, and a couple of kids who went through a wardrobe to watching Wesley and Buttercup, the Goblin King, and Conan hefting the coolest sword ever put to film, I was hooked on the genre from day one.

And now that I get to create fantastical worlds of my own, I’m happy to share what I’ve learned from those masterful works – and countless more like them – with other writers and aspiring creatives.

In this article, we will explore some of the best fantasy writing prompts that will help you start writing your own good fantasy story.

175+ Fantasy Writing Prompts

Writing fantasy elements can be a great way to explore your imagination and create unique and exciting worlds. Whether you’re looking for ideas to get your creative juices flowing or want to get some practice writing in the fantasy genre, these 75+ fantasy writing prompts can help get you started.

I hope that one of these will help prompt a great story idea for you!

Epic Fantasy Adventures

Epic fantasy adventures take readers to vast, magical worlds filled with heroes, villains, and grand quests. These stories often feature high stakes, powerful magic, and battles between good and evil.

A fearless warrior exiled from his kingdom seeks redemption in a cursed desert filled with ancient spirits. He must face a vengeful sorcerer to stop a prophecy that threatens to destroy both worlds.
A young blacksmith gifted with fire magic discovers her village rests on a sleeping dragon’s nest. When raiders awaken the beast, she must harness her abilities and forge an alliance to save her people.
A rebellious princess who dreams of adventure flees her arranged marriage and stumbles upon a hidden mountain realm. She must unite rival clans to prevent an invading empire from enslaving their magical creatures.
A cynical treasure hunter burdened by a dark past uncovers an ancient sword that chooses him as its wielder. He must lead a forgotten tribe through enchanted forests to defeat a rising demon army.
A young healer with forbidden powers is forced to flee her coastal village after revealing her magic. Now hunted by royal inquisitors, she must join a secret rebellion to protect others like her.
A stoic knight cursed with immortality guards the gates to a crumbling underworld. When a rift opens to unleash chaos, he must protect mortal realms while uncovering the truth behind his curse.
A clever orphan raised by thieves discovers a map leading to a floating city hidden in the sky. To save her mentor from execution, she must outwit dangerous factions seeking the city’s secrets.
A young scholar obsessed with ancient prophecies deciphers a cryptic message about an impending invasion. Armed with only books and determination, he must rally skeptical villagers and awaken a dormant guardian to stand against the threat.
A fierce dragonrider disgraced by betrayal seeks refuge on a remote island shrouded in storms. When shadow creatures emerge from the mists, she must reclaim her honor and defend her new home.
A stoic wanderer with control over shadows arrives at a crumbling desert kingdom ruled by fear. When he uncovers a hidden rebellion, he must decide whether to help them or walk away forever.

Dark Fantasy Tales

Dark fantasy blends supernatural horror with magical elements to create eerie and unsettling worlds. These stories often explore themes of fear, corruption, and the thin line between monsters and humans.

A cursed knight bound to an ancient blade roams a dying kingdom where the dead whisper. When the sword demands blood, he must choose between feeding its hunger or breaking the curse at a terrible cost.
A grieving mother who can see ghosts moves to a village where the dead walk at night. When her lost child calls from the mist, she must uncover the town’s dark secret before it’s too late.
A young alchemist desperate for power makes a pact with a forgotten god. As her magic grows stronger, so does the deity’s control. She must find a way to break free before she loses herself completely.
A blind prophet haunted by visions is hunted by priests who fear his truth. In a city where statues whisper and shadows move, he must unmask a hidden king before the world is swallowed in darkness.
A fallen prince cursed to never die walks a battlefield where the slain rise again. When he discovers a way to break the cycle, he must decide if the price of peace is worth his own soul.
A young woman with a heart of ice is feared in her frost-covered village. When a monster begins hunting the townsfolk, she must embrace the darkness within her or let the people who hate her die.
A wandering executioner with a black hood carries a blade that drinks souls. When he is tasked with beheading an innocent girl, he must choose between obeying his master or turning his cursed weapon against him.
A scholar obsessed with forbidden knowledge deciphers an ancient book that writes back. As the words twist his mind and reality crumbles, he must decide whether to finish the story or destroy the only thing keeping him alive.
A hunter who can hear the voices of beasts is hired to slay a monstrous wolf haunting a cursed forest. But when the creature speaks her name, she realizes the real monster might be the one who sent her.
A thief who steals from the dead takes a golden mask from a forgotten tomb. As the mask fuses to his face, he must race against time to break its spell before he becomes its next eternal prisoner.

Urban Fantasy Mysteries

Urban fantasy mysteries unfold in modern cities where magic hides in plain sight. These stories often follow detectives, magical criminals, or secret societies battling unseen forces.

A detective who can see lost memories investigates a murder where the victim’s ghost has no recollection of their death. As he pieces together the crime, he discovers someone is erasing the truth from reality itself.
A journalist with the ability to hear lies stumbles upon a hidden war between supernatural crime families. When she exposes the truth, she becomes their next target—and the only way out is to choose a side.
A street magician with real magic is framed for a series of impossible heists. To clear her name, she must outwit a relentless investigator while unraveling the secrets of the masked thief who looks exactly like her.
A cop haunted by the ghost of a murdered child hunts a serial killer who shouldn’t exist. As the clues point to an ancient being that feeds on fear, he must decide how far he’ll go for justice.
A hacker who can talk to machines discovers an AI with a soul trapped in a billionaire’s underground lab. As she tries to set it free, she realizes something else is hunting both of them.
A disgraced exorcist forced to work as a private eye takes a case involving a missing girl. When he finds her, she’s possessed by something ancient—and it knows secrets about his past that no one else should.
A bookstore owner who can read emotions off objects stumbles upon a cursed book that predicts crimes before they happen. When the next entry names her, she must solve the mystery before she becomes the final chapter.
A runaway teen with the power to erase memories wakes up covered in blood with no recollection of the past three days. With only a cryptic note in her pocket, she must uncover what she did—and who’s hunting her.
A paranormal podcaster with a talent for finding ghosts investigates an abandoned subway tunnel. When she vanishes mid-broadcast, her skeptic co-host must navigate a supernatural conspiracy to bring her back before she’s lost forever.
A bodyguard sworn to protect a sorcerer’s heir discovers her client has been replaced by a shapeshifter. With no one to trust, she must find the real heir before the imposter takes control of the city’s magic.

Mythic Fantasy Legends

Mythic fantasy draws inspiration from ancient myths, gods, and legendary heroes. These stories feel timeless as they bring together fate, prophecy, and divine intervention.

A warrior chosen by a forgotten god wakes in a world where myths have come to life. To restore balance, he must seek out the lost deities before the old legends consume reality itself.
A cursed queen bound to the underworld is given one chance to escape. But to reclaim her throne, she must trick the gods themselves—or risk being trapped in the land of the dead forever.
A young scribe who can hear the voices of ancestors discovers an unfinished prophecy hidden in ancient scrolls. As he deciphers the final lines, he realizes the fate of the world depends on a hero who never existed.
A fisherman who unknowingly saved a sea god’s daughter is blessed with eternal luck. But when war breaks out among the gods, he must decide if his gift is a blessing—or a deadly curse.
A shieldmaiden with fire in her veins is the last of a legendary bloodline. When a monster foretold in prophecy rises, she must embrace her divine heritage or let her people be swallowed by darkness.
A wandering bard with the power to weave truth into song is sought by kings and criminals alike. When he sings a forbidden tale, the story itself begins unraveling history, rewriting the past with every verse.
A reluctant oracle who sees too much learns that the fate of the gods is tied to her own. As temples fall and empires crumble, she must decide whether to change the future—or let destiny run its course.
A lone warrior searching for her brother’s lost soul must journey to the land of forgotten gods. But as she travels deeper, she begins to forget her own name, risking her place in the mortal world.
A blacksmith who forges weapons for the gods is given an impossible task—to create a blade that can kill the unkillable. As he works, he learns that his creation may bring about the end of the world.
A prince abandoned at birth discovers he is the son of a trickster god. As war looms on the horizon, he must embrace his divine chaos to save his people—or doom them all.

Fairy Tale Fantasy Stories

Fairy tale fantasy brings classic folklore to life with magic, curses, and enchanted kingdoms. These stories range from lighthearted adventures to dark, twisted retellings.

A lonely girl raised by shadows is cursed to never be seen. When she falls in love with a blind prince, she must break the spell before the witch who cast it finds her.
A baker who unknowingly bakes wishes into bread is kidnapped by a greedy king. To escape, she must craft a pastry powerful enough to undo her captor’s reign—but every wish comes with a price.
A tailor who sews clothes for royalty is tasked with making a cloak from the stars. As he searches for the celestial thread, he discovers that the stars do not wish to be worn.
A boy who speaks to animals rescues a wounded fox, only to learn it is a cursed prince. To break the spell, he must steal a feather from the firebird—before the sun sets forever.
A young woman with a voice of gold is forced to sing for a cruel sorcerer. But when she learns her song can weave reality, she must choose between freedom and rewriting the world itself.
A cursed knight trapped in a painting watches the world pass by for centuries. When a curious girl stumbles into his forgotten gallery, she becomes his only chance at escape—if she dares to believe in magic.
A poor farmhand given three impossible tasks finds help from a mischievous spirit. But with each favor, she loses a piece of her name, and if she cannot finish before sunrise, she will forget who she is.
A young prince with a heart of glass must keep it from shattering. But when he falls in love with a thief, he must decide if love is worth the risk—or if some hearts are meant to break.
A candle maker in a town of eternal night is asked to craft a flame that can bring back the sun. But when she lights it, she discovers why the darkness came—and why it must never leave.
A seamstress who stitches fairytales into fabric sews a cloak for a lost child. When the child vanishes, she realizes the stories she wove into the cloth were more than just tales—they were warnings.

High Fantasy Sagas

High fantasy sagas take place in fully imagined worlds with deep histories, powerful magic, and noble heroes. These stories often feature epic wars, lost kingdoms, and destiny-driven characters.

A farm girl destined to wield an ancient blade discovers the sword’s true power lies in its voice. As war looms, she must learn to trust the weapon’s wisdom—or risk becoming its next forgotten wielder.
A disgraced knight seeking redemption uncovers a forgotten prophecy. To save the crumbling empire, he must unite rival kingdoms, but doing so means confronting the sins of his past and the secrets buried in his bloodline.
A princess who can see the future is cursed to watch her kingdom fall. To rewrite fate, she must embark on a dangerous journey to find the only person who can change destiny—a man who was never born.
A scholar obsessed with lost magic finds an ancient tome that only he can read. As the words come to life, he realizes the book is rewriting reality, and with each page turned, the world changes forever.
A warrior marked by the gods is chosen to lead an army against an unkillable foe. But when he learns the gods have lied, he must forge his own path or become their puppet in an endless war.
A young queen fighting to reclaim her throne seeks the aid of an exiled sorcerer. But his magic comes with a cost, and she must decide if saving her people is worth damning her own soul.
A rogue with a debt to an ancient dragon is forced to steal a legendary artifact. But when he touches the relic, it binds to his soul, marking him as the rightful ruler of a kingdom long forgotten.
A mage who cannot control her own magic is the last hope for a dying world. To save it, she must seek out a forbidden spell—one that could either restore balance or destroy everything.
A lone guardian watches over a crumbling city built atop the grave of a fallen god. When the god stirs, he must gather the last remnants of an ancient order to keep the world from unraveling.
A peasant who dreams of adventure finds a crown hidden in the ruins of an old castle. But when he places it on his head, he awakens a kingdom trapped in time—and a war that never truly ended.

Low Fantasy Chronicles

Low fantasy stories mix magic with a mostly ordinary world, making the supernatural feel rare and unpredictable. These tales focus on personal struggles, moral dilemmas, and the hidden costs of magic.

A healer with the power to mend any wound is kidnapped by a dying warlord. As kingdoms battle for her gift, she must decide if saving one life is worth dooming thousands to endless war.
A disgraced noble hiding as a tavern owner learns that the assassin hunting him is his own brother. As their deadly game unfolds, he must uncover the truth behind their family’s fall before it’s too late.
A wandering sellsword who doesn’t believe in magic is hired to slay a sorcerer. But when the “sorcerer” turns out to be an ordinary girl with dangerous knowledge, he must question who the real villain is.
A thief who can hear the thoughts of objects steals a cursed ring that whispers dark secrets. When the voices start guiding her toward something ancient, she must decide whether to follow or destroy it.
A blacksmith forging weapons for the kingdom is ordered to craft an unbreakable blade. When he learns the secret ingredient is human blood, he must choose between his craft and his conscience.
A young woman who dreams of becoming a knight disguises herself as a man to join the city guard. But when she uncovers a conspiracy within the ranks, she must decide where her true loyalties lie.
A lone mercenary who never loses a fight starts seeing the spirits of those he’s killed. When they beg him for justice, he must unravel the mystery of his past before the dead take their revenge.
A scholar searching for lost knowledge finds a book hidden in a ruined monastery. As he translates its pages, he realizes it holds the location of a forgotten kingdom—but someone will kill to keep it lost.
A washed-up pirate turned city guard is the only one who notices ships vanishing in the harbor. When he investigates, he discovers something far older than the sea is claiming them.
A reluctant prince raised in secret is forced to reclaim his throne when his family is slaughtered. But as he gathers allies, he begins to wonder—did his parents deserve their fate?

Grimdark Fantasy Epics

Grimdark fantasy stories are brutal, cynical, and morally complex, where heroes are flawed and victory comes at a price. These tales often involve cruel rulers, ruthless warriors, and worlds where justice is not served.

A warlord who never loses a battle discovers his victories are guided by a cursed artifact. When the relic demands greater sacrifices, he must choose between ultimate power or the last shreds of his humanity.
A queen who rules through fear learns her most loyal advisor is plotting against her. To keep her throne, she must outmaneuver traitors, silence dissent, and decide whether mercy is a weakness she can afford.
A mercenary haunted by the ghosts of his past kills for gold but begins seeing the faces of those he’s slain. When the dead demand vengeance, he must decide if redemption is worth more than survival.
A disgraced knight who serves a mad king is ordered to burn a rebel city to the ground. When he discovers innocent families hiding inside, he must choose between his honor and his own survival.
A cursed assassin who feels every death he causes is tasked with eliminating a tyrant. But the closer he gets to his target, the more he realizes they may not be the true monster in this war.
A desperate mother who bartered her soul for her son’s life must now fulfill her end of the deal. As she carries out the dark god’s will, she begins to wonder if she saved her child—or doomed him.
A ruler who won his empire through blood and steel is betrayed by his own children. To keep his crown, he must wage war against his own flesh and blood, knowing only one of them will survive.
A witch hunter with a reputation for cruelty is sent to purge a town of magic. But when he finds a coven willing to offer him power, he must decide whether to destroy them—or join them.
A soldier who cannot die is forced to fight in an eternal war. As he watches his comrades perish again and again, he must uncover who cursed him—and whether there is any way to end it.
A former hero who saved the world once before is called upon again. But this time, he knows the truth—there are no real victories, only blood, sacrifice, and a throne built on corpses.

Sword and Sorcery Adventures

Sword and sorcery stories focus on bold warriors, deadly magic, and thrilling action. These stories are fast-paced and filled with daring escapes, ancient relics, and powerful spells.

A wandering swordsman who owes a debt to a witch is sent to slay a beast made of living shadows. But when he arrives, he finds the true monster is the sorcerer who summoned it.
A rogue with a silver tongue and a stolen dagger is hired to retrieve a lost crown. But the deeper she ventures into the ruins, the more she realizes the crown was never meant to be found.
A barbarian cursed with an unbreakable body seeks revenge on the warlock who stole his soul. But every wound he takes makes him stronger, and soon, he begins to question if he is still human at all.
A sellsword with no past and a blade that drinks magic is the only one who can stop a sorcerer’s uprising. But when he learns the sword’s true origins, he realizes he may be fighting for the wrong side.
A thief who only steals from mages is caught breaking into a wizard’s tower. Instead of death, she is offered a deal—retrieve an artifact from the ruins of a lost city, or lose her soul forever.
A pirate captain with a cursed cutlass sails to a forgotten island where the dead do not rest. To claim the hidden treasure, he must outwit spirits, rival crews, and the blade that whispers in his dreams.
A warrior queen seeking a legendary sword is betrayed by her own council. Stripped of her throne and left for dead, she must fight her way through treacherous lands to reclaim her birthright.
A disgraced gladiator with a demon-bound gauntlet is offered freedom if he fights in a deadly tournament. But as he wins each battle, the demon’s whispers grow louder, promising power beyond his wildest dreams.
A bounty hunter who tracks rogue sorcerers is hired to capture a dangerous warlock. But when she finds him, he swears he is the last defense against something far worse lurking in the shadows.
A scholar who translates ancient spells stumbles upon a forgotten incantation. When he speaks the words, he awakens a slumbering god—and must now race against time to put it back to sleep.

Steampunk Fantasy Quests

Steampunk fantasy blends magic with Victorian-era technology, featuring airships, clockwork inventions, and alchemical wonders. These stories mix adventure, mystery, and the thrill of discovery.

A skyship captain with a mechanical heart is hired to steal a floating city’s power core. But when she learns removing it will make the city fall, she must choose between riches or saving thousands of lives.
A disgraced inventor with a missing memory discovers blueprints for a machine he doesn’t remember building. As he follows the clues, he realizes the device was designed to reshape time itself—if it hasn’t already.
A bounty hunter with clockwork limbs is hired to capture a rogue alchemist. But when she learns he has discovered a way to create artificial life, she must decide whether to turn him in—or join him.
A runaway noblewoman who can control steam stows away on a pirate airship. But when she learns the crew is searching for a lost artifact, she realizes they may be hunting something far more dangerous.
A detective who can hear the thoughts of machines is hired to solve a string of mysterious airship disappearances. As he investigates, he discovers the ships aren’t being stolen—they’re flying away on their own.
A clockmaker who builds mechanical animals creates a golden bird that sings the future. When a ruthless tycoon tries to steal it, she must outsmart him before he uses its power to control the city.
A former soldier with a steam-powered gauntlet is forced out of retirement when his old war machine comes back to life. To stop it, he must uncover who reactivated it—and why it remembers him.
A scientist obsessed with unlocking the secrets of flight discovers a hidden city floating above the clouds. But when she arrives, she finds its people trapped in time, and leaving may not be an option.
A thief who steals rare inventions is hired to retrieve a device hidden beneath the royal palace. But when he finds it, he realizes it was designed to bring back the dead—and it’s already been activated.
A librarian who archives forbidden knowledge receives a book that cannot be opened. As she searches for the key, she learns the book is writing itself, recording the end of the world before it happens.

Gaslamp Fantasy Intrigues

Gaslamp fantasy captures the elegance and mystery of the 19th century, where magic hides behind manners and old secrets. These stories often feature gothic settings, supernatural mysteries, and hidden societies.

A noblewoman who can hear secrets in candlelight is blackmailed into spying for a secret society. But when she uncovers a plot to assassinate the queen, she must decide where her true loyalties lie.
A disgraced detective with a haunted past is hired to solve the murder of a socialite. As he digs deeper, he realizes she is still alive—walking the streets as if she never died.
A clockmaker who crafts enchanted timepieces discovers one of her creations has been altered to trap souls. To undo the magic, she must track down the buyer before the clock strikes midnight.
A masked vigilante who fights corrupt aristocrats stumbles upon a conspiracy woven into the city’s architecture. Each hidden symbol reveals a truth, and at the center of it all is a name—his own.
A debutante with the power to control shadows is forced into an arranged marriage. But when she discovers her fiancé is not human, she must play a deadly game to escape his grasp.
A scholar obsessed with lost languages deciphers an ancient manuscript and accidentally invites something unnatural into the city. Now, every written word changes reality, and she must undo it before the world rewrites itself.
A medium who exposes fraudulent séances is invited to a noble’s estate to debunk a famous spirit. But when the ghost calls her name, she realizes the haunting is real—and deeply personal.
A journalist who can see the past through ink is drawn into a scandalous murder case. As he pieces together the truth, he realizes the killer is watching—and rewriting history to cover their tracks.
A pickpocket who steals magical trinkets unknowingly lifts an enchanted key from a nobleman. Now hunted by masked figures, she must uncover what the key unlocks before they silence her forever.
A socialite known for hosting the finest parties receives an invitation to an unknown manor. When she arrives, the other guests claim she sent for them—but she has no memory of doing so.

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Portal Fantasy Journeys

Portal fantasy stories take characters from the real world into magical realms through hidden doorways. These tales explore wonder, adventure, and the struggle to find a way home—or a reason to stay.

A librarian who finds a door hidden in an old book steps through and enters a world where stories come to life. But when villains start escaping into reality, she must find a way to seal the portal.
A scientist searching for lost civilizations stumbles upon an ancient mirror buried in ice. When he touches its surface, he is pulled into a world where winter never ends—and where something has been waiting for him.
A runaway teen with a key that fits no lock discovers a mysterious door in an abandoned house. When she steps through, she enters a realm where keys unlock powers—but only if she dares to use them.
A magician who faked his tricks finds a passage to a world where magic is real. To survive, he must become the very thing he once pretended to be—or risk being exposed as a fraud.
A doctor treating a comatose patient is pulled into his mind, only to find herself in a kingdom at war. The people believe she is their lost queen, but escaping means leaving them to their fate.
A child who always dreamed of fairy tales follows a firefly through a hollow tree and finds herself in a world of living shadows. But the longer she stays, the harder it is to remember her own name.
A historian restoring an old painting finds herself trapped inside it. To escape, she must navigate a world where landscapes shift, people vanish, and the artist’s final brushstroke decides her fate.
A soldier on the run from his past steps into a cave and emerges in a kingdom that knows his name. Hailed as a hero, he must decide whether to embrace the role—or uncover why they fear him.
A journalist investigating a missing person case finds a door that only appears in moonlight. When she enters, she discovers a city of forgotten souls—and realizes she may never be able to leave.
A musician searching for inspiration follows a strange melody through a hidden archway. On the other side, he finds a world where music is magic—but each song he plays changes reality in unpredictable ways.

Folk Fantasy Lore

Folk fantasy stories are rooted in regional myths, superstitions, and traditions. These tales often focus on spirits, curses, and the everyday magic of old beliefs and forgotten customs.

A wandering storyteller who spins tales into reality arrives in a village where the crops are failing. But when his stories come true in terrifying ways, he must find the hidden truth before his words doom them all.
A fisherwoman who can hear the ocean’s whispers discovers a shipwreck with no crew. When she pulls a strange figure from the waves, she must decide if she has saved a lost soul—or awakened something old and hungry.
A farmer’s daughter who speaks to the wind learns her village’s guardian spirit has vanished. As the seasons turn against them, she must seek the lost spirit before the land withers to dust.
A blacksmith who forges iron charms to keep away evil is approached by a traveler who offers gold for a broken talisman. When he refuses, strange creatures begin appearing at his door.
A midwife who delivers babies marked by spirits is summoned to the home of a wealthy noble. When the newborn disappears in the night, she must navigate ancient bargains to bring the child back.
A hunter who always returns with full nets and game is accused of witchcraft when her luck never fails. But when she tries to prove herself by stopping, she discovers the forest has been feeding her for a reason.
A young man who can hear the voices of trees is called to a hidden grove where the old gods sleep. When one awakens and asks for his name, he must choose his answer carefully—or be forgotten forever.
A baker whose bread keeps nightmares away is visited by a stranger with eyes like the void. When the village begins to dream of something terrible, she realizes she must bake a loaf strong enough to hold back the dark.
A musician whose songs summon spirits is invited to play at a royal wedding. But as his melody weaves through the halls, he realizes the bride is already spoken for—by a being from the otherworld.
A potter whose clay figures whisper forgotten stories crafts a statue that tells of a disaster yet to come. As the villagers dismiss her warnings, she must find a way to rewrite the fate she has shaped.

Cosmic Fantasy Wonders

Cosmic fantasy stories expand beyond the world into the stars, where gods, celestial beings, and ancient mysteries shape reality. These tales blend magic with the unknown, creating vast, awe-inspiring settings.

A star-mapper who charts the night sky discovers a constellation shifting on its own. When a new star appears, calling her name, she must journey beyond the heavens to uncover what—or who—is waiting for her.
A sailor who dreams of reaching the world’s edge sets sail into the unknown. When he crosses into a sea of floating lights, he realizes he is no longer on his world—but something is watching from the stars.
A scholar who studies the language of the cosmos deciphers a message carved into a fallen meteor. As she speaks the words aloud, the sky responds, and something begins to awaken beneath the earth.
A child born beneath a falling star grows up with visions of a city that doesn’t exist. When he finds a hidden gateway in the desert, he must decide whether to enter—or risk the city fading forever.
A guardian who watches over a temple of the void is the last of his kind. When a traveler arrives claiming the void is no longer empty, he must decide if the stars have truly returned—or if something else has.
A clockmaker whose timepieces are always precise creates a watch that counts down to an unknown event. As the final seconds approach, the sky splits open, and she must decide whether to run—or step through.
A wanderer who collects stories from forgotten worlds finds a book that records events before they happen. As the pages fill with his own fate, he must decide if he will follow the story—or rewrite it.
A queen who once ruled the skies wakes to find her kingdom reduced to dust. With only a shattered crown and the whisper of forgotten stars, she must reclaim her throne before the universe erases her name.
A painter whose dreams shape reality wakes to find a new moon in the sky—one that wasn’t there yesterday. As the world shifts around her, she must find out if she is creating the future or remembering it.
A warrior who fell in battle awakens among the stars, standing before a celestial throne. Given a choice to return home or take her place among the gods, she must decide if her story is truly over.

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Supernatural Fantasy Thrillers

Supernatural fantasy thrillers mix fast-paced action with eerie magic, featuring powerful beings, hidden conspiracies, and battles between light and dark.

A detective who can see the last moments of the dead is called to a crime scene where the victim’s final memory is blank. As more bodies appear, he realizes something is erasing souls before they can pass on.
A journalist who investigates urban legends receives an anonymous tip about a hidden city beneath the streets. When she goes searching, she finds herself trapped in a place where the shadows are alive—and they know her name.
A bodyguard hired to protect a wealthy heir realizes her client is being hunted by something inhuman. As the attacks grow more frequent, she must uncover what he’s hiding before they both become prey.
A firefighter with the ability to see ghosts responds to a call at an abandoned house. When she enters, the flames seem to whisper, and she realizes the fire isn’t destroying—it’s trying to tell her something.
A thief who only steals cursed objects takes a locket from a wealthy collector. But when she opens it, she begins reliving the same night over and over, each time getting closer to the moment she dies.
A psychiatrist who treats supernatural beings takes on a patient who claims to be an angel. As their sessions progress, she begins seeing impossible things—and questioning whether he’s insane or telling the truth.
A soldier with a supernatural ability to track his enemies is assigned to hunt a rogue mage. But the closer he gets, the more he realizes the mage isn’t running from him—he’s leading him somewhere.
A woman who wakes up in a morgue with no memory finds a list of names in her pocket. When the people on the list start dying, she must uncover who she was before she becomes the last name.
A musician who can see creatures hiding in reflections is hired to play at an exclusive event. But when the mirrors in the venue begin to crack, she realizes something is trying to break through.
A former priest who performs exorcisms for hire takes a case in a town where no one sleeps. As he investigates, he learns the demon isn’t possessing people—it’s waiting for someone, and that someone is him.

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Shapeshifter Fantasy Stories

Shapeshifter fantasy explores characters who can change their form, from werewolves and dragons to beings of pure magic. These stories often deal with identity, power, and the struggle between human and beast.

A warrior cursed to take the shape of his last kill is feared across the land. But when he slays a mythical beast, he must fight to keep his mind as his body begins to transform.
A princess who can shift between human and bird is forced into an arranged marriage. When her groom discovers her secret, she must escape before he cages her forever.
A thief who steals faces can become anyone she touches. But when she takes the identity of a missing noble, she finds herself hunted by those who know what truly happened to the real one.
A lonely boy who can turn into a wolf is raised by humans who fear magic. When hunters arrive to slay his kind, he must decide whether to keep hiding or reveal his true nature to save them.
A spy who can shift into shadows is sent to assassinate a rival king. But when she steps into his form, she learns of a plot against her own kingdom—and must decide where her loyalty lies.
A young woman who shifts into a fox at night is the last of her kind. When a nobleman offers her a place at court, she must uncover whether he wants to protect her—or use her for his own ends.
A knight who can transform into a dragon fights to protect the kingdom. But when his secret is exposed, he must flee before those he swore to defend turn their swords against him.
A child raised by shapeshifters doesn’t know his true form. When an ancient force begins hunting his kind, he must uncover his origins before he becomes the last of his people.
A healer with the ability to absorb others’ wounds starts waking up in unfamiliar bodies. As she pieces together what’s happening, she realizes someone is stealing her form—one life at a time.
A magician who can become any animal is imprisoned in a city where magic is outlawed. To escape, he must trick the guards into believing he never existed at all.

How to Use Writing Prompts for Fantasy Stories

Writing prompts can spark new ideas, help you push past writer’s block, and inspire unique stories. Whether you’re working on a short tale or an epic novel, here’s how to make the most of them:

1. Let the Idea Grow

A prompt is just a starting point. If something excites you, don’t be afraid to tweak it—change the setting, character, or conflict to make it your own. Add details that fit your style and worldbuilding.

2. Focus on the Character’s Journey

Most prompts introduce a character facing a challenge. Think about how they’d react, what choices they’d make, and how their journey unfolds. Their decisions shape the story.

3. Expand the Worldbuilding

Fantasy thrives on rich settings. If a prompt hints at a cursed kingdom, a hidden city, or an ancient relic—dig deeper. What’s the magic system like? What’s the land’s history? What secrets lie beneath the surface?

4. Ask “What If?”

If a prompt feels incomplete, explore different angles. What if the villain isn’t truly evil? What if the magical artifact is broken? What if the hero’s best friend betrays them? Questions like these lead to fresh twists.

5. Experiment with Different Story Lengths

A prompt can inspire a short writing exercise or grow into a full novel. Try writing a quick scene first—if the idea sticks, expand it.

6. Combine Prompts for Unique Ideas

Mixing two prompts can create something unexpected. A shapeshifter story might blend well with a portal fantasy, leading to a world where identities and realities constantly shift.

By using prompts creatively, you can turn a simple idea into a fully-fledged fantasy story. The more you write, explore, and experiment, the stronger your storytelling will become!

How to Use AI for Brainstorming

Yes! AI story generators such as Sudowrite are amazing at giving you fantastic ideas for fantasy stories. They are particularly amazing if you’re experiencing writer’s block. Check out how I used Sudowrite below!

First, I logged in and went to the “brainstorm” section of Sudowrite. I clicked “world building”.

I entered my prompt for ideas, and then the program gave me lots of ideas that I could either give “thumbs up” or “thumbs down.”

I would then be able to use my brainstormed ideas to either help prompt the program to start writing my story or I could use the ideas to write my own.

As with all AI writing tools, you’ll need to do tons of editing and proofing in order to create a great story.

Please don’t think that AI-generated stories are good enough with no human input! I’ve found that AI tools are best at simply brainstorming and providing the human writer with new and interesting ideas that they might not have thought of otherwise.

Final Thoughts

Writing an epic fantasy story is an art, and it can be tremendously rewarding. With the right writing prompts, authors are able to access a treasure trove of ideas that can help set their fantasy books apart.

Our list of 75+ fantastic fantasy writing prompts has given you plenty to work with, whether you’re looking for dark, magical worlds, intricate narratives, or something completely unique.

So get out there and create unforgettable tales of epic adventure!

RELATED: For more inspiration, check out these helpful lists of Christmas story ideas, time travel story ideas, mafia story ideas, and sad story ideas!

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