overworld
Primary game terrain
The overworld is the main explorable world in a video game, as opposed to dungeons, interior spaces, or special zones.
In games like *Zelda* or *Minecraft*, it's where you travel between locations: I spent hours wandering the overworld.
The term contrasts with underworld, suggesting the surface realm above darker depths.
Central connection point
- mapSpatial representation of terrain
- spawnAquatic eggs or generate
- levelHorizontal or uniform position
- biomeMajor ecological community
sandbox · checkpoint · waypoint · terrain · dungeon · village · town · quest
Monarch's ruled territory
- realmGoverned territory or sphere
- magicSupernatural or illusory power
- enchantedUnder magical influence
- elvesMythical small beings
dragons · mythology · wizardry · sorcery · quest · legends · lore · fairies
hub
Central connection point
- mapSpatial representation of terrain
- spawnAquatic eggs or generate
- levelHorizontal or uniform position
biome · sandbox · checkpoint · waypoint · terrain · dungeon · village · town · quest · exploration
kingdom
Monarch's ruled territory
- realmGoverned territory or sphere
- magicSupernatural or illusory power
- enchantedUnder magical influence
elves · dragons · mythology · wizardry · sorcery · quest · legends · lore · fairies · goblins
aboveground
Not beneath the earth
open-air · terrestrial · terrain · ground · earth · land · sky · horizon · landscape · outdoors
underground
Below ground or countercultural
- subterraneanBeneath earth's surface
- depthsLowest or innermost regions
- abyssImmeasurably profound depth
cavern · dungeon · below · beneath · hidden · dark · descent · ascent · return · emergence
- game worldsHyrule, Azeroth, Skyrim, Mushroom Kingdom, Pandora
- game levelsbonus level, tutorial level, secret level, final stage, bonus stage
- Video Game HubsNexus, home base, central area
- Super Mario RPGMario, Princess Peach, Mushroom Kingdom
overworldunderworld
Realm of the departed
netherworld · nether realm · lower world · hell · Hades
overworldunderworld
Realm of the departed
dungeon · cave system · basement level · underground · cellar
overworldunderworld
Realm of the departed
criminal underworld · underground · black market · shadow economy · underbelly