Many of us have imagined what it would be like to live in various fictional worlds, and this infographic serves as a travel guide for ten of them. Some of the obvious geek choices are chosen, but there are a few surprises as well, enough to make one wish this were expanded to cover an even wider variety of locations. The ten chosen for this one are ranked on a scale of “Most habitable!” to “Hellish pit of despair.” Truly, this is how all travel guides should work.
At the top of Wired‘s list is Catan, from the popular board game Settlers of Catan. The constantly-changing landscape of the geometric island is ranked at the top of the list, mostly due to its serene and varied vistas. Just below is Monopoly-land, based off another board game. Praise is given to its four railroads, public works, and the wonderful free parking. Still, being forced to stay at a luxury hotel when you stop in front of it or being sent to jail just because you were unlucky enough to roll doubles three times in a row does detract from its good qualities.
Narnia, land beyond the wardrobe, is the third most habitable, ranking only slightly above Kronos, land of Klingons. They share few similarities, but I’d rather fight alongside fearless Klingon warriors than a talking lion. Granted, I’d more likely die alongside fearless Klingon warriors, which puts a bit of a hamper on Kronos life. The Cylon Empire is ranked fifth, so long as you’re able to stand being around countless clones of yourself. Star Wars’ Galactic Empire follows, the first on the lower end of the scale. Sure, it has its awesome points, but if you’re a rebel you’ll likely be killed in stormtrooper raids and if you’re an imperial, there’s a chance your workplace will be exploded with you in it.
Panem of The Hunger Games is another world that could be tolerable depending on who you are, or a true hellish pit of despair if you or your loved ones are chosen for the games. Dune’s Old Imperium doesn’t have much to offer in the way of amenities, nor does Mordor from The Lord of the Rings. True horror, however, rounds out the ten locations, with Sodor. An island in the Irish Sea, this location may not be recognizable by name alone, but it’s used as the location of Thomas the Tank Engine and all his creepy anthropomorphic, vehicular friends. Remember, if you’re torn between vacationing in Mordor or Sodor, go for the one with the big, awesome tower. For information on some other fictional worlds, check out our article on HBO’s adaptation of Game of Thrones, taking place in Westeros, or this fact sheet of Firefly, which takes place in the 34 Tauri (2020) system.
