Cities burst with life, gather wonderfully diverse communities, impress with their architecture, and make everything happen faster.

So imagine how fun it would be to visit at least one of the digital world’s legendary towns!

Oh, to leave this everyday reality and travel to one of the most popular, favorite video game cities! Every gamer experienced this thought at least once during their gaming career, alternatively – to avoid anything remotely close to the most dreadful video game locations.

Sadly, physically, such a journey is impossible in both cases – but we can review iconic video game locations to indulge in this dream/pure horror one more time!

Silent Hill

Wrapped in an ever-present fog, Silent Hill looks nothing like your favorite off-track vacation destination. On the contrary, this location feeds on the fears and sins of the Konami series’ characters, personifying the ghastliest horrors of the human mind.

The town might even look adorable if it weren’t for the constant presence of Pyramid Head, Gray Children, and Abstract Daddy – but ultimately, Silent Hill is gaming’s legendary inspiration and nightmare fuel for a reason. Somehow, we still love visiting again!

Hyrule Castle Town (The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess)

Hyrule Castle Town looks a bit different in each installation of this legendary series – but the most memorable versions appeared in Minish Cap, Ocarina of Time, and Twilight Princess. The latter stands out for its attention to detail, breathtaking Hyrule Castle, and lively streets.

Plus, there are plenty of side quests and absolutely stunning architecture – a pleasant change from the Hyrule Kingdom wilderness. We recommend visiting it in all three games for different reasons.

Raccoon City (Resident Evil series)

Raccoon City was an ordinary, insignificant town until 1960 when Umbrella Corporation selected the place to establish its industrial might. Soon, the mysterious T-virus infected its townsfolk, transforming them into not necessarily eloquent but extremely bloodthirsty zombies.

Doesn’t that sound lovely? If you decide to explore it, drop by the city hospital, the gorgeous Saint Michael’s Clock Tower, and the city campus – these are absolute must-sees!

Ironforge (World of Warcraft)

Imagine a gigantic metropolis hidden in a mountain because that’s what Ironforge is. This Alliance city is not as enormous as Stormwind but maintains a unique atmosphere many players love.

Plus, it’s got everything you need in a massive circle layout with a high ceiling above your and other players’ heads. As many Ironforge fans claim, no other city offers such an epic soundtrack. But after all, it is the capital of dwarves, and dwarves are cool.

Mushroom Kingdom (Super Mario series)

Like Hyrule Castle Town in The Legend of Zelda, the Mushroom Kingdom looks slightly different in each title – but it is one of the most iconic locations in all gaming. The first thing you will see is its fungi-themed arrangement and wonderfully diverse biomes.

Although the city looks a bit medieval, ruled by Princess Peach, it is quite technologically advanced and brings together different races living there in peace, side by side.

Rapture (BioShock)

Rapture is a unique underwater metropolis offering everything from fancy parties to shady encounters. Initially, it was supposed to become a 100% utopia, but something went wrong.

This place will most definitely send shivers down your spine! Rapture represents a luxurious art-deco style, enriched with impressive skyscrapers and glass walls – only slightly ruined by the constant conflicts over the Adam substance.

Liberty City (Grand Theft Auto series)

Too much tension requires changing the scene to something more relaxing. Welcome to New York! Well, it’s Liberty City, but it’s so accurate to its inspiration that anyone could feel confused.

Exploring its streets, you will quickly notice all the most popular locations, like Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, and Rockefeller Center. You can also count on the unique atmosphere of this place provided by vibrant masses of people, the occasional oddball, and second-rate pubs. Worldwide famous bagels are the only thing it lacks!

City 17 (Half-Life 2)

Visit this place if you crave Eastern European architecture and steel skyscrapers in one city! This unique layout exists due to the invasion of an intelligent alien race that conquered the world in the infamous Seven Hour War, in case you were wondering what the origins of this massive citadel in the middle are.

Now, it’s an occupied city, rather modestly populated, unless you think about the various terrors lurking around every corner.

Midgar (Final Fantasy VII)

Who doesn’t love pizza? Midgar looks almost like a pizza but devoid of happiness. This industrial, steampunk, sinister city consumes the entire planet’s energy to power eight massive reactors, dividing it into separate sectors. Each region offers different attractions and marks the lines between rich and poor.

All external Midgar areas became mere wastelands due to the reactors – but you don’t have to visit these as the city has everything a happy citizen needs.

The Citadel (Mass Effect series)

This massive 44-kilometer-long city is an ancient space station with a population of 13.2 million intelligent races from across the galaxy. One of its greatest secrets is the Keepers – a mute alien race looking after its decent technical condition.

While exploring the place, you will quickly discover all the inhabitants live at their own pace, and quests are surprisingly engaging. The Citadel will reveal its darkest secrets throughout the gameplay – but it is still one of the most impressive cities in the history of video games!

Summary

What an adventure! Mushrooms, zombies, aliens, and underwater creatures – the developers’ imagination knows no bounds. Exploring these virtual worlds, we can witness how geography, navigation, and digital life work together to deliver a life-like, realistic experience in the most memorable imaginary worlds.

That’s where immersion comes to life, leaving us wondering why we love these locations that much. Perhaps, by spending hours wandering these cities’ streets, we learn about their inhabitants and secrets, which in some way — at least in our minds — makes us part of their history.