Video games take players to incredible places during their adventures, such as abandoned temples in the middle of nowhere, unexplored caves, or planets inhabited by other civilizations. Moreover, many of these stories feature another important element: cities.
Varying in size and setting, many of these cities are remembered by players as key locations in their respective games. Whether they are central to the plot that develops throughout the game or a place where characters can rest and replenish some resources before returning to the wilderness for a new adventure, these cities leave a lasting impression.
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Baldur’s Gate
Iconic In Both Tabletop RPGs & Video Games
Baldur's Gate 3
- Released
- August 3, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, macOS
The Dungeons & Dragons tabletop RPG features several impressive cities like Waterdeep and Neverwinter, but none are as prominent in video games as Baldur’s Gate. Also present in the first two games of the franchise with the same name, the city received a significant visual update in Baldur’s Gate 3, making it even more beautiful.
In Larian’s game, the characters' journey is to reach Baldur’s Gate. This event finally happens in the third and final chapter of the story, where many plot events must unfold. The attention to detail and architecture of the city are unique, filled with interesting content to be discovered as players explore its streets and alleys.
Night City (Cyberpunk 2077)
There Are No Happy Endings In Night City
Cyberpunk 2077
- Released
- December 10, 2020
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
Despite the problematic launch of Cyberpunk 2077 and the redemption arc the game has undergone in recent years, the construction of Night City has always been praised in CD Projekt Red's title. As soon as V looks up, players see the influence of megacorporations in the universe, with an even greater disparity between the rich and poor.
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Moreover, the developers made sure that exploring Night City happened organically, with the protagonist transitioning between different city districts and feeling the differences. At the same time, the city still holds various secrets for players to discover during their adventures.
Los Santos (Grand Theft Auto)
GTA’s Representation Of Los Angeles
Grand Theft Auto 5
- Released
- September 17, 2013
- Developer(s)
- Rockstar North
- Platform(s)
- Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action
Los Santos, the main setting of the fifth installment in the Grand Theft Auto franchise and one of the main locations in GTA: San Andreas, represents the franchise's interpretation of Los Angeles. This stunning city is explored in detail by the series' fans, housing the ultra-rich and incorporating less developed areas.
The city is famous for its breathtaking views, including mountains, beaches, deserts, and developed urban areas, all accessible within minutes of travel. Los Santos offers a unique mix of environments, making it one of the most interesting locations in the entire GTA franchise.
New Vegas
A Reminder Of Ancient Civilization In The Mojave Wasteland
Fallout: New Vegas
- Released
- October 19, 2010
- Developer(s)
- Obsidian Entertainment
- Genre(s)
- RPG
The Fallout franchise has always been filled with iconic cities like Megaton, Necropolis, and Diamond City, but New Vegas has a special charm that makes it a favorite for many fans. Thanks to the actions of the mysterious Robert House, Vegas survived the Great War without being completely destroyed by the nuclear missiles.
During the events of Fallout: New Vegas, players explore a city that still shines with the old world's decadence and glamour. New Vegas is a refuge of civilization in the devastated desert, filled with casinos, neon lights, and factions constantly vying for control of the region.
Novigrad (The Witcher 3)
A Place Of Entertainment And Conflict
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Released
- May 19, 2015
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
One thing CD Projekt Red achieved in The Witcher series, especially in the third game, is that every place Geralt visits during his journey has a unique atmosphere. Among the cities in the game, Novigrad stands out the most.
Novigrad is a city of entertainment and gangs that control the region from the shadows. This vibrant atmosphere, combined with detailed architecture, makes it the perfect setting for various quests and stories. From theatrical performances and alliances with crime bosses to hunting a serial killer fanatically devoted to the Eternal Fire, Novigrad offers it all.
Raccoon City (Resident Evil)
The Essence Of Resident Evil Lives Here
Raccoon City is an icon in the Resident Evil universe, being the epicenter of the viral outbreak that defined the series. Introduced in the first game and explored in several versions, the city is synonymous with horror and survival. It is also where players meet various important characters in their adventures.
Raccoon City's importance to the franchise lies in its rich history and tense atmosphere, which are fundamental to the games' narrative. From the dark corridors of the police station to the zombie-infested streets, each version of the city contributes to building the legacy for which the games are known.
Midgar (Final Fantasy 7)
A Steampunk Universe Contrast
Final Fantasy 7 Remake
- Released
- April 10, 2020
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix Business Division 1
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
The Final Fantasy franchise features many incredible places for players to visit, but few are as impressive as the city of Midgar in Final Fantasy 7. Whether in the original PlayStation 1 version or the remake, the metropolis powered by mako energy serves to show players the game's setting and define the initial pillars of the plot.
Its design is also beautiful, with steampunk-inspired structures that enhance its architecture. At the same time, it shows players the contrast among the population. From the lower part of Midgar, Cloud and other inhabitants can see how Shinra and the wealthy live comfortably above.
The Citadel (Mass Effect)
A Pillar Of Civilization
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
The Citadel is the political and cultural heart of the galaxy in Mass Effect. Built by the mysterious Protheans, it serves as the seat of the Citadel Council government, housing various alien species and symbolizing intergalactic cooperation among these civilizations.
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Its impressive architecture, with five massive arms and a central core, stands out as a marvel of engineering and design. The Citadel also serves as a symbol of the diversity of Mass Effect civilizations. Players can see this mainly in the first game of the franchise, where they have greater freedom and time to explore it.
Rapture (BioShock)
An Impressive Underwater Construction
BioShock
- Released
- August 21, 2007
- Developer(s)
- Irrational Games
- Genre(s)
- FPS
The city of Rapture in the BioShock franchise was conceived as the perfect utopia for humanity's great artists and minds, where they could develop their works away from government oppression or contemporary religions. The theory was good, but the result players find upon arrival is a devastated place.
Now, Rapture is a nightmare of an underwater dystopia. Andrew Ryan's grand vision has been corrupted by civil wars, abuse of power, and the catastrophic effects of ADAM, a genetically modifying substance. The beautiful art deco structures are in ruins, and the once-brilliant inhabitants have turned into deranged monsters. The city serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambitions.
Whiterun (Skyrim)
A Place Many Players Call Home
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- Released
- November 11, 2011
- Developer(s)
- Bethesda Game Studios
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Whiterun is not the most important city in Skyrim, nor is it one of the most imposing in the entire The Elder Scrolls franchise. Still, it is iconic for being the first city most players encounter when starting their journey in The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim. After fleeing Alduin in Helgen and passing through Riverwood, the likely destination for everyone is Whiterun.
The city also has some interesting points, such as Dragonsreach, Breezehome, and the Skyforge. It is also the location where The Companions have their guild base. Additionally, it is in Whiterun that players meet Lydia, one of the main followers in Skyrim, making the city a landmark in the game.
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