Top 10 Game Locations Inspired by Real Places (2026)

Novigrad is one of the most detailed medieval-style cities ever built in a video game. Its canals, crowded marketplaces, and religious institutions draw inspiration from historic European port cities. The city’s narrow streets and merchant districts resemble both Amsterdam’s canals and the medieval trading city of Gdansk.

Paris in Assassin’s Creed Unity recreates the city during the French Revolution with remarkable historical detail. Players can explore detailed landmarks including Notre Dame, the Seine River, and revolutionary-era neighborhoods. The game remains one of the most ambitious historical recreations ever attempted in a video game.

Yharnam is a gothic city inspired by Victorian-era London. Its towering cathedrals, cobblestone streets, and gas-lit alleys evoke the dark atmosphere of 19th-century Europe. The city’s haunting design blends real historical architecture with supernatural horror elements.

Dunwall combines Victorian London’s industrial atmosphere with the steep streets and stone architecture of Edinburgh. The city’s mix of aristocratic mansions and industrial slums reflects strong class divisions, which play a central role in the game’s story.

Kyrat is a fictional Himalayan country heavily inspired by Nepal and Tibetan culture. Snow-covered peaks, Buddhist temples, and mountain villages create a setting rarely seen in mainstream games.

Hope County recreates the landscapes of rural Montana, featuring forests, farmland, rivers, and small American towns. Its setting reflects the culture and geography of the American Northwest.

Prague is recreated with a blend of cyberpunk technology and historic European architecture. The game’s version of the city retains recognizable landmarks while adding futuristic elements.

Watch Dogs recreates Chicago as a connected “smart city” where infrastructure can be hacked and manipulated. The game’s world design mirrors real Chicago neighborhoods and architecture.

Sleeping Dogs recreates the dense urban streets of Hong Kong with neon lights, crowded markets, and high-rise apartments. The game’s city design captures the energy and vertical density of the real metropolis.

Florence is recreated with remarkable historical authenticity in Assassin’s Creed II. Players can explore Renaissance landmarks such as the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and Florence’s historic streets.