Ask an Anthropologist: How Much Worldbuilding Do You Really Need?

/ michaelkilman

Next Edition of Ask An Anthropologist About Worldbuilding Live Q&A – February 3rd 2026

Submit your questions before the stream in the comments section by clicking here

What’s the right amount of worldbuilding for your story? Maps, architecture, magic, religion, language, myth? The answer… it depends.

In this clip from our last episode of the Ask an Anthropologist About Worldbuilding livestream, I break down how to decide what’s essential for your story, whether you’re writing a 6,000-word short or the first book in a multi-volume epic.

Want help with your worldbuilding? Join us on February 3rd and I’ll field your questions. Can’t make it that day? Put your questions in the comments and I’ll do my best to address them. Click here for the next livestream episode (or watch the replay if you’re seeing this after February 3rd)

2 thoughts on “Ask an Anthropologist: How Much Worldbuilding Do You Really Need?”

  1. The “it depends” answer rings true: it is easy to build a conlang or detailed map before knowing which details the plot actually needs. Starting with the elements that affect a character’s choices seems like a practical test. An AI world creator could also help writers explore a setting before committing every detail to a reference document. I’d be curious how your advice changes for short fiction versus an epic.

    Reply

    • You’d be surprised how much of my consulting comes from people trying to use AI for their worldbuilding. It makes a ton of mistakes.

      I actually did address the question of short fiction vs long in the first episode because someone asked that exact question and it’s a question that often comes up. 😅

      Reply

Leave a comment