Worldbuilding Lessons from Hunter x Hunter
Direct Answers
How does Hunter x Hunter build mystery in its world?
The author uses mystery by introducing something world shattering that gets your mind racing. Then, he gradually leaves bigger breadcrumbs to scratch the itch of curiosity.
For example, the Dark Continent is revealed as the true massive boundary outside Lake Mobius. Ways to introduce mystery include:
- Introducing a powerful unexplained phenomenon
- Creating a cryptic prophecy
- Developing a shadowy organization
- Placing a lost artifact in the story
Why is attention to detail important in worldbuilding?
Attention to detail takes everyday systems from the real world and gives them a unique twist to fit a fantasy setting. Adding details makes even the most ordinary things feel special and unique.
Mundane systems operate every world and make the setting feel more believable. Creators should consider:
- What kind of identification people carry
- How goods are traded and distributed
- What the basic laws or social customs are
- Small details like currency or common foods
- Creating unique alphabets or writing styles
How does Hunter x Hunter use everyday systems to improve its setting?
The series uses everyday systems by creating structured rules that add realism and organization to fantastical elements. For instance, the story features its own original alphabet called Hunter script.
Even though it acts as a stand in for Japanese letters, its presence makes the world feel more authentic. The Hunter Association also has a specific system of licenses, rankings, and rules.
How should you design creatures for a fantasy world?
When designing creatures, you should connect them to something fundamental in your world rather than just making them monsters to fight. Ask yourself if the existence of your creatures directly impacts major plot points.
In Hunter x Hunter, creatures are tied directly to the magic system called Nen. The series features specialized magical beasts on Greed Island and monstrous Nen beasts in the Kakin Empire that serve specific narrative purposes.
The Power of Building Up Mystery
World building is tricky, but fortunately, there are tons of stories with incredible world building that we can study and learn from. One of those incredible stories is Hunter x Hunter.
The series is a classic shonen with arguably the best written power system of all time and a massive unexplored Dark Continent. The author uses mystery frequently to elevate the setting.
He introduces something world shattering that gets your mind racing and asking questions. Then he gradually leaves bigger and bigger breadcrumbs that subtly scratch the itch of curiosity.
For example, the biggest mystery is revealed to be the Dark Continent. The continents where the main story takes place are actually just islands within a pond called Lake Mobius.
Lake Mobius is the great lake surrounding the entirety of the known world, and at its boundary starts the Dark Continent. The mere existence of this place fuels immense curiosity due to its gargantuan scale and terrifyingly alien life forms.
Even the powerful chimera ants are practically ordinary insects compared to what lives there. Killua's sister, a being with immense and mysterious powers, is confirmed to be one of the calamities brought back from previous expeditions.
This adds another layer of intrigue to this unexplored land. The main takeaway is to introduce a powerful unexplained phenomenon, a cryptic prophecy, a shadowy organization, or a lost artifact.
Adding Realism Through Attention to Detail
As they say, it is all in the details. The author takes everyday systems we know from the real world and gives them a unique twist to fit the fantasy.
Think about the systems that run your own world, like how people identify themselves, what they use for money, or their traditions. Consider how you can add details to make even the most ordinary things feel special and unique.
For instance, the story features its own original alphabet known as Hunter script. Even though it is a stand in for Japanese letters, its presence makes the world feel more real and authentic.
The Hunter Association also has a very specific system of licenses, rankings, and rules. Hunter licenses directly affect how characters act, what they are allowed to do, and the respect they earn.
The fact that there is a structured system with its own challenges and consequences adds realism and organization to the fantastical elements. Think about the mundane systems that operate your world.
What kind of identification do people carry, and how are goods traded? Consider the basic laws or social customs.
Look at small, seemingly insignificant details like currency, common foods, or modes of transportation. You should also consider creating an original script or unique writing style for your world.
Designing Unique Creatures Tied to the World
The series has a ton of unique creatures, and they are not just monsters to be fought. They often have unique abilities tied to the magic system, known as Nen, and serve specific narrative purposes.
From the start, creatures are a fundamental part of the world. On Greed Island, players must contend with specialized magical beasts that inhabit the game world, each with their own unique skills and items.
Even Killua's family employs specialized Nen beasts and trained creatures for security and assassination. During the Kakin Empire succession contest, the concept of Nen beasts is taken to an extreme.
Each of the princes, driven by their ambition and their unique abilities, inadvertently manifests a monstrous Nen beast that feeds on their life force. These beasts are not only visually distinct and terrifying, but they are directly tied to the internal struggles of the princes.
They become literal manifestations of their personalities and the consequences of their actions. This serves as a brutal method for determining the next prince.
When you are designing creatures, think about how to connect them to something fundamental in your world. Ask yourself if the existence of your creatures directly impacts major plot points.
Core Worldbuilding Lessons
After looking at this setting, there are three main lessons to learn about worldbuilding. First, build up the mystery.
Introduce a game changing element and then gradually reveal more through subtle clues within the story. Second, focus on new details.
Worldbuilders often focus on the big picture like maps and countries. However, even small things such as a unique licensing system or an original alphabet make a world feel believable.
Third, create your own unique creatures. Design creatures that are tied directly to your power system or another foundational element.