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Some DnD fans make a big deal about the Sword Coast emphasis... but there are many adventures taking us beyond that area. Rime, Strahd, ToA, AI, Avernus, Wildemount, Ravnica, Theros, Storm King, Eberron.
The Sword Coast emphasis is great. It lets fans start to learn about FR and makes it a common language. Waterdeep. Baldur’s Gate. Neverwinter. Candlekeep. Those should be familiar.
The game is stronger for that. And you still get to different locations with the official products. It’s a great mix.
Here’s another cool aspect of the DnD Faerun strategy. By focusing on one area, they build Sword Coast familiarity and then can delve deep into a cool area and everyone grasps it.
Before 5E, only a tiny number of fans could rattle off five places in FR and tell you something about them. Now, a far greater number can, because the Sword Coast resonates. It’s a focus. It’s graspable.
That actually means MORE fans. More people who actually enjoy FR and understand what it offers. More opportunities for more creators. It’s not just weird walking encyclopedias (like me). Many more people can now contribute.
The focus on the Sword Coast means that when DnD goes elsewhere, they can really build contrast and make it awesome. See Chult. See Icewind Dale. New regions get depth and become familiar too.
This is far more approachable than old editions. FR is better for it. Yeah, old fans have their favorite region they wish was in a product. Sure. Me too. But FR is stronger for this approach.
For old fans, we have to be mindful of not turning knowledge obscurity into something that makes the game only work for us. Naming the last kings of Cormyr... it’s not required to be a fan. It can actually be a barrier to being a fan of FR.
It’s the same for a home campaign. A DM is welcome to create 15 continents. Players really are better off with a small region they can call home. It’s a better campaign that way. Same with FR.
