Which ProFantasy Bundle or Starter Set Should a New Mapmaker Buy?

Updated

Start with the Top Three Starter Bundle if you are new and want the broadest coverage of map types in one discounted purchase. ProFantasy describes it as its best-seller and "the perfect starting point for new mapmakers," covering maps, dungeons, cities, and more. If your main goal is world-building with terrain and climate generation, look at the World Builder bundle instead, which adds Fractal Terrains. If budget is the deciding factor, ProFantasy states it offers bundles "for every budget," so compare contents and savings in the bundle table on its store page before buying.

What each option is for

Option Best for What ProFantasy says
Top Three Starter Bundle New cartographers who want a bit of everything Most popular; builds fantasy worlds "from the ground up — maps, dungeons, cities, and more"; described as a discounted bundle and the perfect starting point
World Builder Users who need world-building functionality Adds Fractal Terrains to the mix
Other bundles Matching a specific budget or interest "Bundles for every budget"; contents and savings compared in a table on the site

How to decide

  1. Name your primary map type. If you mainly want dungeons and cities, the Top Three Starter Bundle covers those. If you mainly want to generate worlds and terrain, the World Builder's inclusion of Fractal Terrains matters more.
  2. Check the bundle comparison table. ProFantasy says its bundles "bring together the most popular ProFantasy products at spectacular savings" and that a table lets you "compare contents and savings at a glance." Use it to see exactly which titles are in each bundle rather than guessing from the name.
  3. Factor in the buying terms. ProFantasy states purchases come with a 14-day satisfaction guarantee and a 10-year download promise, and that you browse the store, download instantly, and start designing. These apply across purchases, so they don't separate one bundle from another — but they do lower the risk of starting with the wrong one.

What you get regardless of bundle

  • Campaign Cartographer 3+ (CC3+) as the core map-making software, with add-ons.
  • Free monthly content: free monthly symbols for CC3+.
  • Tutorial support: ProFantasy's YouTube channel is updated weekly with more than 200 tutorial videos covering varied map styles and scenarios.
  • Community resources: the Project Nibirum community atlas (1,200+ linked maps, downloadable as CC3+ or high-resolution PNG), the Maps of the Month gallery, a user forum, and an independent Facebook group.

Common sticking points

  • Confusing "starter" with "complete." The Top Three bundle is a starting point, not everything ProFantasy sells. If you later want isometric city symbols, for example, Symbol Set 6 (by artist Mike Schley) is a separate product aimed at isometric cityscapes.
  • Buying for world-building without Fractal Terrains. If terrain and world generation are central to your project, confirm Fractal Terrains is included — that is the specific difference the World Builder bundle is noted for.
  • Skipping the comparison table. Bundle names don't tell you the full contents. The site's table is the reliable way to compare what's inside and what you save.

The site does not list prices in the material available here, so check the store's bundle table for current pricing and contents before deciding.