Action-driven fantasy focused on individual heroes fighting personal battles rather than saving the world.
Sword and sorcery strips fantasy down to its most visceral elements: a skilled fighter, dangerous magic, and immediate physical stakes. Unlike epic fantasy's nation-spanning conflicts, sword and sorcery focuses on personal survival, treasure hunts, revenge quests, and encounters with dark sorcery. The tone is pulpy and fast, the heroes are morally flexible, and the stories work as standalone adventures.
Sword and sorcery is a masterclass in momentum and character economy. If your fantasy writing tends to sprawl, studying this subgenre teaches you to keep things tight, immediate, and visceral. It's also experiencing a revival in both traditional and indie publishing.
The genre's foundational character: a wandering warrior in a dangerous world, solving problems with a sword and sheer tenacity.
Write a 500-word scene where your protagonist must get through a locked door, and the only tools available are a weapon and their wits. No exposition about the world, no backstory, just the immediate problem. Make the reader feel the danger.