Mountain ranges are a series of mountains arranged in a chain and connected by elevated land. Fictional mountain ranges may be towering pinnacles of frozen peaks, jungle-coated rock formations, or ore-rich stone monoliths. Hidden routes may meander their surfaces, along peaks, valleys, and mountain passes. There may be cave systems that run underneath with underground rivers and streams. Temples, watchtowers, castles, or ski resorts may be located on their surface. Mountain ranges may be home to dwarves, reclusive monks, and avian species.

Fictional mountain ranges carve across landscapes, often dividing settings into vastly different territories and regions. Most worldbuilders will not feel the need to design tectonic plates for their fictional world, but doing so can provide inspiration for where mountain ranges may form on a fictional planet. Once established, ranges have a profound impact on the local environment. Clouds traveling over mountains will release their moisture as they travel upwards in elevation. This often causes jungles or forests to form on the windward side of the mountain range. On the other side of the range will be a rain shadow, and will often be the location of a desert or badland.