The problem with magic is that it can do anything and everything. This causes issues when worldbuilding as magic can fundamentally change a world in ways that a designer does not want and it causes issues in narratives because every problem can just be solved by magic. Why would anyone in your world use the airships you’ve painstakingly designed if people there can just magically teleport? Why would your hero try to fight your evil villain if they can just magic them a healthy childhood and a good therapist? Magic often just gets in the way of the world you want to build and the story you may want to tell.

To deal with the problems that magic creates, worldbuilders use a variety of approaches aimed at limiting magic or putting restrictions on its’ ability. The comes at a cost is one such solution, where magic requires an effort or sacrifice to be performed. The rare ingredient solution is another approach, where magic requires a rare resource to perform or magic itself is a rare ability. Introducing anti-magic elements, like counter-spells, magic resistant materials, or other means to nullify magic or magical abilities is another method. Other worldbuilders may insert taboos surrounding the use of magic, restricting certain magical spells or abilities because of culture. These methods seek to reign in the ramifications of magic to make them manageable. And, of course, the solution to the problem of magic may also be magic.