Whether it’s gold and precious gems scattered beneath a slumbering dragon, or pieces-of-eight and rare spices decorating the cabin of a fearsome pirate, loot and treasure items serve important roles in worldbuilding. They stand as a signifier of wealth, a reward or temptation, and if used in game worlds can act as a score or marker of progress. Battles have been fought for these precious artifacts, heists have been planned, and daring adventures have been had to uncover them.

Weapons can also be treasure items, either because they serve a mainly decorative purpose, or because they are rare (perhaps magical or legendary) in nature. Weapons (as well as any item) can serve the dual purpose of both being a treasure item, as well as a useful tool once obtained.

Your world may require more unique treasure items more tailored to your specific fictional world. If this is the case, consider what people in your world value or what elements are most prized. Perhaps Vinyl B-Sides are rare and desired, or perhaps new memories are the items most treasured. In post-apocalyptic settings, soda pop and pop rocks may be what is hoarded. If your fictional world contains fictional beasts, perhaps they themselves are treasured or their scales, hides, or horns are. If your fictional world contains unique materials, consider if that material is something rare.

Treasure specific to your world can be a great opportunity to help set the world tone.

Treasures are often located in dungeons (not necessarily actual dungeons, but rather areas of a world with a concentration of enemies, puzzles, traps, or other threats). This is because often treasure is presented as a reward for successfully navigating some difficult challenge. Often, maps or puzzle-solving is required to properly locate and obtain these precious items.