Different apocalyptic plot structures by genre
Science Fiction: Alien invasion decimates Earth AI systems become hostile Climate disaster reshapes world Pandemic creates new species Space colony escape plan Scientific experiment gone wrong
Fantasy: Ancient prophecy fulfilled Magic becomes unstable Gods abandon mankind Mystical seals breaking Dark forces awakening Mystical plague spreads
Horror: Zombie virus outbreak Demonic invasion begins Cosmic horror revealed Mass possession event Supernatural plague Ritual summons end times
Literary Fiction: Slow societal collapse Environmental degradation Economic system failure Social order breakdown Mass psychological change Cultural identity loss
Military Fiction: Nuclear war aftermath Bio-weapon release Global warfare erupts Military AI takeover Strategic resource wars Cyber warfare collapse