Set in the 1930s, the story leads up to the Wizarding World's involvement in World War II and explores the magical communities in Bhutan, Germany and China in addition to previously established locations including the United States and United Kingdom. With Grindelwald's power rapidly growing, Albus Dumbledore entrusts Newt Scamander and his friends with a mission that will lead to a clash with Grindelwald's army, and will lead Dumbledore to ponder how long he will stay on the sidelines in the approaching war.