Every week the EFG staff will be defining a gaming term that is either confusing or ill-defined. Please leave a comment with any terms you find confusing and we will try to include them in future editions!

The gaming definition this week is a term that applies to many well-known games: LARP

LARP is an acronym for Live-Action Role-Playing. It incorporates physical action, improv, cosplay, and role-playing into a single event. Players inhabit a fictional world at a set location in real-time and can be based on various genres.

LARPing involves social interaction with players and NPCs (non-playing characters). Events will require specific costumes and props to further the set environment. More experienced players will likely be better outfitted for LARPing events, having collected gear over an extended period. New players can purchase supplies at various stores and online sites. LARP organizations such as Alliance have forums to guide new players. Preparation: character creation, backstory, props, costuming, etc., assist players with fuller immersion into the event.

References can be similar to tabletop role-playing questions, general gameplay, character class and race choices. Parents may need to assist with forum surfing, costuming. As with sports or a new instrument, invest minimally at first to ensure your player’s interest warrants a larger financial investment.

What does LARP mean?

LARP is an acronym for Live Action Role Play. LARP is an immersive story experience where participants physically act out their character’s actions. Staff create a different world for players to plunge into with costuming, props, and scenography into a fantastic experience. Most children have played make-believe. We have all seen towel capes, construction paper crowns, and broomstick swords. LARP is the next evolution of that, so children quickly lean towards LARP.

What Kinda of LARPs Are There?

There are several genres of LARP, with 2 primary types.

The first: Adventure, Demonstrative, or Boffer LARPs feature mock combat with foam weapons. These LARPs encourage the players to work as a group towards a common goal. Serving the greater good, protecting a community, exploring the unknown, finding a lost item or person, and so on. Another term for this group is combat LARP, and they have genre-specific weapons.

The second: Interactive, Literature, Parlor, Salon, or Theater LARP features heavy role-play with emotional interaction more character-driven, often with no specific goal or task. Groups without combat are non-combat LARPs. Their conflicts are resolved with cards, dice, or chance games (ie, rock paper scissors).

Like most modern video games and tabletop role-playing, LARP is Player vs Environment (PVE) or Player vs Player (PVP). PVE the group is united against something threatening the land, the town, and so forth. Players can face monsters, puzzles, traps, and so forth. PVP plays the players against each other. Narrative or personal motivations can drive this game’s focus and player interaction. (We define PvE and PvP in the greater gaming context here.)

Can Kids LARP?

Absolutely, kids can LARP! Many LARP organizations and events are designed specifically for younger participants, offering age-appropriate storylines and simplified rules to ensure safety and enjoyment. LARPing for kids often focuses on themes like fantasy adventures, superheroes, or historical quests, providing a fun and educational experience. Through LARPing, children can develop important skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, creativity, and empathy. It’s a great way for kids to engage in imaginative play, make new friends, and learn valuable lessons in a structured and supportive environment.

What Are the Benefits of LARPing?

LARPing offers a multitude of benefits for participants of all ages. It encourages creativity and imagination as players craft their characters and interact with the unfolding narrative. The collaborative nature of LARPing fosters teamwork and social skills, as players must work together to achieve common goals. Physically, LARPing is active and involves running, climbing, and other physical activities, promoting fitness and coordination. Additionally, LARPing can be a powerful tool for personal growth, allowing individuals to explore different aspects of their personalities and gain confidence in social situations. Whether for fun, education, or self-improvement, LARPing provides a unique and enriching experience.

How to find a LARP?

Now is the time to find a new LARP group. The pandemic constrained many groups and are restarting and rebuilding. There are several online resources, use your favorite search engine and search for LARP or LARP in your area. If you already know what genre you’re interested in, add that to your search as well, i.e. pirates, medieval, futuristic, and so on. Some specific sites include LARPfinder, meetup (for larger cities), reddit (r/LARP), Facebook, and many others.

Local gaming and tabletop stores often have LARP advertising and may have LARPers on staff. There are some summer camps with LARP themes and events as well. Conventions can also be a good resource for single-event LARPs; some may even run throughout the convention. You can typically reach out to the organizers and ask. There are LARPs across the globe with a wide variety of genres and sizes. You will find one that fits if you look for it!

Examples of different LARPs. 

LARP genres can vary as widely as any interest base. These genres can include aliens, cyberpunk, futuristic, fantasy, historical, horror, pirates, murder mysteries, superheroes, and whatever else the imagination can create. Genre types will dictate costuming, weapons, character interactions, and window dressing for the environment. The setting will determine how your player reacts to what is around them. A pirate or cowboy won’t be as surprised by a train as an elf from a medieval setting might be.

Some LARP games and genres are geared towards adults only, most vampire LARP is adult only. Most LARPs have their age requirements posted on their homepages to make child-friendly LARP easier to find. (AllianceLARP New Hampshire, for example, allows players starting at 14 with a guardian.)

What are Boffer weapons?

Boffer weapons are traditionally part of American LARP.  Boffer weapons are three layers: a rigid base, foam middle, and duct tape or nylon cover. The materials vary. Foamsmith (boffer weapon makers) skill sophistication can differ from pool noodles with handles to sleek light weapons resembling their real-world counterparts. Boffer weapons are built for safety and ease of play by a broader range of players. They are typically checked for safety before every event. Boffer weapons are easy for the average player to use. However, they are not always painless, especially in the heat of an adrenaline-fueled battle. It is not uncommon to get a bruise or two from combat, regardless.

Some LARPers tend to use latex rubber weapons which are heavier and more realistic in appearance but require more physicality to wield. In some cases, more extreme LARPers use real weapons; this is rare and more likely in historical reenactments than play.

Is Cosplay the same thing as LARP?

No. Cosplay and LARP are not the same things. Cosplay is when you dress up as a character from a movie, TV show,  book, videogame, or your creation. Most Cosplay is found at conventions or special events connected to the character. Stormtroopers, Wookies, and Jedi often appear when a new Star Wars movie comes out, that is Cosplay. Cosplay is more for appearances and getting into a character as an expression of enjoying a fandom. LARP costuming needs to be functional and genre-appropriate to play a game.

Is LARP Similar to DnD?

Absolutely. LARP and Dungeons and Dragons have very similar origins and base rules. Noncombat LARP uses dice or card systems similar to D&D for combat resolution.

Both games require a bit of imagination to help build the setting and role-playing. Most LARPers play D&D or similar role-playing games in the off-season or started there and branched off into LARPing. If your child is nervous about LARP, tabletop role-playing games are an excellent place to learn which genres they’re interested in and a chance to practice their role-playing skills.

What does a new player need to know?

Learn the basics before you go. Most LARP groups have websites with the rules and may have a rulebook, requirements, etc. It’s often best to read through those things at least once before going to an event. You’ll want to know their rules, restrictions, and waivers beforehand, not when you’re with your kiddo in full costume at the event. If you or your child need special accommodations, reach out to the game runners ahead of time (they typically have at least an email on their websites), or other players may be able to help or point you in the right direction. Review costume guidelines and requirements. Part of immersing yourself into a LARP world is the proper costuming.

What to Bring

Some things to consider are:

• Bring sunscreen, bug spray, and water if the venue is outside.
• Dress appropriately for the weather. Adding layers to a cloak and removing them on cold days is easy. Ask ahead of time about food and drinks.
• You may need to pack a lunch, but some games may provide food during the game. Keep it fun and try to play along and bring in genre meals! For example: A lunchable can be repacked in reusable wax cloth instead of a plastic container.
• Make sure you know how long the event is. You may also need to arrange sleeping accommodations, such as camping or a local hotel.

Acclimating to Events

Remember, it’s natural to be quieter when you’re new. Many LARPers have been playing for years and are very welcoming. Please give it a few events before deciding it’s not for you. However, group dynamics aren’t always a fit; you can explore other games and groups. LARP is an international game, and there are places for everyone.

Most games start with a welcome speech or intro; this is your time for new players to ask questions. Logistics, or the pre-start time, where your costumes and weapons are checked for safety, is also a great time to ask questions and learn about the game. Most games have moderators or experienced players or staff on hand to answer questions as you go, identify them early, and ask. It doesn’t hurt to play into your character and ask in-game.

Places to buy LARP costumes and supplies

Finding the right costume for your character can really help you enjoy role-playing and get into the LARP world. LARPing can cost a lot, but there are ways to save money, especially if you’re just starting. Ask your LARP group for help. Check out forums for new players, talk to game organizers, and ask experienced players. They can tell you about the rules, what you need, and where to get gear. New players might be able to borrow some costume pieces to save money while they decide if they like LARPing.

Depending on your LARP genre, there are several easily accessible websites to help build your character.

First, look at the website, Facebook group, or Discord for the LARP you want to play. They should have suggestions for costuming basics dependent upon the genre and their rules.

Next, a quick search for terms like “LARP costume,” “LARP gear,” “LARP armor,” “LARP weapons,” etc., will find tons of results. Costume stores/sites, Walmart, Amazon, and other bigger markets can get you something serviceable in no time at all.

Once you’ve decided on LARP as your hobby and you’re looking to move from testing to definitely playing: Etsy, Epic Armory, B3, Holy Clothing, burgschneider.us and MANY others will have genre-specific weapons, armor, props and so on.

Don’t forget about crafting. If you or a friend can break out a sewing machine, this can save you quite a bit. Also, thrifting has been a time-honored way to build up your costuming. Pinterest is full of LARP DIY to help with various levels of your skill and direction needed.

Where Can I Find Examples ofLARP in the media?

LARPing has found its way into pop culture several times over the years. This has been a mixed bag for the LARP community because it is confused for tabletop role-playing. Even worse, many of these examples depict LARPers as unsympathetic nerds with poor social skills. The reality is that LARPing attracts all sorts of people, most of whom are welcoming and enjoy sharing their beloved hobby with others.

Examples

• Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe
• Monster Camp
• Hawkeye
• Supernatural, Episode Title LARP and the Real Girl
• Role Models *not kid-appropriate

Conclusion

In conclusion, LARP, or Live Action Role-Playing, is an immersive story experience where participants physically act out their character’s actions. It incorporates physical action, improv, cosplay, and roleplay into a single event and can be based in various genres. There are two basic types of LARP, Adventure or Boffer LARPs which feature mock combat with foam weapons, and Interactive or Theater LARPs which feature heavy role-play with emotional interaction. LARP can be found through online resources, local gaming and tabletop stores, summer camps, and conventions. With a wide variety of genres and sizes, there is a LARP for everyone to enjoy.