Live-Action Roleplaying (LARPing): The Ultimate Guide

Live-action roleplaying — often referred to as “LARPing” — is a popular form of roleplay that involves creativity and immersive experiences. LARP events can be a great source of community and collaboration, whether it’s your first event or your 50th.

In our beginner-friendly guide, we’ll tell you everything there is to know about live-action roleplay, from its common features to LARPing etiquette, and where to start if you’re brand new to this type of roleplay. 

What Is Live-Action Roleplaying (LARPing)?

Live-action roleplaying — also called LARPing — is a community-based activity where participants dress up and act out the roles of their characters. LARPing is just one of the many types of roleplay out there. Even so, it holds its own as a versatile style of roleplay.

There are many common settings, scenarios, and genres for live-action roleplay. Historical reenactments are one example. Folks might meet at a historic Civil War site dressed in 1860s-appropriate attire for a Civil War battle reenactment. Other LARPers prefer more fantastical or creative settings, like Renaissance fairs. 

A LARPing event could include a small group of less than 10 or hundreds of participants. 

Common features for LARPing

While live-action roleplaying is versatile, there are some features many LARP experiences have in common. First and foremost, the immersive roleplaying environment is key in live-action roleplaying settings. Participants can leverage the real world around them, the atmosphere, and props to create an immersive environment in which folks can lose themselves in. 

Similarly, in-character interactions are a must for LARPing. People who are participating in a live-action roleplay will dress up as their character and interact with others around them to play their part. 

Like many other kinds of roleplay, LARPing also relies on: 

• Storytelling skills
• The ability to ideate and develop characters
• World-building
• Problem-solving skills
• The ability to make informed decisions

Why do people enjoy LARPing?

People enjoy live-action roleplaying and other forms of roleplay because it allows them to immerse themselves in another world. Folks can explore their most creative side in a safe space of like-minded people. LARPers can act out scenes, engage in on-the-spot roleplay, and work on their personal character development. 

Where to Start If You’re New to LARPing

If you’re new to live-action roleplay but it’s something you’ve always wanted to explore, you’re not alone. You can start LARPing at any age, even if you’ve never roleplayed before. Still, it can feel overwhelming to start a new activity. 

Here’s where you can start if you’re new to live-action roleplaying.

1. Get familiar with the ins and outs of LARPing.

Your first step on your live-action roleplay journey should be getting familiar with LARPing basics. Do a bit of research on LARPing etiquette (more on that below) and what it involves. 

With live-action roleplay, you can expect costuming and props to be important components of many sessions. Cosplay — people dress up as their favorite characters — is closely tied to LARPing. The costume differences between the two boil down to their durability. When cosplayers make costumes, it’s OK if they’re fragile or pricey because they might only wear it once. However, a LARPer’s costume needs to be able to withstand lots of movement, since participants actively roleplay in their outfits. 

What your character wears will depend on the roleplaying group, the setting, the atmosphere, and the location. Whatever the case, you’ll just want to make sure your character’s outfit of choice will withstand the LARPing session. 

2. Find a group for live-action roleplaying.

If you’re brand new to live-action roleplay, it can be helpful to find a group that’s been roleplaying for a while. Participants can help you get the hang of live-action roleplay and steer you in the right direction. 

You can find LARPing groups on apps like Facebook, Reddit, and other social media platforms. Local comic book shops or game stores can sometimes help folks find LARPing groups. If you happen to be in college, your campus might even have a live-action roleplay group of its own. 

Alternatively, you and your friends could start your own LARP group. 

3. Look for LARPing events near you.

Regardless of whether or not you have your own group, you can always look for LARPing events local to you. Many states host a Renaissance fair which involves levels of roleplaying. While some folks will just want to dress up like their character, others will commit and only respond in character instead of having out-of-character conversations. 

When looking for LARPing events, check social media platforms like Facebook for posted events. You can also use a tool like LARPFinder to find nearby events based on your location. 

4. Design a character for yourself.

Once you know what kind of LARPing event or group you’re delving into, you can start to build your character. Take your time brainstorming. Some groups prefer to use character sheets, especially in roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons, and those can give you a great start. 

Think about their backstory and what events led them to be the character they are today. What’s their personality like? You can draw or describe their physical appearance, too. Some artists even specialize in bringing roleplay characters to life this way. 

You can also consider what special abilities or skills they have. What are their strengths and weaknesses? Answering some of these more basic questions can help you really flesh out your character and role. 

5. Get ready for your first live-action roleplaying experience. 

If you’ve found a group or event and created your character, you’re ready to go. Don’t forget to pack some essentials in a go-bag before the event. Depending on the setting and environment, you might want to pack items like: 

• Sunscreen
• Non-perishable snacks 
• Water bottles
• A first-aid kit
• Deodorant
• Comfortable clothing options (extra socks, shoes, etc.)
• Your wallet, including cash, credit cards, and your ID
• A phone charger 
• A notepad and pen

Make sure you understand the general guidelines before you go. A historical battle reenactment will have different rules than a more convention-esque setting, like a Renaissance fair. 

Most importantly, embrace your first-ever LARPing experience with an open-minded, positive attitude. 

Live-Action Roleplay Etiquette: What to Expect

The exact live-action roleplay etiquette that’ll be expected of you will depend on what kind of event you attend. Expectations will vary from event to event, but there are some general guidelines you can follow just to be safe. Here are some of the basics of LARPing etiquette to keep in mind. 

Be safe.

Above all else, prioritize safety. This may be a given for most folks, but it’s important nonetheless. The majority of LARPing groups make safety a priority by including common-sense rules and guidelines. 

In general, always make sure you stay aware of your surroundings. If you see something suspicious or dangerous behavior, report it. If the event includes alcoholic beverages, always watch your drink and never leave it unattended. 

Aim to have an optimistic attitude.

It goes without saying that you shouldn’t plan to show up to a LARPing event with a bad attitude. Try to go into the event with a positive outlook, even if you’re feeling nervous. Being an engaged, enthusiastic participant makes for a more fulfilling roleplay experience. 

Be sure to put your collaboration skills to the test by leveraging teamwork. Live-action roleplay is usually a collaborative experience, and it’s more fun when everyone works together. In the same vein, make sure you’re being a good sport. 

Enjoy the immersive experience.

Arguably the biggest aspect of LARPing is the immersive roleplaying experience. As such, make sure you stay in character for the majority of the time. Participants who speak in and out of character can confuse others and muddle the roleplay experience. It can be tough to stay in character, especially if it’s your first event, but it’ll help if you surround yourself with other LARPers. 

Because of all the improv that happens during LARP events, roleplayers can work on their adaptability skills, especially when it comes to thinking on thier feet. Adapt to surprising or otherwise unexpected situations and try to keep a flexible mindset. 

Keep in mind that LARP events are for everyone and you’re not usually the main character of a single event. A successful LARPing session takes everyone’s effort, so make sure everyone is included. 

Be respectful to everyone.

It’s also important to be respectful during live-action roleplay events. Follow the event guidelines and respect other LARPers’ boundaries. A good rule of thumb is to always ask for content before roleplay situations that could be uncomfortable for others, including physical contact. 

Steer clear of power plays, where you intentionally or unintentionally dominate the LARP event. Remember that LARPing is a collaborative experience.

How to Improve Your LARPing Skills with Yoodli

Whether you’re totally new to live-action roleplaying or you’re just trying to brush up on your roleplaying skills, using a tool like Yoodli can make a difference. 

Yoodli — a top roleplay platform and communication coach — uses AI to spark conversational roleplay opportunities. Users can experiment and practice their skills in tons of different types of roleplay, from simple small talk to sales call simulations and even in your romantic life. 

For example, top companies like Google and Dale Carnegie use Yoodli for their own use purposes, like work enablement, certification, and training. Here’s how it works.

Anyone can pick from a collection of existing roleplay scenarios from Yoodli’s bank or they can create their own with Yoodli’s Builder. That way, if you have a specific scenario in mind, they can tackle it head-on. LARPers, for example, might have group- or event-specific scenarios in mind that they’d like to practice. Whatever the scenario might be, Yoodli will provide an AI-generated partner that you can further customize. 

From there, you can start practicing your live-action roleplaying. Yoodli will help you hit your objectives and goals while sharpening your skills. Plus, as a roleplay coach, Yoodli gives folks customized, detailed evaluations of their roleplay conversation skills. Users can then use this instant, actionable feedback to improve their skills and reach their goals. 

Whether you’re into LARPing or you just want to prepare for an upcoming presentation, find out how you can get started for free with Yoodli at https://yoodli.ai/.

4 Benefits of Live-Action Roleplaying

Although LARPing is appealing to many simply because it’s fun in nature, there are also tons of benefits that come with this kind of roleplay. Here are just four advantages that come with engaging in some live-action roleplay sessions. 

1. There’s more room for creativity and creative thinking.

Not everyone gets to flex their creative muscles. Folks sometimes feel tied down to their education or their job and, as a result, don’t have tons of creative free time. For some people, live-action roleplaying provides that space for imaginative, creative thinking.

People who wouldn’t normally get the opportunity to be creative at school or work can dive into world-building. They can ideate detailed, immersive worlds that become the perfect backdrop for engaging, interesting characters. LARPing always involves an element of storytelling, so folks can really let their imagination run wild while creating compelling narratives and plot twists. 

2. LARPing can be a fun way to get some physical activity. 

There are even health benefits to live-action roleplay. Many LARP events involve outdoor settings and require spending time outside. Spending time in nature is good for a person’s physical and mental health. It can be a strong stress reliever and reduces anxiety for many. For some people, it provides an escape from their typical day-to-day life. 

Depending on the actual event, LARPers might need to walk, run, or even engage in planned combat — all endeavors that can get your heart pumping. For some people, it’s a good form of exercise. 

3. It can create a sense of community and social connection. 

Because live-action roleplaying is such a collaborative activity, LARPing can create a sense of community and connection for participants. There’s always teamwork involved, and working toward shared objectives can make folks feel more connected. You’ll be able to put your empathy skills to the test as you interact with other LARPers. 

Not only that, but it provides a safe space for you to practice your communication skills. One of the best roleplay tips is to use clear, concise language to avoid potential misunderstandings during a session or event. 

4. It can improve your ability to think critically.

One of the best benefits of LARPing is that it can boost your critical thinking skills. Live-action roleplay events are a great environment for practicing your problem-solving skills. Most LARPing sessions involve plenty of brainstorming, considering solutions to problems that crop up, and thinking on your feet. 

Even though these take place in a fictional setting, LARPers still get to practice informed decision-making and strategic thinking, which can benefit them in other areas of their life. 

The Bottom Line 

Live-action roleplaying is a popular form of roleplay that comes with its own unique benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned LARPer or you’re new to the scene, the live-action roleplay community is vast. There are tons of opportunities to meet new people, flex your creative muscles, and socialize with like-minded folks. 

If you’re looking to brush up on your LARPing skills, an app like Yoodli can take your abilities to the next level. Just remember, everyone progresses at their own pace. 

Sources

• LARP Adventure Program: “What is LARP?”
• FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin: “LARPing and Violent Extremism.”
• Skillshare: “Live-Action Role Playing 101: A Beginner-Friendly Guide.”
• LARPFinder: “Location: USA.” 
• American Heart Association: “Spend Time in Nature to Reduce Stress and Anxiety.”