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Getting Started with Tips; LARP For New Players

  • Writer: Dylanna Fisher
    Dylanna Fisher
  • Oct 5, 2022
  • 2 min read

Being new at anything is complicated and daunting. This article dives into tips when it comes to LARP for new players.

Introducing LARP For New Players

Starting as a new player in a LARP game can be just as daunting but it’s easier than you’d think. Let’s start with an introduction to what LARP is.

LARP is an acronym that means live-action roleplaying games. These are immersive games with similar storytelling to traditional role-playing games such as D&D, pathfinder, gamma world and so on. However, there’s one major difference. It’s live.

In traditional roleplaying games, the player creates a character within the specifications of the game rules and plays to that character’s thoughts, actions, and progression. However, in a LARP game, this is done live-action. During the game, you act out the motivations, and actions, roleplaying what your character would do in any given situation. You chose at the moment how to respond to the innkeeper asking you your business. Or you’d have to dodge an arrow shot by an angry hobgoblin that’s probably insulting you in under common. Or even you’d be able to bond with your new best friend, a dark elf paladin that makes the best smores. From combat to diplomacy to adventure to friendship, there are all kinds of situations to advance the characters’ storyline.

No matter where the thrill of adventure and imagination can be found. There’s a story for everyone in a LARP game.

woman wearing brown long sleeved shirt holding round glass terrarium
Photo by Juliana Stein on

How Does One Get Started In LARP? – Step By Step Instructions

Getting started with LARP can be a very daunting task even for the most enthusiastic gamers. There is an immense amount of information to absorb and contextualize at any time. LARP organizers are there to facilitate; reaching out to them is easier than you think.

One – Find A Game That’s of Interest and Logistically Possible.

Two – Contact the Game’s Organizers or Website to Begin Your Character Creation

Three – Create the Persona Form Paper to Flesh

Four – Connect with Other LARPers That Attend That Event to Learn More About It or Bring a Friend.

Five – Get Your Gear and Costuming

Six – Pack A Back, And Plan for Food

Seven – Time to Adventure and Have Fun.

person holding kerosene lantern
Photo by Vlad Bagacian on

LARP For New Players; Inspirational Music

Here are some songs to get you in the LARPing mood. Because even when making a character you’d like to hear some battle music.

Final Thoughts

Starting as a new player can be very intimidating but that’s okay. With our step-by-step list, you’re well on your way to adventuring with your local LARP group.

As the Refuge LARP Calgary website explains, “We are always looking for more people to join our adventures, whether you are in the Player Camp or the Monster Camp. It is never too late to join!”

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Switching Styles is based in central Alberta, on the enduring homelands of many Indigenous Peoples, including the Beaver, Big Stone Cree, Cree, Dënéndeh, Ĩyãħé Nakón mąkóce (Stoney), Kelly Lake Métis Settlement Society, Ktunaxa ɁamakɁis, Lheidli T’enneh, Michif Piyii (Métis), Mountain Métis, Niitsítpiis-stahkoii (Blackfoot / Niitsítapi), Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Tsuut’ina, ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐤ ᐊᐢᑭᕀ Nêhiyaw-Askiy (Plains Cree), Woodland Cree, and many others. As a Canadian music platform, we recognize that the arts exist within broader systems shaped by colonial history. Colonial policies and practices deliberately sought to suppress Indigenous cultures, traditions, and songs. We acknowledge this history and its ongoing impacts of colonialism. We are grateful for the opportunity to share music and culture on these lands, and we commit to ongoing learning, accountability, respect, and meaningful action.
 

We commit to supporting Indigenous voices and ensuring that Indigenous music, stories, and cultures are protected, amplified, and never erased.

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