Beginners Guide to Larp: Choosing.

New players want to larp but don't know where to begin or what they might like. They see Geek and Sundry's videos online, or read local news articles about a small but growing local battle game scene. After scratching the surface with one game, newbies often find larp is a surprisingly general hobby. To an outside it may seem very specific, but then you find all these different varieties. Maybe that first found style or flavor of larp is appealing... Maybe it misses the mark a little. How to pin down where to begin? Fortunately there is a style of larp for many different tastes.


When new to a topic usually the hardest thing is trying to figure out what you don't know. Knowing the bounds of a new concept or idea can be very helpful in choosing where you want to put your time and effort. Here's an attempt to sum up, from my point of view, the larping world as I see it.

Theater Style:
This form of larp is written ahead of time by the event holder, and focuses on the interplay between the characters. Think of a murder mystery parlor game, like playing Clue in real life. There probably won't be combat, or if there is it will abstracted completely. If camping in the woods and running around sound like something to avoid, start here.

Con Style:
An oversimplification to get the point across, a Con Larp is a theater larp with a lot of people. Usually held at a convention which can accommodate a large number of players. My definition might be a little on the light side, because I've never participated in this form of larp before. Con larps seem like a great entry into larping especially if you're going to the con anyway. Btw, that image comes from an old Intercon url. You should probably use the newer website: www.interactiveliterature.org.

From http://leavingmundania.com/

Jeep Form/Free Form Style:
These games usually have very few rules or game mechanics and function a lot more like Interactive Literature. Its about the story and the interaction. Playing to lose is a big concept in this form of larp. Seeking the dramatic moment, which may mean setting that moment up for someone else, is the focus. This form allows you to really intensely explore emotional spaces you might not usually get to explore. Find more about Freeform on the Leaving Mundania Blog.

Hit Point Systems:
The vast majority of larps these days are played with some kind of Nero variant rules. These rules are quite similar to table top role playing. You have a character sheet, hit points, stats and skills. Except you actually carry the weapons, and fight with them. This style of larp is rules mechanics heavy and all about the role play. If you want to focus on storytelling and drama, but still swing a sword or pick a pocket, start here.

Hit Location Systems:
Derivative of the SCA these systems tend to be combat focused. They are fast paced, and brutal, simulating a martial art. Some allow full contact and others only partial contact. This doesn't mean that they don't have role playing. Far from it. If you want to build foam weapons and armor, while practicing martial and role playing, start here. This is the style I am most familiar with. My 4x larp is written as a Hit Location System.

Battle Games:
There are some trappings of the historic, but usually jeans and sneakers are allowed. Very little role playing, but some of the most intense combat on the play field.This is almost an esport in real life, as there will be game mechanics which represent 'magic'. If your focus is being at the top of your game, showing your skill, start here.

Blended Style:
This is not a true style, but a point about all the styles. Lots of games mix and match all these aspects. Or add board game mechanics. For example Shut up and Sit Down has reviewed couple games which blend live role play with other games. The MegaGame, where they are clearly role playing, and the LHS Bikeshed where they're playing roles on board the ship. The reality of larp is that every game has concepts from others. Every game blends some aspects of each style. There are few pure examples out there.

Once you choose which style to start with, then you can really dive in. Download and read the rules, then reach out and contact the game system. There are still some things to consider before getting started larping. For example location, equipment, practice and then attending events. But for now you've got some exploring to do. If you need help I'd be happy to answer questions on Google Plus, Twitter and in our Facebook Group.