LARP genres

In addition to styles, LARPs also have a wide range of genres and subgenres. To provide a small break from reality, many LARPs are based on fiction, inspired by existing works of fiction, myths or folklore, or entirely invented by the storytellers.   The aforementioned LARPs drew their inspiration mainly from fantasy works such as Tolkien's Lord of the Rings series or role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons, but writers of LARP stories can draw inspiration from anything, from books, television shows, and movies to games or even real-world events. Due to the imaginative nature of LARP, there are many options available, including the existence of magic, cryptids, extraterrestrial life, space, time, and planar travel, post-apocalyptic events, alternative history or an alternative present. The genres of LARP can be roughly divided into 4 categories: historical LARP, fantasy LARP, modern LARP, and futuristic LARP, all of which have a virtually infinite number of subcategories.

Historical LARPs are based on real historical events. Stories that are played can be derived from major historical events such as large wars and battles, but can also reflect daily life in a particular historical period. These types of LARP events most closely resemble historical reenactment, with slightly more freedom to deviate from pure historical practice. While participants in reenactment adhere as closely as possible to historical truth, including the (re)creation of clothing and accessories, as well as the social norms and even the food consumed, it is more tolerated in historical LARP to use modern fabrics, sewing techniques, or change social norms for a more modern approach, making this a slightly more accessible way to try reenactment. However, many participants choose to adhere as closely as possible to true historical practices. In addition to the freedom in interpreting historical events, historical LARP distinguishes itself from reenactment by being much more focused on story creation, rather than reliving history exactly as it was.

One of the most common genres of LARP is fantasy LARP . Although fantasy LARPs often take place in a historical setting, this is not always the case, and it is not always clear to distinguish what the time period for a fantasy LARP is. Besides the vague historical setting, nature often plays an important role in fantasy LARPs. It can be presented as a conscious being, as a presence that grants special powers, or as an entity around which the story revolves. What distinguishes this type of LARP from other genres are the fantastic elements. These can be presented in various ways, such as fantasy races (elves, dwarves, orcs, etc.), the availability of magic with a variety of sources, the existence of mythological creatures, cryptids, and/or supernatural beings, and many more fantastic elements. Any combination of these fantastic elements can be used to a greater or lesser extent, resulting in a large number of subgenres. An example of such a subgenre is high fantasy LARP, in the style of, for example, Tolkien's Middle-Earth or George R.R. Martin's World of Westeros, where the fantasy elements are an integral part of the world and everyone in the world is aware of the existence of fantasy races, magic, dragons, etc. In contrast, there are also low fantasy LARPs or urban fantasy LARPs, where the fantastic elements are more hidden and may not be visible to a large part of the population. Examples of low fantasy and urban fantasy are respectively J.K. Rowling's wizarding world, where the magical world is hidden from Muggles, and Jim Butcher's Dresden Files, which takes place in modern Chicago but with a layer of magical, supernatural, and cryptid elements that must be kept secret from the general public. Another subgenre of fantasy LARP is horror LARP, where the main inspiration is drawn from horror fiction. H.P. Lovecraft's works, including his Cthulhu Mythos and At the Mountains of Madness, have influenced many such horror LARPs. Another major inspiration for horror LARPs is White Wolf Publishing's World of Darkness game series, including Vampires: The Masquerade and Werewolves, focused on supernatural beings like vampires and werewolves. White Wolf Publishing has even released a fully developed set of LARP rules called Mind's Eye Theatre, which is used worldwide.

Modern LARPs can revolve around everyday concerns such as politics or sexuality, but can also involve more specific interests, including warfare or espionage. During these latter types of LARP events, it is not uncommon for players to use airsoft, paintball, or laser guns to resolve a conflict, instead of the more historical weapons like swords, bows, and/or crossbows used in most other types of LARP.   Modern LARPs can also include elements of fantasy LARP, especially the lower and urban fantasy and horror types of LARP often take place in a modern setting. In these mixed genres, an alternative reality is created where players are challenged in the same way as they would be in a more semi-historical type of fantasy LARP.  

There are also LARPs that take place in a fictional future. These futuristic LARPs often have a high technological level and little to no (naturally occurring) magic. Some futuristic LARPs are about space exploration and extraterrestrial life, inspired by, for example, Star Wars and Star Trek, while others are set in a future on Earth. These Earth-bound futuristic LARPs can be about political intrigues, dystopian civilizations like those in George Orwell's 1984 or Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, or they can be inspired by post-apocalyptic works of fiction, cyberpunk, and/or space opera. These futuristic, and especially post-apocalyptic, LARPs can, for example, be about outbreaks of zombies or mutants, deadly viruses, and the like. Because this LARP-genre takes place in an era that has not yet occurred, it can sometimes be more difficult to create your costume or to decide what types of weapons or accessories you would like to use. A good rule of thumb is to read the world setting of a particular LARP, maybe look at photo's if available, or ask participants or members of the organization what the best approach would be.  

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