LARP preparation: The first step

Now that you know a bit about the types and genres of LARP that exist, it's time to make a choice among the vast number of LARPs organized annually. In this blog, I explain how to choose a LARP that suits you and how to get in the mood, whether you are going as a player, extra, or even as game master to the event.

It is, of course, incredibly important to choose a LARP that suits you completely. You probably have an idea of what appeals to you regarding the genre of a LARP, as you can largely compare this to the books you read, the games you play, or the films and series you watch: there is something for every niche. It becomes more challenging to determine what type of LARP seems interesting to you. Not every style of LARP is for everyone, and therefore there are many options. Fortunately, you can make a good start by asking yourself a number of questions, such as:

• What seems fun or interesting to do during an event? Consider whether you want to fight a lot, engage in diplomatic play, explore emotions, adhere to or undermine religion, etc.
• Am I open to staying overnight at a LARP event? And if I do, would I prefer to sleep outside (in a tent) or inside (in a scout building or group accommodation, or otherwise)?
• How much am I willing to spend on a LARP event and what do I expect from the organization in return?
• How much preparation am I willing to do for an event? Consider the complexity of the rule system and getting to know the world history, but also the dressing of your character and possibly your sleeping place.
• How far can and am I willing to travel for an event? Am I open to going abroad?
• Do I already know participants at an event (either in the organization, or as a figurant or player) and do I find that important?
• Do I want to be part of a long series of events, or do I prefer an event that is completed within one event?

Once you have set this out for yourself, you have already gathered quite a few search terms to find a LARP where you will thrive best.

Besides using a search engine to find a LARP, there are also websites where overviews are posted of every LARP event (provided they have reported this to the website) that takes place in a year. This way, you also have a direct overview of the dates on which LARPs occur, and whether they do not overlap with each other or with other plans you may have already made.

Once you have found a LARP that appeals to you, or maybe even several, take ample time to read through the information on the website. It often describes in detail what important themes s are at the events and what kind of game is central, but also the rule system and the history of the world are often detailed on the website. Additionally, you can often get an impression of the events through photos s taken during the game. Are you still interested after reading and viewing all this information? Then you may have found the right LARP, and you can possibly sign up for your first event. Still unsure? Then get in touch with one of the members of the game management or perhaps with a player or extra. This way, you can get answers to all the questions you still have and ultimately make a decision about whether this LARP really suits you, and vice versa.

Once you have chosen a LARP and registered for your first event, the preparation begins. Immerse yourself completely in the world of your chosen LARP by reading the world history and all other information available on the website. You might even receive additional information from the game management. To be as immersed in the story as possible during the event, I recommend you absorb as much information as possible beforehand. Be sure to delve into the rule system and the skills that exist within your chosen LARP, so that during the event you have to search and inquire as little as possible about how things work and can stay completely in your role. Additionally, this gives you a good idea of which developments your character throughout the events, what skills you can learn, how you want to approach this, and what social constructs exist. This way, you can also prepare yourself well for how you will ultimately play during an event.

Besides the information you can read on the websites of LARP associations and foundations, there are often groups on social media you can join. Most LARPs have a dedicated Discord group and Facebook group, but there are also chat groups on platforms like WhatsApp, although these are often for smaller groups and not for the entire overarching LARP group. Join via the social media you feel most comfortable with and leather get to know your fellow participants. This way, you lower the threshold to approach people during the event itself and can perhaps even make plans and establish connections. Additionally, it's naturally enjoyable to hear from other participants how they experience the events and what types of characters you might encounter at an event. You can even adjust your play style and character accordingly.

Once you've gotten a bit of a taste of the atmosphere of a LARP by reviewing the websites and participating in social groups to read and discuss, and maybe even have a bit of an idea of what to expect at an event, it can be a fun idea to create a playlist with music that gets you in the right mood. You can listen to this in the days leading up to and on the way to the event to really stir up your enthusiasm. Additionally, you might watch films and/or series in the style of the LARP event you're looking forward to, so you can visually and perhaps even emotionally get into the mood. You can also draw inspiration from this for the type of game that interests you and for costumes and accessories you might consider. 

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