Things to Know Before Your First LARP Event

This year we’ve been asking customers in store and online ‘What is one thing you wish you had known before you first LARP event?’. Well, we’ve heard some wild and wonderful answers, but a number of things kept cropping up. We thought we would share some of that advice.

We had a number of comments like; “ask questions”, “engage”, and “[h]ow little everyone else actually knew what was going on”. Basically, the game is what you make it. Don’t worry yourself with the little things. Even the most experienced players were new once, and no one knows everything that is going on. Jump in and learn with the rest of us – it’s fun.

Many new LARPers spend so long preparing for the game, they forget to think of their day-to-day essentials.

Sunscreen is vital - especially if you’re wearing costume make up. Most LARPers have an awful story about sporting the tan lines of their Celtic war paint for a summer. Don’t do it. No one wants to have to have a pale spider etched onto their tanned forehead for their meeting with the boss on Monday morning.

Make sure you drink enough water, especially if you are consuming alcohol. Get yourself a waterskin, bottle bag or tankard. They’re just as essential as swords.

If it is cold, thermals are key. You can wear them under your costume without having to fork out on more expensive costume. That being said, a costume looks best when you have a series of good layers. gambesons, suede jerkins, wool cloaks and leather gloves are all staple cold-weather gear that you’ll be glad to have if its arctic or the heavens open.

Get a good sleeping bag; you will not regret it. No one enjoys waking up in the early hours shivering. The better you sleep, the more you’ll enjoy the event.

Need more help - check out our LARP Essentials - What to Bring - Packing List here.

It could fall under weather, but, so many people talked about footwear, we thought it deserved its own mention. Festival LARP events can be wet and cold, and, in some cases, very muddy. Bring spare socks and comfortable, waterproof boots. Lots of LARPers say that costume ends at the ankle – meaning caring for your feet is more important than wearing costume-appropriate shoes. Modern walking boots and military boots are common, and wellies are sometimes necessary.

That being said, it is worth noting that experienced LARPers have a bugbear about seeing trainers at events. Effectively, bright-coloured and overtly-modern footwear isn’t appropriate. You want dark and natural colours – browns, black, greys and dark greens. If you follow these colours as a guide and your shoes are low profile, it ususally doesn't matter what you wear on your feet to keep you comfortable, dry and warm.

Yes, getting into LARP can be expensive. When we talk about cost, we are primarily thinking of the costume and kit required, but cost of events and travel are also big factors. This is something we feel very passionately about at Larp Inn, because, in truth, LARP is not expensive enough. Event runners very rarely make a profit and rely heavily on the good will of volunteers, whilst costume makers create goods and charge a fraction of the costs that their skill and effort deserves. Getting into most hobbies can be expensive, from board games & table-top wargames to more mainstream things like road biking or diving. In fact, we have a whole article about it here.

But yes, like all hobbies, LARP can be dauntingly expensive if you’re new. Our advice, pace yourself. Wearing a base layer of plain black or brown trousers, and a top or dress without any logos, zippers or other modern fixings is a good foundation when you get started. Then get yourself a medieval styled shirt, tunic or dress to go on top. Visit charity shops for additional layers like fur and suede, and purchase only a couple of things at each event. A great costume comes from the accessories, layers and knick-knacks you acquire through time.

Yes, LARP has them. So does football, church groups, wargaming clubs, parents waiting on the playground and everything else! Going to a LARP event for the first time may be daunting, let alone worrying about cliques.

Our advice, for every cliquey person, they’ll be someone open to making new friends and bringing newbies into the fold. It does take a little effort - you do need to engage. Go to that new player meeting, speak to the people camping nearby and show interest in what is happening. If you still find yourself feeling pushed out, then its time to shake things up.

We speak to people all the time who’ve had bad experiences LARPing, decided it wasn’t for them and realised their mistake many years later after attending an event they loved. The key is finding the right game for you. If you are struggling with a clique, maybe its time to move group, faction, nation or LARP event all together? Seek out somewhere more suited to you. For some people it’s the type of LARP that needs to change.

Festival LARPs are wonderful for providing a diverse range of areas to get involved with and tonnes of people. So, there is bound to be at least a few people who you would get along with. There are also often organised meetings and events targeted at newbies, allowing you to meet others. However, it can be hard to get involved when faced with lots of people competing for attention, especially if others have more experience.

Smaller LARPs often rely on every single player to be involved and work together, forging friendships and tight-knit groups. They are great for immersing you in the LARP experience right from the get go! But, some people find that form of event a little intense. It can be challenging to jump in with a group who are heavily invested in whats happening.