How to help the game thrive no matter how long you’ve been playing


LARP lives and dies by its community. Costumes and rules matter, sure but what really shapes an event is how players treat each other, especially across experience levels. Whether you’re stepping into your very first event or you’ve been swinging foam weapons for a decade, this guide is about building better games together.


This isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention, respect, and remembering that everyone is here to tell a story.

 

 

For New Players: How to Be a Good First-Timer

 

1. Ask Questions (Seriously, Please Do)


You are not expected to know everything. Veterans, NPCs, and staff would much rather answer questions than fix misunderstandings later.


Good questions include:

“Is this in-character or out-of-character?”

“What does my character realistically know here?”

“Who should I talk to if I’m confused?”


Asking questions shows engagement not weakness.

2. Say “Yes, And…” When You Can


You don’t need to be loud, powerful, or important to matter. Reacting genuinely to the world fear, awe, suspicion, curiosity adds depth for everyone.


You don’t have to:

Win every fight

Know every plot hook

Be the hero immediately


Let your character grow into the world.

3. Respect the Space (IC vs OOC Awareness)


Learn the difference between:

In-character drama vs out-of-character feelings

Character conflict vs player conflict


If something feels off:

Step out of character

Talk to staff

Advocate for yourself early


Healthy boundaries make better storie

4. Be Kind to Yourself


You will forget names.

You will miss cues.

You will mess something up.


Every veteran you admire? They’ve done all of that too.

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Children in medieval costumes participate in an outdoor historical reenactment event at a wooden fort structure.

 

For Veterans: How to Be a Good Elder of the Game

 

1. Remember What It Felt Like to Be New


Rules are overwhelming. Social dynamics are confusing. Plot feels intimidating.


A small gesture goes a long way:

Explaining mechanics without condescension

Inviting someone into a scene

Translating lore in plain language


You set the tone whether you mean to or not.

2. Share the Spotlight


Veterans often have:

Power

Reputation

Narrative weight

Use that generously.


Ask newer players:

“What does your character think?”

“Do you want to take the lead on this?”

“How would you like to handle this scene?”


LARP isn’t diminished by shared focus it’s strengthened.

3. Don’t Gatekeep Knowledge or Fun


Knowing secrets doesn’t make the game better.

Helping others discover them does.


If someone doesn’t know a rule, faction history, or tradition:

Teach it

Roleplay it

Or gently redirect them


Mockery and impatience kill communities faster than bad mechanics ever will.

4. Model Good Play


People watch you especially new players.


That means:

Respecting staff calls

Losing gracefully

Treating NPCs as real characters

Handling conflict with maturity


You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be intentional.

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A young child in a beige coat holds a toy sword while participating in an outdoor group activity.
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For Everyone: The Shared Responsibility



LARP is collaborative storytelling. That means:

Your fun should not come at someone else’s expense

Safety, consent, and inclusion matter

The goal isn’t to “win” it’s to remember the story fondly later


If you ever feel frustrated, bored, or burned out:

Take a break

Change your playstyle

Talk to staff or trusted players


A healthy community adapts.


New players bring fresh wonder.

Veterans bring earned depth.


When those two meet with respect?

That’s when LARP becomes magic.