Everything You Need for Your First Adventure
Stepping into your first LARP event can feel a little overwhelming there’s gear to gather, costumes to piece together, and a whole fantasy world waiting for you to step inside it. Whether you’re getting ready for your first battle, building a character for a campaign, or preparing for a fantasy photoshoot, this guide breaks down exactly what you need to create your perfect Starter LARP Kit.
This checklist works for:
✔️ New players
✔️ Returning adventurers refreshing their kit
✔️ Cosplayers
✔️ Photographers building character wardrobes
✔️ Storytellers and NPCs
Let’s dive in.
1. Base Clothing: Build Your Character Foundation
Your base layers set the visual tone for your character and make sure you’re comfortable for long hours outdoors.
Essential Clothing
Tunic or chemise (linen/cotton preferred)
Medieval or Viking-style pants
Base layer shirt (long or short sleeve depending on season)
Simple leather or fabric belt
Sturdy, dark boots (avoid modern logos)
Optional Add-Ons
Cloak or mantle
Hood or cowl
Tabard, surcoat, or vest
Arm warmers or leg wraps
Pro Tip: Neutral colors like brown, green, grey, or black blend well with any fantasy setting and make mix-and-match outfits easy.
2. Armor & Protective Layers
Not every LARP requires armor, but it adds style, story, and sometimes safety. Always check your event’s combat or costume rules.
LARP-Safe Armor Options
Soft leather bracers
Padded gambeson / vest
Leather pauldrons
Tassets / hip armor
Cosmetic Armor for Photoshoots
EVA foam armor
Resin pauldrons
Decorative corsets and harnesses
Note: Combat-safe and photo-safe armor are not the same! When in doubt, confirm with organizers.
3. Weapons: Foam, Safe, and Epic
Weapons are often the most exciting part of a LARP kit but safety is everything.
Combat-Safe Weapons
Primary weapon (sword, axe, mace, spear)
Off-hand dagger or shortsword
Shield (if your game allows)
Photo-Only Props
These look incredible in fantasy portraits:
Decorative daggers
Realistic resin weapons
Staffs, wands, and magical props
Spellbook replicas
Potion bottles and alchemy props
Always buy from reputable LARP-safe brands! (Epic Armoury, Dark Knight Armoury, Calimacil, Fakesteel)
4. Essential Gear & Character Accessories
These are the small details that make characters feel real — and keep YOU comfortable.
Must-Have Items
Belt pouch or small satchel
Gloves
Water flask/bottle wrapped in cloth
Simple jewelry (wood, metal, bone)
Notebook & pencil for in-game notes
Snacks or trail mix
Immersion Add-Ons
Potion vials
Rope
Character tokens or trinkets
Face paint or grease paint
Prop scrolls or letters
These are gold for storytelling AND photography.
5. Practical Safety Items (Do NOT Skip These)
Every LARPer eventually becomes “the prepared one.” This is how you get that title.
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Electrolytes
Band-Aids / blister pads
Small sewing kit
Extra socks
Rain poncho (earth-tone preferred)
Zip ties (trust me… zip ties save lives)
6. Immersion Boosters: For NPCs, Roleplayers & Photographers
This is where your character truly comes alive.
A short backstory paragraph
A speech pattern, accent, or physical quirk
Themed makeup or prosthetics
Temporary tattoos or warpaint
Props that tell a story
Maps
Trinkets
Totems
Letters
Keepsakes
These details turn a “costume” into a character.
7. Bags, Storage & Campsite Basics
If your LARP is a full-weekend event, you need a few essentials to keep your experience smooth.
Backpack or satchel
Bedroll or wool blanket
Canvas bag for extra costume parts
Waterproof pouch for modern items
Mug or tankard
Battery bank for your phone
Genre-Specific Add-Ons
Fantasy / High Magic
Staff
Cloaked robes
Crystal props
Spell packets
Viking / Norse Inspired
Faux fur mantle
Wrap belts
Drinking horn
Knight / Noble
Brocade fabrics
Embroidered cloaks
Metallic jewelry
Ranger / Rogue
Hooded cloak
Leather harness
Daggers + pouches
