The World of LARP: A Complete Guide to Live Action Role-Playing

The LARP, from the English Live Action Role Playing, or live action role-playing, is a fascinating game modality that goes far beyond imagination. Unlike traditional tabletop role-playing games, in LARP the portrayal of characters takes place physically, in real time and in a staged environment. Players become actors, dressing in costumes and armor, and wielding harmless replicas of weapons such as latex swords, axes or shields. It is an immersive experience that blurs the line between fantasy and reality, allowing participants to live their stories as if they were really in them.

What is LARP and how does it differ from Tabletop Role-Playing?

In tabletop role-playing, players gather around a table and perform their characters orally, with the help of a game master who narrates the story. The action takes place almost entirely in the participants’ imagination, with dice and character sheets deciding the outcome of each action.

By contrast, in live action role-playing the action is physically represented. Players move, speak and act as their characters, in a real and tangible setting. This places LARP closer to improvisational theater than the “storyteller” aspect of tabletop role-playing. Physical performance, direct interactions between characters and immersion in the environment are the fundamental pillars of this modality. There is no audience; everyone is part of the performance.

The number of participants in a LARP session can vary enormously, from a small group of friends to massive events with thousands of players. These events can take place in a wide variety of spaces, both public and private, indoors or outdoors, and can last from a few hours to several days.

Types and Styles of LARP

Style/Category	Main Focus	Key Mechanics	Geographic Context/Use
Fantasy/Medieval	Simulation of action and world, adventure.	Quantification, Softcombat (simulated combat).	The most common genre internationally.
Nordic Larp	Emotional experience, transformation, realism.	Workshops and mandatory debriefs; light or no mechanics.	Nordic countries; values co-creation and Play-to-Lift.
Jeepform	Intimate drama, interpersonal narrative, emotional exploration.	Intensive use of metatechniques (flashbacks, monologues) and act structure; discourages 360° immersion.	Associated with Nordic countries; freeform and experimental style.
Parlor LARPs	Social interaction and pure role-play; character-driven play.	Narrative abstraction (e.g., Rock, Paper, Scissors) or simple rules.	Ideal for beginners or to explore complex plots without combat.
Fests	Large-scale battles or festivals, faction simulation.	Quantified combat rules (HP).	Europe and Canada; massive events with thousands of players.
Script Murder Games (Jubensha)	Murder mystery, focused on plot and role.	Abstraction rules, often combined with escape room elements.	Mass phenomenon in China.

Fantasy/Medieval

• Focus: Simulation of action and world, adventure.
• Mechanics: Quantification, Softcombat.
• Use: The most common genre internationally.

Nordic Larp

• Focus: Emotional experience, transformation, realism.
• Mechanics: Workshops and Debriefs, light rules.
• Use: Nordic countries; values co-creation and Play-to-Lift.

Jeepform

• Focus: Intimate drama, interpersonal narrative.
• Mechanics: Metatechniques (flashbacks, monologues).
• Use: Freeform and experimental style, associated with Nordic countries.

Parlor LARPs

• Focus: Social interaction and pure role-play.
• Mechanics: Narrative abstraction or simple rules.
• Use: Ideal for beginners or complex plots without combat.

Fests

• Focus: Large-scale battles or festivals.
• Mechanics: Quantified combat rules (HP).
• Use: Europe and Canada; massive events.

Script Murder Games (Jubensha)

• Focus: Murder mystery, plot-focused.
• Mechanics: Abstraction rules, escape-room elements.
• Use: Mass phenomenon in China.

The Setting and Scenography: Creating a Fantasy World

Creating a setting or atmosphere is of vital importance in LARP. While the physical location of play is irrelevant in tabletop role-playing, live action role-playing requires a space adapted for the occasion. A medieval camp, an ancient castle, a dungeon or even a forest can become the perfect backdrop for a session.

The setting not only serves to set the mood but becomes an integral part of the game. The gates of a fortress may need to be defended, an old chest may hide a treasure, and a mystical artifact may be the objective of a mission. Scenography enriches interaction with the real world and makes the experience much more memorable. To achieve a striking setting, it is common to build large structures or decorate special locations. The only limit is the creativity of organizers and participants, always respecting safety and local laws.

Equipment: Costumes, Weapons and Props

Characterization is one of the most visible and fun parts of LARP. Appropriate costumes, makeup and accessories are key for a player to immerse themselves in their role and, in turn, for other participants to identify them easily. It’s not just about putting on a costume but bringing a character to life. For example, a few simple touches of black pencil and talc can turn a young person into a wise elder, or a military uniform can turn a player into a brave soldier.

Latex Weapons and Shields: Safety First

A crucial aspect of many LARPs is combat simulation. Over the years, the community has developed a wide range of systems to model these confrontations safely. Most live action role-playing games that include physical combat use soft-combat weapons, made from safe materials like foam or reinforced latex, which allow realistic physical contact without causing harm.

Combat with latex weapons is a fundamental part of many LARPs, especially in fantasy-medieval settings. These weapons, which faithfully imitate swords, axes and maces, are designed to be safe and durable. That way, an epic sword duel can be portrayed excitingly and safely, making the experience even more immersive.

Combat Systems: From Abstract to Realistic

Not all LARPs include combat, but in those that do, it’s one of the parts that receives the most attention. The challenge is finding a balance between fun, safety and realism. Combat systems can range from the most abstract, such as using “rock-paper-scissors” or pulses, to very realistic systems that require training and specialized equipment.

Some organizations in other countries, for example, hold medieval combat with blunt swords and full metal armor, although in Spain this type of activity is more typical of historical reenactment groups and medieval fencing. In the more common LARPs, combat focuses on safety, and the use of latex swords and a well-defined “soft-combat” rules system is the norm.

LARP in Spain: Notable Events and Communities

Spain has a vibrant and active live action role-playing community, with a rich history of events and organizations.

The largest LARP in Spain, according to the Guinness Book of Records, was Irmandiños: a revolta. Held between 2006 and 2008 at Monterrey Castle (Galicia), this event organized by 13NEGATIVO gathered between 500 and 600 people annually to reenact the 15th-century Galician popular uprising.

On the other hand, the Time Lords Medieval Week in Catalonia holds the title of Spain’s longest-running live action role-play, held every summer since 1995. Despite not receiving public subsidies, this non-profit event has maintained an average attendance of 70 people, exploring a medieval fantasy theme adapted to Catalan history and traditions.

The organization EFEYL, with several annual events since 2001, is the second longest-running and has explored themes ranging from medieval fantasy (such as its own setting and Game of Thrones events) to action and airsoft. Other notable events include:

• La Feria del Vellón: Since 2001, this game in Catalonia is set in medieval Catalonia and is inspired by the role-playing game Aquelarre. Organized by the Fanac group, which has also created other games such as Tortosa Temple and Enredos y Justas.
• The Awakening of Cyric: Held since 2011 in the province of Valencia, this fantasy LARP is set in the universe of Dungeons & Dragons (Forgotten Realms) and has grown to more than 100 players.
• Chronicles of Hyboria: Since 2009, this LARP set in the world of Conan gathers about 150 players in Cuenca.
• 7º Mar 1720: Started in 2012, it is an event held in historical locations such as Albarracín and Alarcón, with about 60-80 players.

Which type of LARP is ideal for you?

Choosing the right LARP depends on your experience level and what you’re looking for.

For beginners: One-day experiences

If you’re starting out, look for short events, a single afternoon, or introductory sessions. These usually have simple rules and a more narrative than combative approach, perfect for getting familiar with the dynamics without a big investment of time or money.

For experts: Long-term campaigns

More experienced players usually prefer campaigns that span several weekends or even years. These LARPs offer complex plots, deep character development and more elaborate rule systems.

For the occasional adventurer: Festivals and themed events

If you’re looking for a more social experience less centered on a specific plot, large festivals and themed events are the ideal option. They usually include soft-combat tournaments, medieval markets, live music and a wide variety of activities.

Discover Live Action Role-Playing and its Products

Live action role-playing is a hobby that combines creativity, performance, strategy and action. To enjoy it to the fullest, it’s essential to have the right equipment. A good outfit will help you get into character, and quality latex weapons will ensure safety and realism in every battle.

If you’ve caught the medieval LARP bug and want to dive into this fascinating world, it’s time to kit yourself out as a true warrior, wizard or noble. Explore our wide selection of latex weapons, shields, costumes and accessories, as well as our fantastic period clothing so your character can come to life. Adventure awaits, and with the right gear you’ll be ready to write your own legend on the battlefield and beyond.