Live Action Role-Playing—better known as LARPing—is more than just dressing up and pretending to be a wizard in the park. It’s creative, immersive, and incredibly fun. But if you’ve ever tried LARPing in public, you know the biggest monster isn’t always a fire-breathing dragon—it’s judgmental onlookers with raised eyebrows and smirks.
So how do you LARP confidently in public without getting ridiculed? The answer lies in attitude, preparation, and a little bit of community magic.
Own Your Passion
The first and most important step is confidence. People are far less likely to mock what you’re doing if you fully own it. Walk into that park or plaza knowing that you’re doing something awesome—something that takes imagination, storytelling skills, and real effort. You’re not just playing make-believe; you’re creating a living, breathing world with others who share your vision.
It’s easier to dismiss mockery when you realize the truth: a lot of people secretly admire what you’re doing. Some are just too self-conscious to join in.
Dress Smart (and Situationally)
Costumes are a huge part of LARPing, but if you’re meeting in a very public area, it doesn’t hurt to tone it down a little. You don’t have to ditch the cloak and sword entirely—but blending costume pieces with everyday fashion can ease tension with bystanders while still keeping you immersed. Think medieval boots with cargo pants, or a fantasy vest over a casual shirt.
This approach also makes it easier to move around and interact in public spaces without drawing too much attention. Save the full suits of armor for designated LARP zones or private events, and use public games as more of a hybrid experience.
Choose Your Location Wisely
Public doesn’t have to mean the middle of downtown. A public park, forest trail, or community green space gives you room to roam without immediately running into judgmental stares. These areas also attract families, dog-walkers, and casual passersby who are more likely to be curious than critical.
If you do want to go bold and LARP somewhere busier, consider festivals, comic cons, or street performance-friendly districts where eccentricity is more common. In those places, you’ll blend right in—or even get applauded.
Stick Together
One LARPer might look odd to someone who doesn’t get it—but a group tells a different story. There’s power in numbers. A crew of confident LARPers looks like a dedicated troupe, not a group of awkward hobbyists.
When people see a team clearly having fun, being respectful, and organized, their reactions shift. They realize it’s not chaotic or childish—it’s a coordinated, creative event. Invite observers to watch, explain what you’re doing if they ask, and never underestimate how contagious your enthusiasm can be.
Mind the Public Space
One way to avoid ridicule—or worse, complaints—is to respect the area you’re playing in. Don’t block paths, scream at the top of your lungs, or disrupt others trying to enjoy the space. Think of your LARP event as part performance, part private gathering. Pick up after yourselves, be kind to strangers, and make sure your presence improves the area instead of creating tension.
It only takes one bad interaction to sour a space for future gatherings, but it also only takes one great moment to inspire a future LARPer to join your ranks.
Invite Curiosity
Sometimes the best way to fight ridicule is to welcome curiosity. People laugh at what they don’t understand. So make it understandable. Have a couple of handouts explaining what your LARP is about. Or assign someone the role of “civilian contact” who greets curious passersby and answers questions.
You never know who’s looking for a place to belong. Your public LARP might just be the nudge someone needs to step out of their comfort zone and into a new world of creativity.
Final Thoughts
LARPing in public can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right mindset and a respectful approach, you can turn heads for the right reasons. Be proud of what you do. You’re not just playing games—you’re building worlds, telling stories, and forming connections that outlast any side-eye from strangers.
So gear up, gather your crew, and step into the adventure. Because the real world could use a little more magic.