Welcome to the Wasteland
Stepping into the world of live-action role-playing (LARP) can be both exciting and a little daunting—especially if it’s your first time trying a LARP. Our goal is to make sure your first steps into the wasteland are as seamless and memorable as possible, so we put together a guide that will help you navigate everything from what to bring, how to create your character, and what to expect when you join our growing survivor community. As a new player, your first ticket is $45 and includes special perks including dedicated content and unique plot hooks to quickly immerse you in the post apocalypse world of Boomtown.
What is a LARP?
okay… that feels like a lot…
Live-action role-playing combines storytelling, improv, and adventure to create an unforgettable experience. Think of it as stepping into your favorite movie or video game, where you’re not just watching the story—you’re living it. You’ll find yourself in a fully immersive post-apocalyptic world where every decision you make matters. You can choose to collaborate with fellow survivors and forge alliances, subvert the choices of other survivors for your character’s personal game, or something in between.
Dystopia Rising is a lightest touch boffer game. Combat in a lightest touch LARP is designed to be immersive, accessible, and safe for all participants. The focus is on precision and skill rather than strength or force, with a gentle tap being sufficient to register a hit. This ensures that everyone can participate comfortably without physical strain or risk of injury. Weapons are typically foam or latex props, carefully crafted for LARPing and designed to be lightweight and safe when used correctly.
Creating your character is one of the most exciting parts of the experience. You’ll craft a survivor persona by choosing a background, skills, and motivations that shape your story. If you’re unsure where to start, we can help you work out a character concept to play, or help you pick out a pre-generated character for you to try.
Once the event begins, you’ll find yourself in a boom town rebuilding in the midst of an untamed wilderness. The weekend unfolds with opportunities to interact with NPCs (non-player characters), connect with fellow survivors, and face challenges that immerse you in the post-apocalyptic setting.
To make the most of your event, be sure to bring comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing—bonus points if it fits the post-apocalyptic theme! Sturdy boots are essential for navigating the terrain, and basic survival gear like a water bottle, flashlight, and snacks will keep you prepared. Don’t hesitate to ask questions—our staff and seasoned players are always ready to help. Embrace your role fully, knowing you don’t have to be perfect, and focus on building connections. The best part of LARPing is the people you meet, so forge alliances, trade stories, and get involved in the unfolding narrative.
We know stepping into a brand-new LARP can feel like a lot, but here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure everything out right now. The best way to learn is by showing up, asking questions, and trying things out in play. There’s a line in the Quick Start Guide we really love:
“Start small, stay curious, and play the world at your pace. You’ve already taken the first step.”
That’s the whole idea. You don’t need a 10-page backstory or an elaborate plan. You don’t need to memorize a hundred pages in source material (unless you want to). You don’t need to know everything before you play. Bring a simple character idea, come to game, and let your story grow from there. Questions are part of the experience. You can ask them anywhere — in our Discord, before game starts with our New Player Guide, during play, or even after the weekend when you’re thinking things over. We’d rather you stop and ask than feel stuck. Everyone remembers their first event, and we’re here to help.
At its core, Dystopia Rising is about surviving in a dangerous world full of the undead, building and defending communities together, and making choices that define who your character is. Sometimes that means standing up to threats. Sometimes it means bartering for food or resources. Sometimes it’s just finding your people and deciding what’s worth fighting for.
Your Story Matters
This isn’t just our story — it’s yours, too. Dystopia Rising is a shared-world game, which means the choices players make shape both the local chapter and the larger network. Our team loves saying “yes, and…” to your ideas, connecting your character into the bigger picture, and letting your story ripple out into the world. We can help you figure out a character concept and back story, or you can come in and let the story take you. You can read more about our setting and see if any of the factions or unions inspire you to, or talk to other players about their characters and see where you can fit in.