Beyond styles, LARPs also have a broad range of genres and subgenres. To offer a little escape from reality, many LARPs are based on fiction, inspired by existing works of fiction, myths or folklore, or completely invented by the storytellers. The LARPs mentioned earlier drew their inspiration mainly from fantasy works such as Tolkien's Lord of the Rings series or role-playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons, but LARP story writers can draw inspiration from anything, from books, television shows and films to games or even real-world events. Because of the imaginative nature of LARP, there are many options available, including the existence of magic, cryptids, extraterrestrial life, space, time and plane travel, post-apocalyptic events, alternative history or an alternative present. The genres of LARP can be roughly divided into 4 categories: historical LARP, fantasy LARP, modern LARP and futuristic LARP, all of which have virtually unlimited subcategories.
Historical LARP
Historical LARPs are based on real historical events. Stories that are played out can be derived from major historical events such as great wars and battles, but can also reflect everyday life in a particular historical period. These types of LARP events are most similar to historical reenactment, with some more freedom to deviate from pure historical practice. While participants in reenactment stick to historical truth as much as possible, including the (re)creation of clothing and accessories, as well as social norms and even the food that is consumed, in historical LARP it is more tolerated to use modern fabrics, sewing techniques or to change social norms for a more modern approach, making this a slightly more accessible way to try out reenactment. However, many participants choose to stick as closely as possible to authentic historical practices. Besides the freedom in interpreting historical events, historical LARP differs from reenactment in that it is much more focused on storytelling, rather than reliving history exactly as it was.
Fantasy LARP
One of the most common genres of LARP is fantasy LARP. Although fantasy LARPs often take place in a historical setting, this is not always the case, and it is not always clear to distinguish what the time period for a fantasy LARP is. Besides the vague historical setting, nature often plays an important role in fantasy LARPs. It can be presented as a conscious being, as a presence that grants special powers or as an entity that the story revolves around. What distinguishes this type of LARP from other genres are the fantastical elements. These can be presented in various ways, such as fantasy races (elves, dwarves, orcs, etc.), the availability of magic with a variety of sources, the existence of mythological creatures, cryptids and/or supernatural beings and many more fantastical elements. Any combination of these fantastical elements can be used to a greater or lesser degree, resulting in a large number of subgenres. An example of such a subgenre is high fantasy LARP, in the style of, for example, Tolkien's Middle-earth or George R.R. Martin's World of Westeros, where the fantasy elements are an integral part of the world and everyone in the world is aware of the existence of fantasy races, magic, dragons, etc. In contrast to this, there are also low fantasy LARPs or urban fantasy LARPs, where the fantastical elements are more hidden and may not be visible to a large part of the population. Examples of low fantasy and urban fantasy are J.K. Rowling's wizarding world, where the magical world is hidden from muggles, and Jim Butcher's Dresden Files, which takes place in modern Chicago, but with a layer of magical, supernatural and cryptid elements that must be kept secret from the general public. Another subgenre of fantasy LARP is horror LARP, where the main inspiration is drawn from horror fiction. H.P. Lovecraft's works, including his Cthulhu Mythos and At the Mountains of Madness, have influenced many such horror LARPs. Another major source of inspiration for horror LARPs is White Wolf Publishing's World of Darkness game series, including Vampires: The Masquerade and Werewolves, focusing on supernatural beings such as vampires and werewolves. White Wolf Publishing even released a fully developed set of LARP rules called Mind's Eye Theatre, which is used worldwide.
Modern LARP
Modern LARPs can revolve around everyday concerns such as politics or sexuality, but can also relate to more specific interests, including warfare or espionage. During these latter types of LARP events, it is not uncommon for players to use airsoft, paintball or laser guns to resolve a fight, rather than the more historical weapons such as swords, bows and/or crossbows used in most other types of LARP. Modern LARPs can also contain elements of fantasy LARP, especially the lower and urban fantasy and horror types of LARP often take place in a modern setting. In these mixed genres, an alternative reality is created where players are challenged in the same way as they would be in a more semi-historical type of fantasy LARP.
Futuristic LARP genres
There are also LARPs that take place in a fictional future. These futuristic LARPs often have a high technological level and little to no (naturally occurring) magic. Some futuristic LARPs are about space exploration and extraterrestrial life, inspired by, for example, Star Wars and Star Trek, while others take place in a future on earth. These earth-bound futuristic LARPs can be about political intrigue, dystopian civilizations such as those in George Orwell's 1984 or Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, or can be inspired by post-apocalyptic works of fiction, cyberpunk and/or space opera. These futuristic, and in particular post-apocalyptic, LARPs can, for example, be about zombie or mutant outbreaks, deadly viruses and the like. Because this LARP genre takes place in an era that has not yet occurred, it can sometimes be more difficult to create your costume or decide what types of weapons or accessories you would like to use. A good rule of thumb is to read the world setting of a particular LARP, perhaps look at photos if available, or ask participants or members of the organization what would be the best approach.
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