LARP Weapons: Swords, Shields, Bows & Axes – Buying Guide, Weapons Check and Combat Rules

LARP combat looks like real combat — and feels dramatic when you're in the middle of it. That nobody gets seriously hurt is no accident: it is the result of clear rules, inspected equipment, and a combat culture built on control rather than force.

What are LARP weapons? Latex, foam and boffer weapons

Foam weapons — commonly called latex weapons in the UK, or boffer weapons in the US — typically consist of a fibreglass core wrapped in foam and coated with latex or silicone. The result is a weapon that looks convincingly like a real sword, axe, or dagger, but barely hurts when it connects.

Alongside swords, axes, and daggers there are larger weapons (two-handed swords, polearms), shields, bows with foam-tipped arrows, and throwing weapons. Each category has its own construction requirements specifying how soft impact surfaces must be and which cores are permitted.

The main types of LARP weapons

LARP sword: the classic

The one-handed sword is where almost everyone starts: 80–100 cm long, usable in any fantasy setting. Beginner swords cost 30–50 €, mid-range 80–150 €. Look for a flexible fibreglass or carbon core, a soft tip and a foam layer you can clearly press in along the blade. For your first event a cheap model is fine — what matters more than the price is that it passes the weapons check.

LARP shield: protection and teamwork

A shield makes combat far more relaxed for beginners: you can block hits instead of dodging them, and every shield wall needs you. Round shields (50–70 cm) are nimble, kite and rectangular shields protect more. Ready-made LARP shields cost 40–120 €; the rim must be fully padded. Many players build their own — see below.

LARP bow and arrows

LARP bows have limited draw weight (most events cap them at 25–30 lbs) and are shot only with padded LARP arrows with wide foam heads. Ask about your event's rules before buying: some don't allow archery at all, others prescribe specific arrow types. Expect 60–120 € for a bow and 8–15 € per arrow.

LARP axe, hammer and polearms

Axes and hammers look heavy but are as soft as swords — only the balance point sits further forward, which makes controlled hits harder. Polearms (spears, halberds, 150–200 cm) are strong in formation but need space and practice. We recommend one event with a one-handed weapon first.

LARP dagger: the weapon for rogues and healers

A dagger (30–45 cm, from 20 €) is the perfect first or second weapon for characters who don't really want to fight: healers, merchants, scholars, rogues. It says "I can defend myself" without dragging you into every battle.

Buying LARP weapons: what to look for

• Buy from established makers — Andracor, Epic Armoury, Black Boar, Mytholon and similar. No marketplace bargains from Temu, Wish or unknown sellers: they almost always fail the weapons check.
• Check the core (fibreglass or carbon, never wood or metal) and whether the tip is soft and stable.
• Handle it if you can — balance matters more than looks.
• Second-hand is a good option — swap groups and community pages are full of it; check closely for cracks and tip damage.
• Read your event's ruleset: some cap weapon lengths or ban certain types outright.

How to make LARP weapons – is it worth it?

Shields: yes. A shield blank in wood or plastic, foam padding, fabric cover — a weekend's work and considerably cheaper than buying one ready-made. Swords: probably not, at least not to start with. A core that snaps or a tip that punctures is a genuine injury risk, and most organisers only pass homemade weapons after an especially thorough check. If you want to build, find someone in the community to show you how — and declare the weapon as homemade at the weapons check.

The weapons check: what gets inspected

At many events, every weapon must pass a weapons check before play begins. Safety marshals from the game master team inspect:

• Whether the core is safely padded and not exposed
• Whether the foam and latex coating are intact with no cracks, holes, or flaking
• Whether all impact surfaces are sufficiently padded
• Whether stabbing weapons have a soft enough tip

Damaged weapons are not cleared for play — even if the damage seems minor. Check your weapons yourself before every event so there are no surprises on the day.

LARP combat rules: the basics

The specific combat rules differ by event and ruleset. The following principles are, however, nearly universal:

Head and neck strikes are forbidden: Blows to the face, head, and neck are explicitly prohibited in the vast majority of LARP systems. Even soft weapons can cause injury with uncontrolled strikes. This rule is non-negotiable.

Pulled strikes: LARP combat is controlled, not full-force. A good strike is one that makes light contact and is clearly registered — not a hard blow. This takes practice but benefits everyone: controlled combat is safer for all involved and still looks convincing.

Acknowledging hits: If you are hit, play it out. Ignoring hits destroys the shared fiction and the fairness of combat.

Watching out for others: Pay attention to whether your opponent seems fatigued, hurt, or uncomfortable. Adjust your intensity accordingly. Good fighters communicate — even non-verbally.

Safeword and time-out ("Hold!")

Any serious situation — injury, discomfort, medical emergency — is immediately interrupted by a safeword or timestop signal. Play halts until the situation is resolved.

The safeword varies by event (often "Hold!", "Timestop!", or an agreed gesture). It is passed on loudly by all participants so the signal quickly reaches the entire game field. Never hesitate to use the safeword — for yourself or for someone else. More on IT and OT and the meta-techniques that go with them in our own guide.

Combat Styles and Development

Beginners usually start with single-hand combat — one weapon, no shield. This gives time to develop basic footwork, timing, and a controlled striking approach.

With experience come further styles: shield combat with a one-handed weapon, two-handed weapons with greater reach and impact, dual wielding for mobility. Each style has different strengths and requires different skills.

Combat in LARP is not a sport you win or lose. It is a dramatic interaction between characters. A heroic death can be one of the best scenes at an event.

Caring for latex weapons

Latex weapons age when stored poorly. Key maintenance tips:

• Store cool, dry, and away from light — sunlight and heat cause latex to crack prematurely.
• Treat with silicone oil or latex milk every few months to keep the surface supple.
• Check for damage after every event and repair small cracks immediately before they spread.

A well-maintained latex weapon will last many years.

Nils Jäkel has organized summer-theater events for five years and has attended LARP events for the same span; for four years he has also been a camp organizer at one of the largest camps at Conquest of Mythodea, the world's largest LARP event. He spent four years chairing a theater association's board, and for the past two years has served as board chair of the State Association for Amateur Theater Saxony (Landesverband für Amateurtheater Sachsen).

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