My First Experience In The World Of Dystopia Rising

Surviving the zombie apocalypse of Dystopia Rising is rough but fun for all no matter how much you know of the game and setting

It has been several generations since the world has come to a cataclysmic ending. Humanity has risen, fallen, and slowly endured in the remaining rumble left behind. Strange mutations have developed in the radiation, creating new generations of humanity. Each unique in abilities and leery of outsiders. Most of the time these groups and people live alone, scrounging and forging a living in the wastelands. Gathering materials, farming, and fishing, until it is time to come to market and trade. In addition, there are Zombies, did we mention the zombies…

Credit — Dystopia Rising LARP

Welcome to Dystopia Rising, The BOFFER’s LARP of BOFFER LARP. It does not get better than this. For an entire weekend, you are fully immersed in a post-apocalyptic world filled with colorful characters amazing monsters and of course zombies. With cosplay that gives Comic-Con a run for its money, characters come armored and dressed, in their fashion that follows their vision of how their specific Strain (mutation) would dress in this world. Remember, dress for the elements. As you are camping out in the wilderness, running up and down mountains from monsters, you are not even safe in your sleep from roving zombie attacks. This is a 24 hour LARP, so you had better have someone keep watch.

Credit — Dystopia Rising LARP

Each player is asked to also take on an NPC (non-player character) shift. I was a mindless zombie for a few hours, and cannot tell you how freeing it was to just gnaw on a few people. I never laughed so hard in my whole life.

Credit — Dystopia Rising LARP

The combat is a bit hectic. I lost my arm in my first battle, quickly learning I need to get better at the battle. There is no initiative. It all happens at once, and everyone is hitting you with foam swords, bullets, and beanbags yelling numbers at once. This is combat. There are a few tricks you can learn to make it easier, and during the weekend you can take some lessons to improve your skills both in and out of character.

The society as a whole was fantastic and welcoming. Each newbie was taken in an patiently explained the vastness of the game. I met many new friends in and out of character this weekend. If you love to role-play, if you love to cosplay, if you LOVE to LARP, pack up your sleeping bag and head out to Dystopia Rising for the ultimate gaming experience.