Six ways to calm your nerves before a live action roleplay event
SaveNerves before an event are common, whether it's your first or your fiftieth. The feeling sits in your chest on the drive there, or in the queue for check-in, and it tells you something might go wrong. Most of the time nothing does. Fantastical Quests looks at six practical ways to lower that anxiety and walk on site feeling steadier.
Name what you're actually worried about
Saying "I'm nervous" covers a lot of ground. Break it down. Are you worried your costume won't fit the setting, that you'll forget the rules, that nobody will talk to you, or that combat will be too rough? Each fear has a different answer.
Write the worry on paper or say it aloud to someone who knows you. Once it's out, the solution often shows itself. A costume worry means checking photos of last year's event; a rules worry means reading the packet again; a social worry might mean messaging the organisers to ask if there's a meet-and-greet.
Pack your kit the night before
Scrambling for a missing item on event morning feeds anxiety. The night before, lay out everything you'll need: costume pieces, footwear, toiletries, field kit essentials, any props or weapons, and a change of clothes for the journey home.
Tick each item off a list as you pack it. Knowing your bag is ready removes one source of pre-event stress. If you discover something's missing, you still have time to improvise or borrow.
Arrive early enough to settle in
Rushing onto site moments before time-in leaves no space to breathe. Aim to arrive with an hour to spare. Pitch your tent or drop your bag in the sleeping area, walk the site boundaries, and find the toilets and the crew tent.
Those first minutes on site let your body adjust. The strangeness wears off before you're expected to be in character. You'll see other players setting up, hear familiar voices, and recognise that the event is just a group of people preparing to play.
Talk to someone you trust before time-in
A quick conversation with a friend—on the phone, in the car park, or over a cup of tea at the crew tent—can steady you. Say how you're feeling. Most players have felt the same way at some point, and hearing that aloud makes the nerves less isolating.
If you're travelling with someone, agree on a signal you can use during the event if you need a break. Knowing there's a way out if things get overwhelming often stops you needing it.
Focus on one small task first
Walking into a crowd of players already in character can feel like stepping onto a stage unprepared. Instead of trying to jump straight into deep roleplay, give yourself a simple task: adjust your costume, sharpen a prop weapon, or sit by the fire and listen.
Small actions ease you into the fiction. Once you've completed one, the next feels less daunting. Within half an hour, you're playing without thinking about it.
Remember that stepping out is always allowed
No rule says you have to stay in character for the entire event. If the nerves climb too high, you can step out of game, walk to a quiet corner, and breathe. Organisers and crew understand this. Most events have a designated out-of-character area where you can sit without explanation.
Leaving early is also an option. If the anxiety doesn't ease and you're not enjoying yourself, going home is a reasonable choice. One difficult event doesn't mean every event will feel the same.
Steps to take this week
- Write down the specific worry you have about the next event—costume, rules, social interaction, or something else.
- Check the event details one more time: location, start time, what to bring, and any last-minute messages from organisers.
- Pack your kit the evening before, using a checklist so nothing's forgotten on the morning.
- Arrange to arrive with time to spare—at least an hour before time-in if the site allows it.
- Plan one small, easy task you can do in the first half-hour on site, something that doesn't require you to perform.
#Beginner tips #First event #Event preparation
Download PDF: Pre-Event Nerves Checklist PDF, 27 KB
Frequently asked questions
What if I feel too anxious to go to the event at all?
If the anxiety is severe, it's worth listening to it. You can contact the organisers, explain you're not feeling up to attending, and ask about transferring your ticket or attending a later event. Taking care of yourself is more important than forcing yourself through something that feels unbearable.
How do I calm down if I start panicking during the event?
Step out of character, move to an out-of-character area or somewhere quiet, and focus on slow breathing. If you need support, find a crew member or marshal—they're there to help. You can take as long as you need before deciding whether to return to play.
Is it normal to feel nervous even after attending several events?
Yes. Many experienced players still feel some nerves before an event, especially if they're trying a new character or attending a different system. The nerves often ease once play begins, but feeling them doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong.