New Player Guide

From new player to your first session.

You do not need to read the entire website. Follow these steps in order and use the shortcuts when you are ready.

Join the Community

Join the Project Western Discord.

Discord is the center of community communication and is also how the website verifies your identity. You do not need to create a separate website account.

Join Discord Connect Discord

Choose a Starting Path

Decide what sounds fun to you.

If you are brand new, Civilian Operations and LAFD are the direct-entry paths when applications are open. LAPD and LASD require service time first; CHP is a later progression path.

Compare Departments

Apply

Let the website check your eligibility.

Open Applications and connect Discord. Each department will show whether it is open and whether you can apply. If you cannot yet, the page tells you what requirement is missing.

Open Applications

Get Into Roleplay

Follow your department or community onboarding.

Once you are accepted or otherwise cleared to participate, use the Discord's current server access and onboarding information. Focus on building a believable character and creating scenes other players can respond to.

Track My Application Read FAQ

Quick Choice

Where should I start?

Choose based on the type of roleplay you actually want to do.

Direct Entry

Civilian

I want to build a character, business, social life, crime story, or everyday Los Angeles roleplay.

Choose Civilian →Direct Entry

LAFD

I want medical calls, fires, rescue, crashes, and emergency-response roleplay.

Choose LAFD →Progression

LAPD / LASD

I want city or county law enforcement and I am willing to build the required service eligibility first.

View LEO Path →Advanced Path

CHP

I want highway patrol after building experience in LAPD or LASD.

View CHP →

Before You Jump In

Keep these four things in mind.

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Create a character, not just a loadout.Give yourself a personality, motivations, relationships, and something to do besides chasing action.

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Give other players room to respond.Good scenes are collaborative. You should not need to “win” every interaction.

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Let scenes develop.Believable pacing usually creates better roleplay than rushing to the biggest possible outcome.

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Ask when you're actually stuck.The FAQ covers common questions, and the Discord is there for current community information.