BDSM is a vast and diverse world — and there’s no “one way” to explore it. Whether you’re drawn to the psychological, the physical, the playful, or the emotional aspects, there’s likely a style of play that speaks to you.
You don’t need to try everything — or anything at all. This is simply here to help you understand the variety of experiences people enjoy, so you can find what feels right for you.
🐾 Pet Play
The submissive (pet) takes on animal-like traits or behaviors, often with an owner or handler.
- Common types: kitten, puppy, pony, bunny, fox.
- May include collars, leashes, treats, training, and specific gear (tails, ears, harnesses).
- Focus can range from cute and playful to obedient and disciplined.
🐎 Pony Play
A specific type of pet play where the submissive acts as a pony.
- Includes gear like bridles, bits, saddles, and hoof boots.
- Activities might involve cart pulling, dressage, or obedience training.
- Often elegant, ritualistic, and performance-based.
🧷 Slave/Submissive Play
The submissive gives up some or all control to a Dominant.
- Can include service, obedience training, tasks, rituals, kneeling, rules.
- May range from gentle praise-based dynamics to strict protocols.
- Includes titles like sub, bottom, boy/girl, or slave depending on intensity.
🔥 Brat Play
The submissive intentionally misbehaves or challenges the Dominant.
- Often playful, teasing, and flirtatious.
- Brats usually want to be corrected, but enjoy pushing boundaries.
- Brat tamers (Dominants) are skilled in handling and disciplining without losing control.
🔄 Switch Play
A Switch is someone who enjoys both Dominant and submissive roles.
- May switch roles based on partner, mood, or scene.
- Switch play often includes negotiation and dynamic balancing.
- Great for exploring both sides of power exchange.
💉 Medical Play
Scenes mimic clinical or hospital environments.
- Can include roleplay, examinations, latex gloves, tools, or even mild medical procedures (within limits and safety).
- Popular with fans of precision, humiliation, or control.
⛓️ Bondage & Restraint Play
Focused on physical restraint and immobility.
- Includes rope (shibari/kinbaku), cuffs, chains, spreader bars, cages.
- May be decorative, practical, or punishing.
- Can intersect with sensory play or power exchange.
🔇 Sensory Deprivation/Overload
Manipulating the senses for heightened experience.
- Deprivation: blindfolds, hoods, earplugs, isolation.
- Overload: intense sounds, lights, smells, or multiple sensations at once.
💣 Impact Play
Includes spanking, flogging, paddling, whipping, and similar activities.
- May be erotic, punishing, or cathartic.
- Safe words and aftercare are essential to process intensity.
👁️ Exhibitionism / Voyeurism
Focused on being watched or watching others.
- Could involve performing in public (within boundaries) or having a partner watch.
- Can be sexual or psychological; sometimes overlaps with humiliation or praise kinks.
🧠 Psychological Play
Involves mind games, control, degradation, humiliation, or praise.
- Subtle but powerful—can be deeply rewarding or damaging without care.
- Requires high trust, emotional maturity, and communication.
These are just a few types—there are many more niche kinks and roles depending on the community.
