How To Play Laser Tag – Your Ultimate Guide!

Laser tag is a thrilling, fast-paced game that combines strategy, teamwork, and a bit of healthy competition. Whether you’re a newcomer curious about the game or a seasoned player looking to refine your skills, understanding the ins and outs of laser tag can make the game even more fun! By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with all the knowledge you need to dominate the laser tag arena. So, how do you play laser tag?

To play laser tag, players wear vests with sensors and use infrared-emitting guns to tag opponents by hitting their sensors, earning points for each successful hit. The game involves navigating an arena, using strategy and teamwork to avoid getting tagged while aiming to tag as many opponents as possible within a set time.

Read on to learn how to play laser tag, from the basic rules and gameplay strategies to the intricacies of scoring and the technology behind the game.

What is Laser Tag and How Do You Play It?

Laser tag is a game where players use guns to tag opponents’ sensors, typically mounted on the chest (or sometimes on a headband, depending on where you play). 

The main objective is to score points by tagging as many opponents as possible with your laser gun while avoiding being tagged yourself. The laser gun emits infrared beams (the same type of light that you might find on a TV remote), and the vest has sensors that detect the lasers when you’ve been hit.

Players have to navigate through an indoor or outdoor arena filled with obstacles and strategic hiding spots. To find out more about the history of laser tag, check out our recent blog: Laser Tag – Everything You Need To Know

Laser Tag Game Modes

There are many different types of laser games that you can play, and again, these might differ between arenas. Popular laser tag game modes include:

• Free-for-All: Every player for themselves. Tag as many opponents as possible.
• Team Play: Players are divided into teams. The team with the most points at the end wins.
• Capture the Flag: Teams try to capture the opponent’s flag whilst defending their own flag. Learn more about this game mode in one of our helpful blogs: How To Play Capture the Flag
• Base Attack: Teams try to attack the opponent’s base whilst defending their own base.

Keen to learn some winning game strategies before you play? Take some advice from our paintball experts in this helpful blog: 10 Tips and Tactics for Paintball Success

How Long are Laser Tag Games?

At our sites in the UK, laser tag games last anywhere from 20-25 minutes each. Throughout a 3-hour morning or afternoon session, you’ll get to play up to 7 games during your laser tag time slot.

How is Laser Tag Scored?

In laser tag, you gain points each time you hit someone in the opposing team and lose points each time you get hit yourself. At the end of the game, the points are tallied up amongst all of the players and the team with the most points wins!

What Happens When You Get Hit in Laser Tag?

Depending on the type of guns and vests used at your chosen paintball centre, when you get hit, your vest will register the hit, causing it to either vibrate, light up, or emit a sound. This changes on the game’s rules. You might be temporarily deactivated, unable to tag others for a few seconds, or have your score affected.

How Can You Avoid Being Hit in Laser Tag?

Avoid being hit (and losing points!) with these top tips:

• Keep moving; a running target is much harder to hit than one that is standing still!
• Make the most of the course’s obstacles; hide behind bushes or bases whilst you try and get a good shot in on the other team.
• If in doubt, shoot!; the more shots you make, generally, the more points you’ll gain. Because you don’t have a set amount of ‘pellets’ in laser tag, a few inaccurate shots won’t hurt!

How Does Laser Tag Know Who Shot Who?

Unfortunately, laser tag equipment is not that advanced yet! Your vest will be able to register the hit through infrared-emitted light from the opposing player’s gun, but it won’t be able to tell you who’s responsible for it!

Awesome Laser Tag Games With Velocity Paintball

By following these steps and guidelines, you can enjoy a thrilling game of laser tag whilst ensuring the best chance of winning the game! Ready to have a go? Book your session with us today.

Here at Velocity, we’re experts in all things paintball, with awesome arenas and game know-how. We’ve combined this with our love of laser tag to create the ultimate gameplay that is one of the closest to real-world combat! Visit our booking platform, or get in touch with us to book your session.