How to Play Laser Tag: A Guide for Beginners and Pros
Laser tag is a fun and exciting game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It involves using infrared guns to shoot at sensors on your opponents’ vests, while avoiding getting hit yourself. Laser tag can be played indoors or outdoors, in teams or individually, and with different game modes and objectives. In this article, we will explain how to play laser tag and give you some tips and tricks to improve your skills and score.
Different Game Modes
Laser tag can be played in different ways, depending on the rules and goals of the game. Here are some common game modes that you can try:
- Team Deathmatch: This is the most basic and popular game mode, where two or more teams compete to eliminate or “stun” the other teams. The team with the most points or the last team standing wins the game.
- Capture the Flag: This is a game mode where each team has a flag or a base that they need to protect, while trying to capture the other teams’ flags or bases. The team that captures the most flags or bases wins the game.
- King of the Hill: This is a game mode where there is a designated area or zone that the teams need to control. The team that stays in the zone for the longest time wins the game.
- Free-for-All: This is a game mode where there are no teams, and every player is on their own. The player with the most points or the last player standing wins the game.
Where to Play Laser Tag
Laser tag can be played in different venues, depending on your preference and budget. Here are some options that you can choose from:
- Laser Tag Arena: This is a dedicated facility that is designed for laser tag. It usually has a dark and futuristic theme, with obstacles, ramps, and special effects. Laser tag arenas are ideal for playing with a large group of people, as they can accommodate up to 30 players at a time. They also provide the equipment, such as the guns and vests, and the staff, such as the referees and the game masters. Laser tag arenas usually charge a fee per game or per hour, which can range from $10 to $50 per person. You can find a laser tag arena in your area by searching online or asking for recommendations from your friends.
- Outdoor Laser Tag: This is a type of laser tag that is played outdoors, in a natural or urban setting. It can be played in a park, a forest, a field, or a city. Outdoor laser tag is more realistic and challenging, as it involves more movement, strategy, and environmental factors. Outdoor laser tag can be played with your own equipment, such as the guns and vests, or you can rent them from a provider. Outdoor laser tag can be cheaper than indoor laser tag, as it does not require a venue fee. However, it can also be more risky, as it depends on the weather, the safety, and the legality of the location. You can find an outdoor laser tag provider in your area by searching online or asking for recommendations from your friends.
- Home Laser Tag: This is a type of laser tag that is played at home, in your backyard, basement, or living room. It can be played with your family, friends, or neighbors, for a casual and fun activity. Home laser tag can be played with your own equipment, such as the guns and vests, or you can buy or make them yourself. Home laser tag can be the cheapest and most convenient option, as it does not require any fees or reservations. However, it can also be the least exciting and competitive, as it involves less space, variety, and interaction. You can find home laser tag equipment online or in toy stores, or you can make your own using household items, such as cardboard, duct tape, and flashlights.
Strategies for Winning
Laser tag is not only a game of shooting, but also a game of strategy, teamwork, and skill. Here are some tips and tricks that can help you win the game:
- Aim for the sensors: The sensors are the parts of the vest that register the hits from the laser beams. They are usually located on the chest, back, shoulders, and sometimes the head. Aim for the sensors, not the body, to score points and eliminate your opponents. You can also aim for the gun, as some guns have sensors too.
- Use cover: Cover is anything that can block or hide you from your opponents’ sight and shots. It can be a wall, a pillar, a barrel, or a teammate. Use cover to protect yourself, to ambush your enemies, and to move around the arena. Avoid staying in the open, as you will be an easy target.
- Communicate with your team: Communication is key to teamwork and coordination. Use verbal or non-verbal signals, such as words, gestures, or sounds, to communicate with your team. Tell them your location, your status, your plan, and your enemy’s position. Listen to their feedback and follow their instructions. Work together to achieve your objective and support each other.
- Be agile and unpredictable: Agility and unpredictability are essential to avoid getting hit and to surprise your opponents. Be agile by moving fast, changing directions, and dodging shots. Be unpredictable by varying your tactics, switching your targets, and using distractions. Don’t be a sitting duck or a predictable pattern.
How to Score High Points
Laser tag is not only a game of winning, but also a game of scoring. The more points you score, the higher your rank and the more rewards you get. Here are some ways to score high points in laser tag:
- Hit multiple sensors: Hitting multiple sensors at once can give you bonus points and multipliers. For example, hitting the chest and the back sensors can give you 2x points, while hitting the head sensor can give you 5x points. Aim for the sensors that are close together or exposed, and use rapid-fire or burst mode to increase your chances of hitting multiple sensors.
- Hit special targets: Hitting special targets can give you extra points and perks. For example, hitting a target can give you 50 points, while hitting a base can give you 100 points. Some targets can also give you power-ups, such as invincibility, invisibility, or rapid-fire. Look for the targets that are marked or flashing, and shoot them when they are activated.
- Hit high-value opponents: Hitting high-value opponents can give you more points and satisfaction. For example, hitting the leader of the enemy team can give you 10 points, while hitting the game master can give you 20 points. Some opponents can also have special abilities, such as shields, mines, or rockets. Identify the high-value opponents by their color, rank, or name, and target them when they are vulnerable.
- Hit accurately and consistently: Hitting accurately and consistently can give you more points and efficiency. For example, hitting 10 out of 10 shots can give you 100 points, while hitting 5 out of 10 shots can give you 50 points. Some guns can also have accuracy and consistency bonuses, such as sniper mode or laser sight. Aim carefully and steadily, and shoot only when you are sure of hitting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions and answers about laser tag:
Is playing laser tag fun?
Yes, playing laser tag is fun for many reasons. It is a physical activity that can help you exercise, release stress, and have fun. It is a social activity that can help you bond with your friends, family, or coworkers. It is a competitive activity that can help you challenge yourself, improve your skills, and win rewards. It is also a creative activity that can help you explore different scenarios, themes, and game modes.
Can you play laser tag in the daylight?
Yes, you can play laser tag in the daylight, as long as you have the right equipment and location. Laser tag guns use infrared beams, which are invisible and can work in any lighting condition. However, some laser tag vests have sensors that can be affected by sunlight, so you need to make sure they are compatible with outdoor use. You also need to find a suitable place to play laser tag in the daylight, such as a park, a field, or a city. You need to consider the weather, the safety, and the legality of the location before playing.
How to aim in laser tag?
To aim in laser tag, you need to use the sight or scope of your gun. Most laser tag guns have either a red dot sight or a peep sight, which can help you align your gun with your target. The red dot sight projects a red dot on the target, while the peep sight has a small hole that you look through. You need to place the iris of your eye directly in the center of the sight, and point the dot or the line towards the sensor of your opponent. You also need to adjust your aim according to the distance, the angle, and the movement of your target.
Do you need glasses for laser tag?
No, you do not need glasses for laser tag, unless you have a vision problem that requires them. Laser tag guns do not emit harmful laser beams, but harmless infrared beams, which are invisible and safe for your eyes. However, if you wear glasses normally, you may want to keep them on for laser tag, as they can help you see better and aim more accurately. You may also want to wear protective eyewear, such as goggles or sunglasses, to prevent dust, dirt, or sweat from getting into your eyes.
Can you play laser tag while pregnant?
Yes, you can play laser tag while pregnant, as long as you are careful and comfortable. Laser tag is a low-impact and non-contact game, which does not pose any significant risk to you or your baby. However, you may want to avoid playing laser tag if you have any complications or health issues, such as high blood pressure, bleeding, or preterm labor. You may also want to consult your doctor before playing laser tag, and follow their advice and recommendations. You may also want to play in a moderate and relaxed way, and avoid running, jumping, or falling. You may also want to inform your teammates and opponents that you are pregnant, and ask them to be gentle and respectful.
Also Read:
- How Much Does Laser Tag Cost and How to Save Money on It
- Laser Tag Benefits: How to Have Fun and Stay Healthy
- How Long Does a Laser Tag Game Last?
Conclusion
Laser tag is a fun and exciting game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It involves using infrared guns to shoot at sensors on your opponents’ vests, while avoiding getting hit yourself. Laser tag can be played indoors or outdoors, in teams or individually, and with different game modes and objectives. To play laser tag, you need to know the rules, the equipment, the venue, the strategies, and the scoring system. By following this guide, you can learn how to play laser tag and improve your skills and score. Have fun and good luck!
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