How to Play Outdoor Laser Tag

Form a team and get up a weekend game of outdoor laser tag. This intense interactive game encourages fast thinking, physical coordination and teamwork, all in the name of having fun. Use open fields, obstacles or cover to advantage as you try to "hit," or tag, opponents with your infrared gun. When teams play tournaments over several days, delicious rivalries and complex strategies arise to raise the level of interest.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Large outdoor area with accessible terrain

Plan Your Attack

1. Gather two teams, usually of four or more players each, or plan to play as individuals.
2. Choose your war theater. Mark off boundaries in a park or wooded area, or locate an outdoor laser tag facility and schedule or join the play there.
3. Don your uniform. Choose team-identifying clothes, camos or inconspicuous, body-covering clothing.
4. Arm yourself. Check your tagger gun and sensor pack to be sure you know how they work and that they are functioning correctly.
5. Learn the general rules and any that are specific to special missions. You can base your team strategy on these.

Face the Enemy

6. Begin play from a designated area when a signal is given. You are free to attack from this point onward.
7. Move into the field of play as planned by your team or in a manner most likely to avoid detection by opponents.
8. Find a vantage point with adequate cover.
9. Locate an opponent and snipe, stalk or siege him, alone or with teammates as backup.
10. Retreat when you are hit so you won't be "re-killed."
11. Use two-way radios, if allowed, to reconnoiter with team members or warn of enemy traps.
12. End your play when time is called or you use up all your "lives," or points. Check your final score to see who wins.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the configuration of equipment to your advantage. If your pack has front and back sensors, approach an enemy sideways, making it harder to hit you.
• Be quiet during play. Don't give war whoops or yell, "Take that!" when you hit someone. Just hit them and move on to the next target.
• Outdoor lighting and longer-range firing require specialized equipment. Some home models may not work well outdoors.
• Gun batteries must be fresh or recharged, or your weapon or body pack may poop out on you during a game.
• A 20-minute elimination game may be more physically demanding than you'd think. Be in good physical condition to play laser tag.