Tactical laser tag is a more strategic form of laser tag that aims to mimic real-world combat. It gives more of a real combat experience than traditional laser tag and is usually played on a more rigorous course.
Tactical laser tag is a great way to spend time with friends, get some exercise, and put your critical thinking skills to the test. Read on for an in-depth rundown of what tactical laser tag is, how it is different from traditional laser tag, how it is played, and useful tips to help make you a better player.
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What is the Difference Between Tactical and Traditional Laser Tag?
The basic premise of tactical and traditional laser tag is the same—tag your opponents with your laser gun to get them out. However, tactical laser tag involves a lot more critical thinking, moving around, and creativity.
When playing traditional laser tag, you’ll either be playing on a team or going free-for-all. The winner of the game is usually the last person standing, the person who tagged the most people, the team that tagged the most people, or the team that tagged all the people in the other team first.
Tactical laser tag builds on this by incorporating more combat-based gameplay into these basic game modes. Tactical laser tag uses life-like combat simulations and roleplaying to provide a realistic and exhilarating experience for players.
These simulations, called missions, bring a lot more possibilities to tactical laser tag. You’ll be able to rescue hostages, infiltrate an enemy building, and go on tons of other thrilling quests, all from the safety of an indoor laser tag arena.
Is Tactical Laser Tag Better Than Traditional?
Whether the tactical laser tag is better than traditional is all up to personal preference, but one thing is for sure—tactical laser tag is a lot more exciting.
For those who are looking for a leisurely game to spend time with friends, traditional laser tag will be a nice, sporty option. For those who prefer tougher, more exciting pastimes, tactical laser tag will do the job.
What are the Rules of Tactical Laser Tag?
The basic rules of tactical laser tag are exactly the same as those of traditional laser tag, but keep in mind that there may be a few additional rules depending on the game mode you are playing. Here’s a quick overview of the rules of laser tag to get you ready to play in no time:
1/ No Physical Contact
Laser tag is a non-contact sport, and there should be no physical contact whatsoever.
2/ Sensors Must be Visible
Covering your sensor is not allowed in any form of laser tag. It should be visible and fully uncovered at all times.
3/ If Your Sensor is Tagged You Are Out
Any lasers that hit your sensor are automatically counted. There is usually a set number of lasers that can hit your sensor before you are out.
After someone gets you out, you will be unable to tag other players for the rest of the round. Resetting your sensor and returning to the game after an opponent gets you out is against the rules.
What are Some Game Modes of Tactical Laser Tag?
Lots of different versions of tactical laser tag are played. These versions are called “game modes” and each has its own rules and objectives.
These are some of the most widely played game modes of tactical laser tag:
Elimination
Elimination, also called “last man standing”, is essentially a free-for-all game mode in which there are no teams. Players will have to eliminate their opponents by tagging them out, and the last player standing wins.
Team Deathmatch
Team deathmatch is played with two or more teams, each of which tries to tag out players from other teams. The winner of this game mode is whichever team tags out the most enemy players, or tags out all the players on the other team first.
Capture the Flag
In the capture the flag game mode, players will be divided into two teams, each of which has a flag on its own side of the arena. The objective of this game mode is to “capture” the other team’s flag by taking it from their side of the arena and bringing it to your side, all without being tagged and before the other team can do the same to you.
Whichever team captures the flag of the other team first will win that round, and whichever team wins more rounds will win the game.
Domination
In the domination game mode, players will be divided into two teams that will try to capture different objectives spread out around the arena. Capturing an objective, which is just a designated spot inside the course, is done by staying inside the objective for a certain amount of time without being tagged, or by shooting the objective with your gun.
In this game mode, the team that captures more objectives will be declared the winner.
VIP
VIP, also called “captains”, is a game mode in which players are divided into two teams, each of which will have one player acting as the VIP, or captain.
The objective of this game mode is to eliminate the other team’s VIP by tagging him or her out. The team that tags out their opponents’ VIP first will be the winner.
How Can I Be a Better Tactical Laser Tag Player?
Just like it is for every other sport, practice is the best way to get better at tactical laser tag. However, this list of tips will help you improve at a faster rate and quickly become the best player in the arena.
Wear the Right Gear
When playing tactical laser tag, you’ll be in a dark room solely illuminated by black light and the flashes from laser guns. LazerMaze recommends wearing dark clothes that will make you harder to spot and shoot.
Tactical laser tag is a sport that requires lots of jumping, crouching, shuffling, and running. For this reason, you’ll want to be wearing comfortable clothes that offer a wide range of movement. Sweatpants, a t-shirt, and running shoes will be great for the job and will allow you to chase players and dodge lasers as you please.
Tighten Your Tactical Vest
When playing tactical laser tag, your sensors will be on a tactical vest. To make your sensors harder to hit, tighten your tactical vest so it doesn’t wobble around as you move.
Pull the straps around you so they are tight as well as comfortable, then buckle them in place. This will reduce the chance of you getting tagged by making your sensors harder to hit, and will also allow you to move quickly and silently.
Make a Mind Map of the Arena
Before the game starts, you’ll probably have a few minutes to warm up or get a tour of the arena from the staff.
You should take advantage of this time to make a mental list of good hiding places, open areas to avoid, places that are good for sniping, places you can trap other players, and plan ahead for other such scenarios. This way, you’ll always be one step ahead of your opponents.
Communicate With Your Team
Good communication is important when playing in a team, but it can be hard to talk during a tactical laser tag game without being heard by your opponents.
One useful tactic to prepare for a team game is setting up a communication system ahead of time. Hand signals are a great way to communicate with your teammates quickly and quietly, and there are many universal hand signals that will be easy to understand and remember for you and your team.
Practice Good Teamwork
Working with your team is important in all game modes and will drastically increase your chances of winning. Before your game starts, make a game plan with your team.
One great strategy is dividing your team into small groups of two to four players, depending on the number of people in your team. Splitting up will make it harder for the other team to tag your players, and will also help you overpower your opponents by outnumbering their lone players.
Always Stay on the Move
You’ll never want to stay in one place for too long while playing tactical laser tag. Staying on the move makes it harder for your opponents to follow or tag you, and also helps you sneak up on other players.
When moving around, make sure to travel behind obstacles as often as you can to make it harder for players to spot you. Another way to make yourself harder to hit is by crouching low to the ground and shuffling sideways.
If you need to take a break and catch a breath, make sure you find a well-covered area where it will be hard for opponents to find you.
Final Thoughts
Tactical laser tag is an exhilarating pastime that is great for exercising, improving your decision-making skills, and spending time with friends. Now that you know all there is to know about this game, what are you waiting for? Gather some friends, grab a laser gun, throw on a tactical vest, and start playing!