Adrenaline pumping, ready to roll and phaser set to ‘stun’? Hold up a second: one does not simply conquer a laser tag arena without a plan. Here’s what you need to know to play laser tag like a pro.
Choose your threads wisely
It’s a bad idea to rock up to laser tag barefoot or wearing high heels, slippery sandals, or any kind of fussy footwear: you’re going to be ducking and dodging lasers, and the last thing you need is to trip over your own feet while doing so. Choose comfortable shoes like sneakers or flat boots. Also, wear dark-coloured and non-reflective clothing while playing laser tag: light colours will just turn you into an easy target. Leave the high vis at home and recycle your mum’s 90s camo jumpsuit!
Hydrate!
Things can get intense in a laser tag arena, which means you’re probably going to sweat. Make sure you drink water before going into the arena, because there’s no food or drinks in the arena, folks! If you’re worried about getting sweaty (and smelly – enclosed spaces, you know), top up your deodorant before going in: your fellow players will thank you! Quick tip: in the beginning, the arena can be quite chilly. Don’t worry though, it will warm up once you’re playing.
Get defensive
If you’re more of a lover, not a fighter, you might prefer to approach your laser tag game defensively. Try these tips:
- Learn the layout of the arena as quickly as you can to figure out which spots offer a good vantage point, but also give you protective cover.
- Upper levels are good for shooting down at unsuspecting laser tag players.
- Do the crabwalk! Walking sideways like a crab makes you a smaller target and gives you more protection (and gives your legs a workout, too: bonus!).
- Remember to keep moving – lurking in one place for too long makes you an easy target for more experienced players.
- If you spot someone taking aim at you but you can’t duck away, try to turn sideways, instead. This makes it more difficult for them to hit your sensors.
- Tip: defensive playing can get a bit boring after a while, especially if you just hunker down in one spot and wait for unsuspecting players to wander by. Mix things up and take chances while in the arena, it will be more fun.
Attack!
Ready to jump in feet first? Try these offensive techniques to use while playing:
- Spray, don’t snipe: rapidly firing in the general direction of another laser tag player’s sensors often works better than taking the time to aim carefully. Keep your opponents on their toes! This is especially effective if you don’t have any limitations on your ammo during the game, so double-check that before you start.
- Channel action movie techniques: don’t aim straight in front of you, creating a bigger target with your body; rather turn sideways so that your face is turned to your left or right shoulder, and aim in that direction. It turns you into a smaller target and feels badass.
- Annoying co-worker alert? In the arena, all bets are off: your co-worker is now fair game, so go for it! Just keep your wits about you to avoid becoming someone else’s preferred target...
- Sweep move is a technique that many experienced laser tag players use, and that could work for you. Sweep the laser gun in an arc across a single or multiple targets, and then pull the trigger. The gun will fire in that pattern, and you may end up tagging multiple targets.
Make the most of downtime
If you’re not the fittest, don’t worry – just identify a safe spot in the arena’s layout once you’re inside, where you can catch your breath without getting shot at while doing so. And remember that when you get hit, you usually have a cooldown time of about 10 seconds during which your suit and gun is disabled. Make the most of this time to catch your breath and find a better position for yourself. You can also follow the person who just disabled you and hit back at them as soon as you power up: a dark suit will make this easier.
Have fun!
Remember: playing laser tag is supposed to be fun. It’s not about taking revenge, proving a point, stroking your own ego, or humiliating someone else. Claim the high score and the bragging rights: but don’t be mean while doing it. And if you didn’t quite survive your first laser tag experience, keep trying. It’s the only way to become a real pro at laser tag. Happy tagging!
Did you know?
Timezone laser tag arenas are all themed and decorated with stunning graphic murals and exhilarating light effects, so you truly are immersed in a different kind of reality. Themes include Wakanda (Timezone Surfers Paradise), Futuristic Sci-Fi (Timezone Mt Druitt), Sci-Fi Egyptian (Timezone Kotara) – and loads more!
