“How long do you think you can keep your body full of energy?” I asked Erik when entering our local laser tag arena after 6 months.
He firmly said, “I can still play for one and a half hours without a break. What about you?”
“Same here, let’s have fun and remember our old glorious days!”– I responded in excitement. Some of you may know that I attended my first laser tag game at his 7th birthday party many years ago and instantly became a fan of this recreational sport.
The attendant at the arena informed us that each round would last for 15-20 minutes as per the rule, and we played 22 rounds till we were exhausted on that day.
The length of laser tag games may vary depending on a variety of factors, including the size of the arena, the number of players, and the specific game modes. In this article, I will explore the average duration of the games and the factors that are important in this context.
Different Laser Tag Game Modes And Their Durations
There are a variety of game modes/formats that can be played in most laser tag centers. Each game mode has its own unique rules and objectives, which can impact the duration of the game.
1. Free For All Mode
When I started playing laser tag, I loved “Free For All” mode more than other options– maybe for the newbie period. I will suggest 6 minutes for free for all; even other experts and arena managers would recommend the same. You can have several rounds for this.
There is no team, and members are one-man-army that can fight until the last man stands; the last one can return to HQ. This is a fast-paced game mode where players shoot at any targets they see.
2. Capture The Flag
After gaining some experience, I preferred Capture The Flag most to the rest of other options. In this game mode, teams must capture the flag from the opposing team’s base and return it to their own.
Capture The Flag in laser tag lasts approximately for a duration of 10-15 minutes, but sometimes it can extend up to 30 minutes. While a base has a flag, it will instantly revive players. When a flag is taken, the bases will not revive players.
3. Team Deathmatch
In this mode, the organizers divide participant players into two teams and they must work together to eliminate the players on the enemy team. The team that removed all of its opponents within the time limit is declared the winner. The laser tag deathmatch mode usually lasts as long as 5-8 minutes.
The instructor blows the whistle if survivors are on each team at the end of the game. After that, there is one minute till the combat ends, after that, the highest scorer will win the match. The team with the most survivors is declared the winner.
4. Base Assault
In this mode, one team must defend its base while the other team tries to capture it. The team member closest to the base hands over control of the base to his team. The goal is for the Assault Team (Fire team) to take possession of the base within a specific time duration of 10-15 minutes.
The defense squad must keep the Assault Team from taking over the base. If the Defense Team (Ice team) loses possession of the ground, they must make an attempt to regain it. The team that controls the base at the end of the game is the winner.
5. Battlefield Mode
The expensive version, Laser tag battlefield mode, is a game mode that imitates a military-style fight. The arena or battlefield parks have warzone set up.
The objective of the game is to earn points by “tagging” or shooting opponents with a laser tag gun while avoiding being tagged by opponents. The team with the most points at the end of the game or the team that eliminates all players from the opposing team, is the winner.
This game format requires strategy, teamwork, and quick reflexes, making it a challenging and engaging experience for players of all ages. Laser tag mines and upgraded equipment are introduced in the battlefield game format.
The actual time of each laser tag game mode may vary depending on the rules and settings used by the arenas or organizers. Some arenas offer 30-minute to 2-hour time-bound packages.
6. King Of The Hill
In this game mode, players compete to control a specific area or “hill” on the playing field. The objective of the game is for players to occupy the hill for as long as possible while preventing other players from taking control of it.
The hill is usually marked by a designated area, such as a raised platform or a specific section of the playing field. The player who remains on the hill the longest is declared the winner.
In some laser tag arenas, the duration can be a set amount of time, such as 5 minutes or 10 minutes, after which the player who has held the hill for the longest time is declared the winner. In other arenas, the duration can be determined by a specific number of points, such as the first player to reach 100 points or a predetermined number of points set by the game organizers.
What Happens When A Round Is Complete?
When a round’s time is out, or a team wins, a buzzer will sound, signaling the end of the laser tag game. The lights will be turned back on in some places.
When the game finishes, you can reset for the next round, take a small break, rehydrate yourself, or exit the play area to check the scoreboard. In most cases, you can play numerous rounds (at least 3) in a single session. A single session can run as long as 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Factors That Decide How Long The Laser Tag Game Will Last
In general, laser tag games can last anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours, depending on some specific factors. The exact length of a game will vary depending on the facility, the rules, and the objectives —
Game mode (For example, a game with a Capture the Flag or Battlefield objective is likely to last longer than a simple Free-For-All game mode).
Game set up (battlefield mode is entertaining as well as complicated with military setup).
Specific rules set by organizers (e.g., use of Respawn Device to active eliminated players).
The efficiency of the player (pro/noob).
Laser tag is a thrilling and high-tech version of the classic game of tag. You can play it with specialized sets that include guns and vests for simulating a sci-fi intergalactic battle. It allows players to engage in fast-paced, immersive experience with friends or families within specified time periods.
Even though the rounds are fast, the whole system and process feel like you are in a slow time machine, mainly for noobs. But at the end of the match, you may admit that laser tag is much more thrilling, with goosebumps and time-bending than you have ever expected.
Get ready for a blast!
