A good backyard war is mostly rules everyone remembers. Print this, read it aloud, and start.

Before the first round

  1. Eye protection on every player and spectator. Goggles that wrap the eyes; sunglasses do not count.
  2. Match the blaster to the age group. Mixed ages play with foam. See the type comparison.
  3. Tell the neighbors and keep it on your property. Never play where it could be mistaken for a real threat.
  4. Mark the boundary with cones or rope and name the off-limits areas (windows, pets, the road).

Game rules

  • One hit eliminates a player; the hit player raises a hand and walks out.
  • Call “stop” to pause the whole game for any safety issue. Everyone freezes and lowers blasters.
  • No headshots on close range: inside 10 feet, hold fire or switch to tag.
  • Blaster stays pointed down or away between rounds, and magazines are out during breaks.

Team formats

  • Two teams of equal size and equal gear. Swap sides after each round.
  • Capture the flag works well for mixed ability.
  • Last one standing suits small groups and gets rowdy quickly.

After the game

Collect every dart, bead and BB. Gel beads biodegrade slowly outdoors; foam and plastic do not.

Need gear for a crew? Start with the loadout builder.