Halfway between paintball, dodgeball, and archery, archery tag (or combat archery) pits two teams armed with bows and foam-tipped arrows against each other, eliminating opponents by taking cover behind inflatable bunkers. Pain-free and highly strategic, it's the ideal activity for teenagers, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and team building. Here is the complete guide: rules, equipment, field, safety, and organization.
Archery tag is a team-based competitive game: two teams face each other on a field dotted with inflatable obstacles (bunkers). Using bows and foam-tipped arrows, players try to eliminate their opponents (by hitting them) and, depending on the variations, aim for a central target. Wearing a protective mask is mandatory. The result: intense shooting sensations, lots of strategy... and zero pain.
It's one of the flagship games in our thrill-seeking range, alongside bubble football, wipeout, and bungee run. Find the equipment in the inflatable archery tag & archery collection.
| Item | Role |
|---|---|
| Bows | Flexible, easy for beginners to handle |
| Foam-tipped arrows | Safe: they don't cause injury on impact |
| Protective masks | Mandatory for face protection |
| Inflatable bunkers | Shelters to hide behind and move around |
| Central target | For objective-based variations (5 points to knock down) |
The inflatable bunkers inflate in a few minutes with a continuous blower and structure the entire playing field.
Arrange the bunkers symmetrically to balance the two sides, varying sizes and positions to create shooting angles and progression lanes. A central target can serve as an objective. The field can be set up outdoors (lawn) or indoors (gymnasium).
Set up the field and bunkers, equip each player (bow, arrows, mask), give a safety and rules briefing, play short rounds with rotation, then establish a ranking. For a large event, combine archery tag with an inflatable obstacle course or wipeout (see our wipeout guide).
For a one-time event, renting a pack (bows, arrows, masks, bunkers) is sufficient. For an event professional, a shooting club, a leisure center, or a municipality, purchasing a complete set pays for itself quickly and gives you autonomy. Discover our packs in the inflatable archery tag collection.
Discover our archery tag packs and inflatable bunkers, for individuals and event professionals alike.
View the Archery Tag CollectionNo: the arrows are fitted with a large foam tip that absorbs impact, and wearing a mask protects the face. You feel a slight, painless tap. Adhering to the rules—mandatory mask, approved arrows, no close-range shooting—ensures a risk-free experience, even for beginners.
Archery tag can be played as soon as a child can handle a suitable bow and wear a mask, usually from school age, under the supervision of a referee. The power of the bows and the duration of the rounds are adjusted according to the age and build of the players.
The game is played by two teams; a 3-on-3 to 5-on-5 format is ideal for a standard field. For an event, multiple sets of equipment are provided, and teams rotate through rounds to involve a large audience.
Yes, a gymnasium or sufficiently large hall is perfectly suitable, provided the bunkers are arranged and a safety zone is respected. Indoors or outdoors, the mask remains mandatory, and a referee supervises the game.
A clear rectangular field, with a central line and bunkers symmetrically distributed. Grass is ideal outdoors; indoors, a gymnasium floor is suitable. Provide a safety zone around the field for spectators.
For a unique event, renting is sufficient. For regular use (animator, leisure center, club, municipality), purchasing a complete set—bows, arrows, masks, and bunkers—is quickly amortized and offers total autonomy.
Also discover our other thrill-seeking games: archery tag, bubble football, wipeout, and zorb ball. Also read: our wipeout and bubble football guides.
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