Last updated on October 15th, 2023
Updated on: Feb 2023
Paintball games are either played indoors or outdoors and also have different formats. In some formats the objective is eliminating the opponents by attacking and defending themselves and some have a goal of capturing the flag. Every game has rules and so does paintball and that varies according to game format. To play properly one should be completely aware of the rules and regulations of the game. Safety comes first so learning about safety rules is as important as basic game rules.
Basic safety rules
Here I’m quickly going through first the safety rules and then the basic rules of the paintball game. The most important ones are:
1. No CO2 leaking
Make sure your gun is not leaking CO2 as it has a freezing temperature of (-76º C) which can cause severe injuries, so before coming to ground do check leaking.
2. Proper clothing and Masks
Never wear shorts or half sleeves but try to cover your body maximum you can. Entering a playing area without wearing a mask could be very dangerous as paintballs hitting on face and paint splashes in eyes can cause severe damage. So mind your safety first. Always select the right mask according to your head size, for better selection read our guide and top recommendations of masks.
3. Use barrel plugs
To avoid any accidental shot, always put the barrel plug in except while the game is on.
4. You should be in your good health
As paintball is a game full of actions and requires your full brain involvement so avoid any kind of drugs or alcohol before the match,also if you are not feeling well don’t opt for playing.Also hydrate yourself and drink plenty of water.
5. Measure your gun velocity.
After putting all accessories and barrel by using an onsite chronograph you can measure your gun velocity that shouldn’t be more than 280fps.
6. Lubricate your gun
To avoid any jamming and for better efficiency of your gun, always deep clean your gun after every game.
7. Don’t leave filled CO2 tank in sun
As the temperature increases the pressure inside the tank causes an explosion, so avoid leaving your gun and filled tank in direct sunlight.
Basic Play Rules
1. What’s the length of the game
On average the game lasts for 20 minutes and there is a break in between for water and reloading the ammunition. The length of the break should also be pre planned.But some game types can last for days. Referee is there to track the time of both the game and breaks.
2. Determine the goal of your game
Find out that either it’s an eliminating game or capturing the flag game because rules vary according to game type. After this, make a round of the play area before the game starts and also see the dead area.
3. What’s the Elimination criteria
Shooting paintballs at the opponent team is the basics of a paintball game,although the rules may slightly vary depending on the game type. A player is eliminated if he is being hitted anywhere from head to toe with the paintball and that should also break on that player. A player is also eliminated even if the paintball breaks on his gun or on helmet or on any of his clothing.
- Splashing from paintball breaking after heating on trees or objects is not considered a hit and the player will not be eliminated.
- If a player is unsure about his elimination then he can ask for a paint check.
- After elimination, wave your hand up and speak out loud that “I’m hit”.During your walking out from the play area keep your gun over your head so that anyone can clearly identify you and you can save yourself from further hitting.
- If the 2 players hit each other at the same time then both players should be eliminated.
- During capture the flag game if the player running to catch the flag got hit during capturing then he is eliminated.
- If a player shoots the opponent more than 3 times in a single go then the player who is shooting shall also be eliminated.
4. Designate the shooting areas and safe areas
Safe areas are the areas where shooting is not allowed and where a player can remove its mask or goggles while shooting area is the area where a player can remove a barrel plug and can shoot. Both the areas and their boundaries should be clearly defined before the game begins.
5. What’s the paint check
If the player is unsure about his elimination then he can call the referee for a paint check. Opponent player can also point to the area of paintball hitting to check that specified area or the referee can check it by himself. No shooting is allowed during check. Game should be stopped during checking and all players should remain in their same place,no moving is allowed.
6. Who can surrender
Close shooting is not allowed so if you find your opponent at a distance shorter than 20 feet you can give him the option to surrender or he can also surrender by himself.
General rules
- No blind firing
- No wiping of paint
- No talking of eliminated players is allowed in any way.
- No eating or drinking is allowed in the shooting area.
- No cross talking with opponents.
- Decision of Referees should be considered as final.
- After capturing the flag(if it captures the flag format)it should be held that way that it is clearly visible to anyone.
- Don’t fire paintballs at referees.
- No firing after elimination.
