Who’s Winning? The Ins and Outs of Laser Tag Scoring Revealed
“Wait, I tagged them loads… so how did I still come last?” Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Laser tag scoring can feel like a riddle wrapped in neon lights and fog. But don’t worry, we’re here to unlock the mysteries, make you laugh, and maybe even help you beat your little cousin next time. Let’s dive in.
Wait… How Do You Even Score in Laser Tag?
You sprinted, you dodged, you zapped, but somehow came 7th out of 8? The truth is, laser tag scoring isn’t just about how many people you shoot. It’s about what you hit, who you hit, and how you do it.
Most laser tag games work on a points system. You get points for hitting your opponents’ sensors (usually on their chest, back, and shoulders). Hit them once, get a few points. Hit them again, more points. But it doesn’t end there. Some games have bonus targets hidden around the arena, and some let you score extra by zapping enemy bases or special power-up points.
The catch? You can also lose points. Friendly fire? That’s a deduction. Standing around like a glow-in-the-dark traffic cone? Not technically penalised, but your dignity might take a hit.
Tag or Be Tagged: Points, Power-Ups and Penalties
Let’s break it down. In a standard laser tag game, here’s how the scoring usually works:
- 10 Points – Hit an enemy sensor
- 50 Points – Hit the enemy base (if your arena has one)
- 5 Points – Tag a hidden bonus sensor
- -10 Points – Accidentally zap a teammate
- 0 Points – Repeatedly shooting the walls (we’ve all been there)
Some arenas even use clever extras like “invincibility” power-ups that let you rack up points while being untouchable for a few glorious seconds. It’s like real-life cheat codes… but legal.
And don’t forget, the better your aim, the better your score. Wildly spraying lasers may look cool, but you’ll score more by aiming true and tagging smart.
Different Game Modes = Different Rules
Just when you thought you’d got it all figured out, someone shouts, “New mode!” and everything changes. Laser tag isn’t just one game, it’s loads of them, depending on what mode you’re playing.
- Team vs Team – Classic. You and your crew vs another team. Points are shared, and strategy actually matters.
- Solo Free-for-All – Every player for themselves. Great if you’ve got a competitive streak or unresolved family drama.
- Capture the Base – Tag the other team’s base for mega points. Protect yours like your Easter eggs depend on it.
- VIP Protection – One teammate is the “Very Important Player”. Keep them safe. Lose them, and it’s a points bloodbath.
Each mode has slightly different scoring tweaks. So if you went from hero to zero overnight, don’t panic, it was probably the mode, not your skills (probably).
Sneaky Tactics That Score Big (and Make You Look Cool)
Want to climb the scoreboard and look effortlessly awesome doing it? It’s not all about speed. It’s about playing smart.
Find a good hiding spot, not a boring corner, but somewhere with a view of the action. Crouch low, pop out, zap, duck back in. Ninja stuff. Also, try flanking. Don’t follow the group, go round the side and catch people off guard.
And don’t underestimate the power of a good fake-out. Point in one direction, run in the other. Confuse, distract, and then zap. Bonus points for dramatic rolls and sound effects (not required, but highly encouraged).
Why the Scores Sometimes Make Zero Sense
It’s the great mystery of laser tag: how did your 10-year-old nephew get double your score when you’re the one who’s still sweating?
Here’s the secret: laser tag vests and guns are clever bits of tech. They track not just how many hits you get, but where you hit, how often you were hit, and how many times you accidentally tagged your own team. Some systems even rate your accuracy, so spraying and praying might not work as well as you hoped.
Also, power-ups, hidden targets, and secret scoring zones can throw the numbers. So yes, he may have found a hidden base target while you were busy doing your heroic slow-motion dive across the arena.
Top Tips to (Actually) Win Next Time
Right, enough jokes. You want to win? Here’s what you need to do:
- Aim for the sensors – Those little light-up bits are your golden ticket.
- Keep moving – Standing still = sitting duck. Move fast and smart.
- Don’t shoot blindly – Accuracy is everything. Scoreboards often rate it.
- Work with your team – Talk, plan, and don’t just shoot Dave from Accounting because you “thought he was red.”
- Use the whole arena – The best spots are rarely by the entrance.
And if all else fails, smile and say, “It’s just for fun,” while you secretly plot your redemption in the next round.
The Tech Behind the Tag: How the Score Gets Counted
Laser tag may feel like a playground battle, but it’s powered by some clever tech. Each player wears a sensor-packed vest and carries an infrared-emitting phaser. When you hit someone’s sensor, it sends a signal to the system.
That system logs:
- Who tagged who
- Where the hit landed
- Whether it was a bonus target
- Whether you accidentally hit your mate Steve again
The scoring software crunches all this in real-time, updating the scoreboard. So yes, it really does know if you’re rubbish. But the good news? It knows when you’re improving, too.
Scoreboard Shenanigans: What Those Stats Actually Mean
After the game ends, you’re shown the scoreboard. And it’s not just about “who won.” It’s a data goldmine. Here’s what you might see:
- Hit Accuracy (%) – How many of your shots actually landed. Lower than 10%? Might be time to practice…
- Total Points – Your grand total. Most hits, least misses, bonus targets = big score.
- Kills & Deaths – Sounds dramatic, but just means how many you tagged vs how often you got zapped.
- Bonus Points – From special targets, power-ups, or base hits.
Use it as your performance review, or just ignore it and claim the scoreboard was “definitely broken.”
Play at Tenpin: Where Laser Tag Legends Are Born
Now that you know how the scoring works, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test at one of Tenpin’s laser tag arenas across the UK. Whether you're booking a birthday bash, a work social, or just fancy zapping your mates on a Saturday, Tenpin has you covered.
Each arena is fully kitted out with glowing lights, exciting obstacles, and high-tech scoring systems that make every game feel like a sci-fi adventure. With family-friendly fun and options for grown-up glory, it’s more than just a game, it’s an amazing laser showdown waiting to happen.
So what are you waiting for? Book now and let the games begin. Just don’t blame us if your 8-year-old wins again.