Paintball is a sport in which teams or individuals compete to eliminate opponents by hitting them with spherical dye-filled gelatin capsules that break upon impact. Players use a compressed gas powered gun, known as a marker, to fire the capsules. Games can be played for recreation or at a formal sporting level with organized competition that includes major tournaments and professional teams and players.
Most games of paintball are played on outdoor fields of varying sizes, which may feature natural or artificial terrain for tactical cover. Game modes vary but generally include capturing and returning a flag to the opposing team’s base, eliminating a specified number of opponents or completing other objectives. Games can last minutes to hours, or even days in the case of scenario play.
Before you head out on the field, make sure that you’ve got everything that you need to have a fun and safe time. You’ll need a marker (gun), a mask, goggles and a bag to store all of the equipment. If you’re planning on playing regularly, it might be worth investing in a better marker, like the Planet Eclipse Etha3 or one of the other best electronic markers 2023 on this list.
You’ll also need a supply of paintballs, which are available in a range of colors to allow for easy identification by other players. The best paintballs are made from a non-toxic, biodegradable and water-soluble material that’s embedded in a gelatin capsule. They’re typically marketed as low-impact to prevent injuries, but they can still cause bruises and scratches if a player is hit in the wrong place. To avoid getting a nasty mark, always try to hit an opponent from the side of their neck or chest, and never shoot at their head or face. If you think that you’ve been hit, raise your gun over your head and shout ‘paint check’ to alert the closest player to come and check it out.