Archery Tag is a fast-paced, action-packed game that mixes dodgeball, archery, and strategy. Players use specially designed bows and foam-tipped arrows to tag opponents or hit targets—all while dodging, ducking, and diving for cover.
It’s safe, energetic, and an awesome way to test your aim under pressure.
BEFORE THE GAME
Masks must stay on at all times in the playing area.
Arrows are foam-tipped but still require safe distances.
No physical contact—keep space when dodging.
Bows should never be drawn back without an arrow.
Follow instructions from referees or activity leaders.
Players must wear masks at all times.
Arrows must only be shot at players or hit targets
If you’re tagged by an arrow, you’re out (unless your game variation says otherwise).
You cannot block arrows with your bow.
Only pick up arrows from the ground
A referee controls the game start, end, and any disputes.
Create a rectangular playing area with:
Two safe zones on opposite ends
Two lines in the middle of the field to form a safe zone
Barriers for cover placed evenly on both sides
Place arrow piles in the centre for the opening rush.
Divide participants into two equal teams.
Give each team:
Bows
Masks
Coloured bibs or arm bands (Optional)
Players take a position on their end line.
Following a signal by the referee, players rush into the Neutral Zone to gather their arrows. Each team’s arrows are on their right. Players then return to their Action Zone to start shooting.
Players are “live” only when in their Action Zone. They can only shoot or be shot when in their Action Zone (behind their Attack Line).
Players are not allowed to shoot from the Neutral Zone and players cannot shoot at players who are in the Neutral Zone.
Players in the Neutral Zone are only permitted to retrieve arrows and return immediately to their Action Zone.
Players may not stall in the Neutral Zone and must return to their Action Zone within 10 seconds before a warning will be issued by the referee.
A second infraction will result in a 2 point penalty at the discretion of the referee. 2 point penalties may be assessed for crossing over the opposing team’s Attack Line, stalling, shooting someone in the Neutral Zone, or being out of bounds.
You are out if:
You’re hit anywhere, including your bow, by an arrow
An arrow you shoot is caught by someone on the other team
You may stay in if:
The arrow hits the ground before touching you
A team wins when:
All players on the other team are eliminated, or
They complete the game objective (see variations below)
Goal: Tag all players on the opposing team.
Special Rule: Once you’re hit, you’re out—last team standing wins.
Good for: Quick, intense matches.
Goal: Eliminate the other team’s Medic.
How it works:
Each team secretly chooses a Medic.
When hit, players sit or kneel where they were tagged.
Only the Medic can revive them.
If the Medic is hit, their team can no longer revive players.
Win Condition:
Eliminate all players or eliminate the Medic.
Goal: Steal the enemy flag and return it to your base.
How it works:
Each team guards a flag behind their lines.
Players can defend, attack, and strategise.
If hit while carrying a flag, the flag is dropped and returned by a ref.
Win Condition:
Successfully capture the flag.
Goal: Shoot out the opposing team’s targets.
Setup:
Each team has 3–5 foam targets placed behind their field.
Rules:
You can only win by hitting all targets.
Tags still eliminate players.
Win Condition:
First team to destroy all targets.
Goal: Score as many eliminations as possible in a set time.
How it works:
When hit, players run back to a respawn point, touch it, then re-enter.
Continuous, fast-paced gameplay.
Win Condition:
Most eliminations at the end of time.
Goal: Protect your VIP while guiding them to a designated zone.
How it works:
Each team chooses a VIP.
VIP gets limited movement speed (walk only).
Opponents try to tag the VIP.
Win Condition:
Successfully escort your VIP or eliminate theirs.
Goal: Control the supply of arrows.
How it works:
No respawns.
Arrows become scarce quickly.
Teams must manage ammo, collect from the centre, or steal from opponents.
Win Condition:
Eliminate the other team.