Laser tips a tricks not only for beginners

I (Heroyt) have been actively playing laser game since 2014. In that time I’ve played countless matches in many different arenas and even had the chance to train other players. Over the years I’ve noticed that many beginners keep making the same basic mistakes.

I can even share a specific case of a team made up of complete novices who, after just three training sessions focused only on the points below, managed to win an entire tournament (beginner category). The tournament happened in 2022 (before tournaments included in LaserLiga), so unfortunately I can’t link to the official results 😢, but I can at least share a photo.

Let’s start with the simplest tips:

1. Hold your gun with both hands 👐

This might seem obvious. After all, some arenas require you to keep the side button held down so you’re less likely to accidentally hit someone in the face. Holding the gun with both hands has another gameplay benefit.

It’s all about accuracy! I often see beginners holding the gun in one outstretched hand whenever they can. The gun is light, but you still don’t have the same control with one hand, making quick, small corrections much harder at longer range.

2. Keep your gun always ready to fire 🔫

Another seemingly obvious point. Many players tend to drop their gun or let it rest in one hand. Then when they want to shoot, they have to lift the gun, grab it properly, aim, and only then pull the trigger.

In the game, focus on being able to shoot immediately at any moment (yes, even when you’re “dead”). If someone jumps out from behind a corner and you’re not ready because you weren’t planning to shoot, that split second of inattention can cost you a (game) life.

3. Actively seek out opponents 🔭

What I mean by that is to keep actively looking for someone to shoot throughout the entire match. Realize that if you’re standing somewhere with no targets, you’re basically wasting your limited game time. I know everyone prefers a different play style, but this tip always applies.

• More mobile players should truly move torwards their opponents, not chasing a single player, but running to areas of the arena where opponents are likely to be.
• For players who camp, active searching means that if you haven’t seen any opponent for a while, you should pick a new camping spot closer to the action, then move back if needed.

4. Remember that opponents revive quickly 🕐

Yes, this is a reminder every beginner needs to hear. Not because they forget the rules, but because I often see this:

A blue player meets a red player, the blue player shoots the red, then turns away. The red player stays close by and as soon as they revive, shoots the blue player in the back. The blue player then wonders who got them, since there was no one in front of them.

You need to keep in mind that even a “dead” player is a threat. Either watch them or shoot them again (I don’t encourage endless chasing, but if they stay within range, nothing stops you from shooting them again – you don’t have to leave either).

Bonus: try to estimate the respawn timer

This is a more advanced technique, but if you can accurately guess when you or an enemy will respawn, you can react faster.

Pro tip: A 5 s respawn corresponds to three “beeps” from the vest.

5. Keep an eye on your surroundings 👀

Laser game is dynamic. Players are constantly moving around the arena (unless everyone’s camping…), so it’s important to watch what’s happening around you—where your teammates and opponents are moving, etc.

Pro tip: If the arena allows, watch the ceiling – you can often see reflections of the vest lights there.

If you stay aware of your surroundings, you’ll be less likely to get flanked and shot in the back (at least you’ll know it’s coming).

Pro tip #2: Try to always know who shot you and from where. After a hit you can read on your vest display by whom and to which sensor you got hit - front = chest, back = back, left = left shoulder, right = right shoulder, weapon = gun.

6. Use cover 🙈

Why would arenas have obstacles if you’re not supposed to hide behind them? Yet I sometimes see players standing in the open, trying to shoot someone at the far end. To some extent even I forget to use cover enough, which is why I stress that hiding behind obstacles is the best thing you can do in the game.

I usually advise beginners to move from cover to cover across the arena. “If I want to relocate, I pick the next obstacle and sprint to it.” You should hardly ever stand out in the open – only in motion between covers.

Advanced players use cover more skillfully, positioning themselves so there’s always an obstacle between them and the opponent. Ideally time your move so that when you respawn, you’re immediately behind cover while the enemy is still relocating…

7. Don’t stick together as a team 👫

This doesn’t mean you can’t meet up or pair up, but a strategy where the entire team stays in one spot usually fails.

Why? Because nothing stops an opponent from charging into your group. They might get hit, but their teammates will shoot you safely from behind cover while you focus on that one player. Or the enemy might wipe out your whole team because no one covers each other’s backs. The extreme case is a team waddling around like ducklings in one clump – one stray shot can take out half your team.

So when planning a team strategy, almost always avoid “sticking together.” If it happens naturally during the match, you must realize it quickly and scatter – ideally flank the other team and shoot them from behind. Not everyone needs to scatter, but a good rule is that if I notice it, I’m the one who runs – I don’t have to rely on teammates to spot it and react in time.

Pro tip: Watch the opposing team. If they group up, call your teammates, surround them, and one or two players can charge in to sow chaos. If you’re the one charging in, don’t be afraid of getting hit – if you take one hit but your teammates take out two opponents, it’s worth it.

Conclusion

After reading all these tips, someone might say they’re all obvious and there’s no point spelling them out. I actually believe every player (not just beginners) should constantly remind themselves of these tips, especially since I see so many newbies (and even advanced players) making the same mistakes. I, too, sometimes slip up on the above points (usually right before I get shot). So I know it’s not easy, even when you’re trying your best, but these mistakes can decide the outcome of a game.

My recommendation: during training, focus on one tip at a time and notice when you make a mistake. You don’t have to think about all points in your first game. It’s great to have someone watch you in-game and “shout” corrections—either an official arena trainer, a friend who agrees to observe you, or you and your opponents observing each other. Best is to get feedback directly in the arena during play.