Laser Tag Stag Do

A laser tag stag do gives you all the running, hiding and ambushing of paintball, minus the bruises. Instead of paint pellets you fire infrared beams, and sensors on your headset or vest register every hit. Nobody gets hurt, nobody needs a change of clothes and the stag can’t use a welt on his leg as an excuse to sit out the bar crawl.

There are two flavours. Outdoor laser combat takes place in woodland, with infrared guns that look the part, team missions and plenty of space to plan an attack. Indoor laser arenas are the dark, neon-lit mazes you might remember from birthday parties as a kid. They’re quick, loud and much more competitive than you’d expect.

Laser tag is my pick when paintball is a step too far. Maybe the stag’s dad is coming, maybe half the lads aren’t keen on being shot at close range, or maybe someone has to look presentable at work on Monday. Laser tag keeps the competition and the tactics without anyone limping home.

It’s great for mixed ages, too. With no pain involved, the younger lads and the older relatives can play on a level field. And there’s no hiding behind “I didn’t feel it” like there is with paintball. The kit logs every hit, so the scores at the end settle every argument. Rarely in the stag’s favour.

• Outdoor laser combat. Woodland, bigger games, more running and more tactics. Best as a daytime activity and good for larger groups. Dress for mud.
• Indoor arenas. Shorter games, no worries about the weather and usually in town. A good warm-up before the bars, as long as everyone’s still sober when they play.

• The booze rule. Most sites won’t let anyone play who’s been drinking. Laser tag first, pub after.
• What to wear. Outdoors, old clothes and boots or trainers you don’t mind getting muddy. Indoors, trainers and something comfortable you can move in.
• Game formats. Outdoor sites usually run a few different scenarios, things like capture the flag or protecting a VIP. Make the stag the VIP. His team will regret it within minutes.
• Group size. Bigger groups split into teams, which is exactly what you want. Check the minimum and maximum numbers when you book.
• How long you get. Some packages are a couple of games, others a full morning. Read the details so you know how to plan the rest of the day.
• Glasses and contacts. Indoor arenas are usually dark and often smoky, so anyone who needs specs should wear them. Squinting at shadows is no way to defend the stag.

If your lot want a bit more sting, look at paintball or airsoft. For a full day of combat, add axe throwing in the afternoon, then finish in town. Laser tag slots into most UK weekends, so pick somewhere with a good night out like Liverpool or Birmingham.