Archery Tag rules: how a game works
Published on 10 July 2026 by the Tag Brussels team
Archery Tag is a mix of archery, dodgeball and paintball: two teams face off with bows and rubber-tipped arrows, pain-free and with no experience needed. Here are all the rules, explained by the team that hosts games every week on our forest field in Bierges (Wavre), near Brussels.
What is the goal of Archery Tag?
Simple: eliminate every player on the opposing team by hitting them with an arrow, or complete the objective of the current scenario (capture a flag, protect a king…). A game is usually played between two teams of 5 to 8 players, separated by a neutral zone in the middle of the field.
At the starting signal, the arrows sit in the centre: both teams sprint to grab as many as possible, then the duel begins. You shoot, you dodge, you take cover behind trees and obstacles, and you scavenge ammunition between assaults.
How do you get eliminated, and how do you come back?
A player is out when an arrow hits them (the body, not the bow). But Archery Tag has two spectacular comeback mechanics:
- Catching an arrow mid-air: intercept an enemy arrow before it touches the ground and an eliminated teammate returns to play.
- Hitting the enemy target: in some variants each side has a 5-spot target; every spot knocked out brings one of your players back.
The result: nobody sits out for long, and a trailing team can always turn the game around.
How long does a game last?
A round lasts 15 to 20 minutes. At Tag Brussels, a full session lasts 2 hours: safety briefing, archery initiation, then back-to-back rounds with rotating scenarios. A group typically plays 5 to 8 rounds per session.
What are the safety rules?
- Full-face mask on at all times, even between rounds.
- Never shoot under 5 to 7 metres: at close range, ask your opponent to surrender instead.
- Rubber-tipped arrows only, supplied and checked by our instructors.
- Flat shots only, never arcing arrows into areas you cannot see.
With these rules and our instructors on the field, Archery Tag is a pain-free activity: the soft rubber tip absorbs the impact, you feel a light push. That is the big difference with paintball: see our comparison Archery Tag vs paintball.
Do you need archery experience?
No. The bows are designed to be easy to draw (softer bows for kids), and every session starts with an initiation: stance, nocking, aiming, release. After 10 minutes of practice, everyone hits their mark. From age 8, sporty or not, everyone finds their place.
Ready to try Archery Tag?
A 5-hectare private forest field 20 minutes from Brussels, 2-hour sessions from €35 per player, gear and instructors included.
Book my Archery Tag gameFrequently asked questions about the rules
How many players do you need for an Archery Tag game?
The sweet spot is 10 to 16 players (two teams of 5 to 8). At Tag Brussels, sessions run from 10 players; above 16, our instructors rotate teams or set up a mini tournament.
What happens if an arrow hits my bow?
An arrow hitting your bow does not eliminate you: only body hits count. Using your bow to deflect an arrow is a seasoned player's reflex, and perfectly legal.
Can you pick up the other team's arrows?
Yes: any arrow on the ground belongs to whoever grabs it first. Raids into the neutral zone for ammunition are among the most intense moments of the game.
Is Archery Tag played indoors or outdoors?
Both exist. At Tag Brussels you play the outdoor version on a dedicated 5-hectare forest field in Bierges (Wavre): trees and terrain provide natural cover, far more immersive than an indoor arena.