How Many Laser Taggers Do I Need for My Party?
Planning a laser tag party and wondering whether you need one tagger for every child?
In most cases, you don’t.
Our ten-tagger base package is an affordable and practical choice for parties with up to 20 guests—and even larger groups can use it successfully with a little coordination.
Laser tag is energetic. After a fast-paced game lasting 10 to 15 minutes, most players are ready for a drink and a short break. That creates the perfect opportunity for another group to take over.
Our quick recommendation
Number of guestsRecommended optionUp to 10Ten taggers, with everyone playing together11–20Ten taggers with two rotating groups21–30Ten taggers with three rotating groups, or additional taggers for a more relaxed schedule
If you have limited time and want everyone playing continuously, adding more taggers may be worthwhile. For most two-hour birthday parties, however, ten taggers can provide plenty of action.
Why ten taggers work so well
With ten taggers, you can run a five-versus-five match. This is a great team size because everyone can get involved without the playing area becoming too crowded or confusing.
For a party with 20 children, divide everyone into two playing groups of ten. When it is their turn to play, each group separates into two teams of five.
While the first group plays, the second group can:
Have a drink or snack
Watch the game
Plan its tactics
Socialise with friends
Prepare for the next match
After 10 to 15 minutes, swap the groups. The players coming off the field receive a well-earned break while the next ten take over.
Laser tag is energetic
Laser tag keeps children moving. Players run between cover, communicate with teammates, defend positions and try to outsmart the opposition.
Although a 10-minute game might sound short, it can feel much longer when you’re in the middle of the action. Players are often ready for water and a rest after each match.
This is why rotations work so naturally. The break doesn’t feel like waiting—it becomes part of the event.
Several shorter games can also be more exciting than one long match. You can change teams, try a different strategy and give everyone another chance to win.
Running a two-hour party with 20 guests
Ten taggers can work very well for a two-hour laser tag party with 20 guests.
Divide the children into two groups:
Group A: 10 players
Group B: 10 players
Group A plays the first 10-to-15-minute game while Group B rests. The groups then swap.
Continue rotating throughout the party. Each group can play several games, with breaks for drinks, food and birthday cake.
The secret is keeping the event moving. You don’t need a complicated tournament or pages of rules—just know which group is playing next and have them ready when the current game finishes.
A few simple coordination tips
Rotating players requires a little more organisation, but it doesn’t need to be difficult.
Before the first game:
Divide the guests into their playing groups.
Give each group an easy name or number.
Explain how long each match will last.
Show everyone where to wait and get a drink.
Nominate an adult to keep track of time.
Have the next group ready before the current game finishes.
A phone timer is often all you need. When the timer sounds, finish the game, swap the players and start again.
Keeping matches to approximately 10 to 15 minutes helps maximise everyone’s playing time.
What about parties with 21 to 30 guests?
Ten taggers can still work for groups of up to 30 people. Divide the guests into three groups of ten and rotate them through the games.
This option is particularly suitable for a longer event where laser tag is one of several activities. While one group plays, the others can eat, socialise, watch the action or participate in another activity.
For a shorter party, three rotating groups require more careful coordination because each group spends more time waiting. In that situation, adding extra taggers can make the schedule easier and give everyone more playing time.
When should I hire additional taggers?
Additional taggers are helpful when:
You want more guests playing simultaneously.
Your party has a tight schedule.
You would prefer fewer rotations.
You want the event to feel more relaxed.
You have a large playing area suitable for bigger teams.
More taggers give you greater flexibility, but they aren’t essential for every party. Playing with 20 taggers and 20 children also requires more playing space than a five-versus-five game.
For many backyards and smaller venues, ten players on the field can produce a better game. There is more room to move, players can find cover and the action is easier to follow.
Keep it simple
You don’t need to overcomplicate a laser tag party. Split the players into groups, set a time for each game and let the fun take care of itself.
Laser tag works because people already understand the basic idea: find some cover, work with your team and tag the opposition. Children love it, adults quickly get involved and every game creates a new story.
Our ten-tagger base package includes ten commercial-quality laser taggers, two Medic Boxes and a Master Controller. The equipment arrives ready to use, making it easy to run your own games.
View our laser tag hire packages or enquire about the best option for your guest numbers.
Laser Tag Mania Hire delivers DIY laser tag equipment across Tasmania, including Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie.