Laser Quest

Shortly after "Phase 2", players with that color will be asked to move to "Phase 3". This is the briefing room, where players will be taught how to use the equipment by the staff. The players will also recite the players code, which is the rules for the game;

I will not run, climb or jump

I will not sit, kneel or lie down

I will not cover any targets

I will not use offensive language

I will not make physical contact with any other player

I will play hard, play smart and give it my all! (This was originally "play to survive")

After the briefing, players will enter the "airlock", where the packs/vests are placed. Players will select a lighted vest, place the equipment on and key into their pack with the activator they received. On the back of their laser, should display their code name. Players will then line up, at the direction of the staff, and their activators will be collected as they are then directed into the maze/arena. (Sometimes, the player code is recited in the airlock instead of the briefing room)

Entering the maze, players can expect to find black lights, colorful paint, fog, music, strobe lights, mirrors, windows, multiple levels and ramps. Every maze is drastically different, and learning the maze is a great skill. Players will move about the arena, seeking out their opponents in order to tag them. They will also want to avoid being tagged in the process.

At the conclusion of the game, the players pack will emit an “end of game” noise and will shut off. The staff will make an announcement for them to return to the airlock and place their pack back upon the rack in which they took it from. Players will then proceed out of the airlock, via an exit door, and meet the staff at the score monitor in lobby for their scorecards (Phase 4).

Game variants

The hardware and software used limit what types of games a Laser Quest center can hold. Up to four different groups of settings can be created; it is normal for everyone on a team to have the same settings, though this is not required. When giving packs within a team different settings, the packs will not be visibly different in-game, with the exception of 'sentinel' packs that have the ability to give lives and ammunition to teammates. These packs are identified by an alternate light pattern on the front and back sensor.

The settings which can be altered are:

The number of shots used can be quite large; in certain game types, players routinely fire 3000+ shots. This will give an accuracy rate of perhaps 5%. This seemingly low amount is a result of constant firing and dodging, as players are not directly penalised for missed shots. The average is 6% ratio of accuracy.

Downtime is defined as the period of time after a player is tagged that they remain deactivated. After the downtime has expired, the de-activated player's pack will re-energise and they are able to play as before.