A Nerf war scene.
For a list of Nerf war game types, see Nerf war/Game variants.
A Nerf war is the term for a battle between two or more players, individually or in teams. Teams usually have the same amount of players, but may sometimes be unequal to balance skill levels. Common places to have wars include backyards, playgrounds, indoors, and even wooded or urban areas.
Rules[]
Players establish rules before the game starts. Under basic rules, players can use any type of Nerf blaster. Typically, only blasters are allowed, but some groups allow melee weapons or shields, like the N-Force series. Punching, kicking, or other types of direct contact is not allowed.
First, the group should establish what Dart type(s) will be used, to ensure everyone has sufficient ammo for their blaster. For example: if RIVAL blasters are used, players should ensure that there are sufficient High-Impact Rounds available. Other items, such as additional blasters, ammo, or game objectives, can be placed before the game starts.
Players also need to decide how many hits a player can take before being "tagged" out (often one). Rules for players that are tagged often depend on the number of lives, one life means they are out until the next game. In team games, tagged players usually either return to base to "respawn" or must wait until a teammate "revives" them by tapping them with their hand.
However, players can establish other rules, such as limiting blaster choices, or allowing certain players to be more powerful than the rest. There are many more ways to customize Nerf battles, so just be sure all players know the rules before starting.
War classes[]
In larger, more organized, Nerf battles, classifications may be used to denote various types of blasters and the associated rules. Many groups also establish an FPS (feet per second) cap on blasters so that the battle remains competitive and safe for the location.
Stock[]
Stock wars only allow stock blasters that have not been modified in any way. Generally, this only disallows blasters with modifications affecting their performance, and not aesthetic modifications like painting.
Super Stock[]
Super Stock battles, also known as SAMBO (Stock Ammo, Modified Blasters Only), allow blasters that have been modified for performance. Users are limited to what ammunition they can use, however; as the SAMBO acronym suggests, only stock ammunition like standard Elite Darts are allowed. Homemade darts, such as Stefans, are not allowed.
NIC[]
NIC (Nerf Internet Community) battles are commonly played with stock blasters that have been highly modified, or even 3D printed/homemade blasters. They often use Half-length darts or homemade variants. Compared to other groups, NIC battles tend to focus on a blaster's rate of fire, high firing range, and accuracy.