Usually, when we hear the word paintball, what comes to our mind is a large and wide-open air space with huge bunkers or trees, along with players creeping all around in scorching sun rays. That’s what we call an “outdoor paintball field.” Actually, paintball is an outside game, but in cold weather, paintball enthusiasts prefer to play indoor paintball.
You can say indoor paintball is one of the variations of paintball that is getting more popular day by day. Both options for paintballing have their own set of downsides and advantages. If you are nil about indoor paintball game and don’t know which one is best, then stay with us till the end. We will reveal some basic differences between outdoor and indoor paintball. Let’s explore!
Indoor vs Outdoor Paintball
| Indoor Paintball | Outdoor Paintball |
|---|---|
| Played on a close ground with artificial grass and bunkers all around. | Played in an open-air field with natural grass and dirt around. |
| It simulates close quarter battle(CQB). | Outdoor paintball simulates warfare in the open air. |
| It can be played irrespective of weather conditions. | It is greatly influenced by the weather conditions. |
| It can be played even after the sun sets, as the indoor field has lots of lights. | You have to wind up the outdoor game before sunset. |
| Indoor arenas are smaller in size. | Outdoor fields are of huge space. |
| It looks artificial. | It looks real. |
| Chances of injury are more since the distance is very close. | Chances of injuries are almost zero. |
As suggested by the name, indoor paintball game is something that is played inside, in a close boundary, with a ceiling on top. Usually, players use indoor paintballs that are meant to be designed for indoor games.
On the other hand, outdoor is the field paintball that is played on a huge open airfield. Here, players use outdoor paintball markers along with paintballs that are designed for outdoor paintballing.
Though both paintball games serve the same purpose, they are played in the same style by many players nowadays. But which one is better is a weighted question now. Check out the pros and cons of indoor and outdoor paintball.
Indoor Paintball – Pros & Cons
Pros
Indoor paintball can be played all year round
Weather conditions greatly affect outdoor paintballing. That’s why people opt for indoor paintballing, which you can play easily at any time of year. No matter how hot or cold the weather outside is, you can still play indoors with air conditioning in the summer and heaters on in winter. Just because of weather conditions, indoor paintballs are considered the best option, especially in harsh weather.
Indoor paintball can be played in lights
One of the biggest advantages of playing indoor paintball is, it’s played in a well-lit space. That’s why you shouldn’t worry about the length and duration of the game. No matter the sunset and your game remains, you can focus on your game easily under the lights of the field. Indeed, it’s the biggest plus point for players who wind up their game early in outdoor.
Indoor paintballs field are convenient
The reason is, they are within closed boundaries, and you don’t have to deal with bugs and mud on the field. They are clean and are more convenient than outdoor games. You will find facilities like bathrooms, restrooms within the field. Also, running water and snack machines make indoor paintball a lavish game to play.
Cons
Looks Artificial
Despite having many pros, the indoor paintball field looks very artificial you cannot have that level of fun that you had in outdoor paintball. The floor and obstacles look very artificial.
Indoor fields are smaller
Indoor paintball fields are usually limited to a certain size. They are 3-4 times smaller than the outdoor field.
Indoor paintball field hurts
Indoor paintball filed are usually covered with Astroturf, which hurts more than the natural grass. Some paintball field uses artificial grass which is not as supple as dirt for creeping. Whatever the turf is, it can’t compete with the softness of natural grass and dirt.
Indoor paintball fields have close range
Due to the smaller size of the field, you will be shooting at close range in contrast to outdoor games. Shooting at a range less than 10ft hurts more and in some cases may cause serious injuries.
Indoor fields are dirty
Players shoot thousands of paintballs in a single game, which makes the interior of the field slippery, which gives no traction. There are no natural means of cleaning the paint away from walls, boundaries, and bunkers. Cleaning them is a laborious job.
Outdoor Paintballing – Pros & Cons
Variations are unlimited in outdoor paintball
In outdoor paintball, you can enjoy many different variations and scenarios of paintball games. Since you are outside in a huge field with big bunkers or obstacles around. Outdoor gameplay looks like realistic war.
Outdoor fields are huge
You can’t define the size of the outdoor paintball field. They cover acres and acres of land. You have unlimited space to play on the outdoor field. Due to the large space, you can use high range paintball guns. The huge space with natural obstacles like trees, ditches, and rocks takes your outdoor paintballing experience to the next level.
Outdoor fields have real ground
Unlike indoor paintball fields, outdoor fields have natural grass or rough terrains like grass and dirt. Interestingly, grass and dirt doest hurt especially when you are sliding or creeping around. In fact, falling on them doesn’t cause any injury.
Outdoor paintball fields are more cleaner
Yes, it’s true, but it’s strange. On any paintball field players shoots thousands of paintballs which degrade with time under the sunlight. Since the dye in paintball is washable, which can be washed away in rainy weather from bunkers and natural obstacles? In short, outdoor paintball fields are comparatively cleaner and easier to maintain.
Cons
Outdoor paintballing is weather-bound:
Harsh weather conditions greatly affect outdoor paintballing. Scorching summers and freezing winters impact the performance of your markers, paintballs, and of course, your own self. Also, since it’s an open-air field, you have to face rain and snow as well.
Outdoor paintballing is time bounded
Usually, a paintball game lasts for about 60–90 minutes and sometimes more than that when we have huge teams. In fact, the fun and excitement of the game don’t let players quit. But they have to quit because of less lighting on the field after sunset.
Outdoor paintballing is a rough game
Yes, you have to face bugs, mud, rocks, and different insects on the field. Plus, you won’t get any free water supply or snack machines on the field.
Conclusion
Paintballing is fun, be it indoor or outdoor paintball. In my opinion, outdoor paintballing is something out of this world. The large open fields, the surrounding, natural bunkers, and obstacles give a real warfare look, and it feels like you are a soldier who is fighting with enemies to save his country. Whereas, indoor paintball game has its own charm and perks like a temperature-controlled environment with artificial grass all around. So it all depends on your choice.