How to Play Capture the Flag: a Fun New CTF Variation With Gel Blaster!

Capture the flag is one of the most fun, exciting strategy-based games you can play. While we loved it as children, we still love it as adults! And today, we're going to take your love for CTF to a whole new level with a cool new capture-the-flag variation you can try with Gel Blaster!

Maybe you're looking for new capture the flag ideas for an upcoming birthday party you're hosting for the kids. Or, perhaps you just want something new to try this weekend with your family, neighbors, or friends. No matter the case, you're going to love this new capture the flag variation we'll share today.

First, though, we want to teach you how to play capture the flag traditionally. We'll also cover a few other variations of capture the flag you can consider adding to the mix. Before we get into all that, though, let's begin with a brief overview of CTF and the history of this classic game.

What is Capture the Flag? A Brief History & Overview

Capture the flag is a game that can be played indoors or outdoors. The objective of the game is to capture your opponent's flag and bring it back to your own base. The team that captures the most flags in a set amount of time wins the game.

The game dates back to medieval times when armies would try to capture enemy flags as a way to demoralize them. The goal in this era wasn't to have fun. This was a real war tactic. Even today, CTF-style training is used as an exercise by militaries around the world.

Nowadays, capture the flag is mostly seen as a fun game for kids and adults alike. It's often played at birthday parties, summer camps, and other social gatherings. And we think it's about time you brought CTF into your next Gel Blaster battle! More on that later. First, let's talk about how to play capture the flag traditionally. Here's the gameplay and rules you need to know about

How to Play Capture the Flag: Traditional Gameplay & Rules

Now that you know a little bit more about CTF, how do you play capture the flag? Here are the basic rules of traditional capture the flag:

• The game is played with two teams. Each team has a designated base and a flag.
• To win the game, a team must capture their opponent's flag and bring it back to their own base.
• If a player is tagged by an opponent, they are considered "out" and must go to jail. In order to be released from jail, another player on their team must tag them.
• There are typically four jails in each corner of the playing field.
• There are a few ways to capture the flag: by physically taking it from the other team's base, or by finding it in the other team's territory and bringing it back to your own base.

Those are the basic rules of how to play capture the flag! Of course, there are endless variations of capture the flag that you can try out. Here are a few of our favorites.

How to Play Variations of Capture the Flag: Ideas to Spice Things Up

As we mentioned, there are many different variations of capture the flag. The rules we shared above are just a starting point - feel free to get creative and add your own twists! Here are a few variations of CTF you can try:

One Flag CTF

In this capture the flag variation, there is only one flag in play. Traditionally speaking, each team has their own flag - so gameplay features a balance of offenseand defense. With this variation, though, your team will go all in on either defense or offense. If you're guarding the flag first, your job is to prevent the enemy from capturing the flag at all costs.

Then, after a set time, you'll switch sides. The one caveat is that if a team is able to capture a flag successfully, the round is over - and teams switch sides. Because there is no balance of offense and defense, it's important to set ground rules for "baby guarding" the flag. You can set a rule about how close defenders are allowed to be to the flag at any given time. You can also set a safe zone around the flag where attackers cannot be tagged. Or, try another variation of one flag capture the flag:

Here, there is still a single flag. But, both teams are trying to get it back to their base! The first team to capture the flag and bring it back to their base wins the game. This capture the flag idea is incredibly exciting. However, so too is the next variation we're going to share...

Multi-Flag CTF

This is a more complex variation of capture the flag involves multiple flags placed throughout the playing field. The objective is still to capture your opponents' flags and bring them back to your own base - but there are many different ways to do so. It also makes for more exciting gameplay as you'll have to spread your defensive resources across more flags - making it easier to steal a flag successfully. 

To make things more challenging, you can also try a variation of multi-flag CTF where each team has their own set of flags. In this case, the objective is to capture all of the other team's flags - not just one. This is an incredibly challenging variation that is sure to get your heart racing!

Last Man Standing CTF

Think back to how you play capture the flag traditionally. There's a jail where "tagged" players can go - and be freed at some point. However, if you want to up the stakes a bit, consider last man standing CTF.

This is an elimination-style capture the flag game. The objective is to be the last team standing with at least one player remaining. OR, you can set objectives like a certain number of captures (capture the flag 3 times to win, for example).

The reason we love this capture the flag idea is because it forces players to be more thoughtful and strategic when they cross enemy lines. You only have one life to live in this variation -use it wisely!And on a more broad level, the overarching strategy is different. You can focus your attention on eliminating enemy players or capturing the flag - either of these objectives gets you closer to a win.

Timed CTF: In this variation, the game is played for a set amount of time instead of until one team captures a certain number of flags. The team with the most flags at the end of the timer wins the game.

Now that you know how to play capture the flag and some fun variations to try, it's time to get blastin'! We're talking, of course, about our new Gel Blaster capture the flag variation.

How Do You Play Capture the Flag With Gel Blaster?

Now - it's the moment you've been anxiously awaiting since we teased it at the beginning of this article. How do you play capture the flag with Gel Blaster? This exciting new capture the flag idea is taking the nation by storm. So, we'll teach you how to play below.

First - read up on some of our related articles on Gel Blasters and Gellets. If you're unfamiliar withwhat gel blasters are, we have a great introductory resource on why ourGel Ball Blasters are a must-have in your playing arsenal. You can also learn about thebiodegradability of gel balls,how bad gel blasters hurt, andhow to know when gel balls are ready in our blog. With all that said, let's get into how to play capture the flag with Gel Blaster:

1. First things first, you'll need to stock up on gel balls and make sure you have enoughwater bead blasters for everyone. The specific number you'll need depends on how you want to play. You can arm everyone in the game - or, just arm the defenders. After all, you can only get enemy players "out" when they're in the offensive zone. Ultimately, it's up to you.
2. Instead of tagging people to get them out and defend your flag, you'll blast them! This adds a fun layer of precision and skill to what is already an exciting game.
3. Once you've been "blasted", you either go to jail or exit the game altogether - depending on the capture the flag variation you're playing. You can also create a unique dynamic where you can "blast" your jailed teammates from a certain distance to free them. Get creative and add your own rules as you see fit. It doesn't matter how you play, as long as everyone's safe and having fun!

Final Thoughts on How to Play Capture the Flag Variations With Gel Blaster

We hope this has sparked your creativity and has you eager for battle. While there is always going to be a place in our hearts for traditional capture the flag, let's face it -the capture the flag ideas we just shared add an edge that will transform the way you play!

So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Gel Blaster and stock up on all your essentials. Or, read our guides onhow to store gel balls andhow long gel balls need to soak so you can prepare for the skirmish. Have fun!