Indoor paintball vs outdoor paintball is one of the many considerations that paintball players need to keep in mind when choosing their gear and where to spend their funds. Many people wonder whether indoor or outdoor paintball would suit them best.
Indoor paintball vs outdoor paintball; what’s the difference? The main difference between playing paintball indoors compared to outdoors is that indoors you are shielded from the weather. However, outdoor fields have more space and house multiple fields, whereas indoor arenas can often be cramped and small.
What is Indoor and Outdoor Paintball?
Before we look at the key differences, we should look at a few characteristics of indoor and outdoor paintball. We will look at what the aim is for both.
Indoor Paintball
Indoor paintball is played on smaller indoor fields, which feature overhead covering and access to utilities. Weather should not be an issue and you won’t have as much room for running and hiding. Here are a few characteristics:
- Smaller playing fields
- Overhead protection
- Faster games
- Easier to keep contact with opponents
Outdoor Paintball
Outdoor paintball is slightly different, even though the playing fields can be the same size. Aside from weather conditions, elements like the wind could affect your performance and shots. Here are a few characteristics:
- More outdoor space
- Ideal for longer games
- More versatility for players
- Requires more powerful weapons over longer ranges.
Indoor Paintball Vs Outdoor Paintball – 7 Essential Differences
Before you choose your paintball gear, you need to decide if you want to play paintball indoors or outdoors. While the game might seem similar to many players, there are a few essential differences you should keep in mind. Here are the main differences that set these two formats apart:
1. Weather
One of the main differences would be the weather. For indoor paintball, you will be shielded from the weather conditions due to having a roof overhead. Playing outdoors can be a bit more tricky and you will need to compensate for the weather conditions, especially during months with unpredictable and harsh conditions.
Playing indoors would shield you during the winter months from the cold while also helping people stay safe during any severe thunderstorms or from the heat of the summer sun. No mud or bugs are of concern when you are playing indoors.
2. Space
The more space you have available, the better it would be for playing paintball. When playing outdoors, you have access to almost unlimited space, which means that different variations can be played. Role-playing games like simulated wars should be slightly easier and the use of various accessories would make sense due to the additional space.
While this does not mean indoors would limit you, you will not be fortunate enough to have access to the wide-open space. Whilst playing, I often find that it is harder to hide and surprise opponents when playing indoors. Paintball bunkers tend to be placed close to one another indoors, allowing your opponents to track your every move.
3. Indoor Games Are Less Tiresome
Unless you are camping somewhere and decide that you are waiting for other players, you will constantly be moving around on the playing field. If the playing field is big, you might need to work on your stamina to ensure that you can run around from cover to cover.
The great thing about having paintball bunkers so close to each other is that you don’t need to run around as much. These hiding spots are located close to one another, which would makes them easier to access. However, some might argue that due to the closeness of hiding spots, you might need to move more to avoid being trapped.
4. Outdoor Games Can Take Forever
It is no secret that we all have limited time. Even watching the news takes up time we often don’t have. While paintball is a fun activity you can do outdoors, many of us only have a few hours a day. This would make indoor paintball the more attractive option and you can complete your game far more rapidly if need be.
Typical indoor games like capture the flag or defend your territory would take you around 2-hours to complete the game. On the other hand, an outdoor paintball game would go on for hours. This can also be expensive if you consider that you would be shooting around 100 paintballs every 30 to 45-minutes of play.
5. Outdoor Games Don’t Have Waiting Queues
While many facilities would prefer if you book ahead of time to skip the queue, it is not always that easy and you might make an impulsive decision to visit the paintball field. Since outdoor areas have such vast and expansive terrains, it is much easier to set up numerous playing fields. These playing fields would mean that almost everyone has the opportunity to play simultaneously.

You might need to wait for indoor players since many indoor facilities would have one or perhaps two fields to be used simultaneously. However, this would reduce the space even more and you could wait as long as 2-hours for a game to finish.
6. Facilities For Emergencies
One of the first perks I found when I played my first indoor game after starting as a casual outdoor player is the access to facilities. While many outdoor areas will have restrooms, these are often in one location, which is close to the entrance to keep it central. Many players would relieve themselves outdoors in this case.
However, the smaller size of the indoor arenas means that you will always be close to a restroom, which is located indoors. If you need to rush to the toilet you can quite easily and then return to play.
7. Gear and Equipment Are Different
When playing indoors, you want to carry as many paintballs with you to ensure that you do not run out of ammunition. Since you are shooting at a rapid rate reloading will be necessary so carrying additional gear is recommended. For outdoor players, this is different and you will need to compensate for longer running times and longer shots.
One of the main differences is the paintball guns you will be using. If you play at a professional level, you need something more powerful for outdoor play to ensure the ball has a better travel distance with accuracy.
Wrap-Up
Whether you choose to play indoors or outdoors, there is something about paintball for every player. Yes, you might find that it is tough playing and running around outdoors, but you also have more space. Indoor games work best for fast and snappy mini-games. Let us know in the comment section which you prefer paintball inside or outside.
Other Articles of interest: Indoor Paintball – An Expert Guide