Types of Players

Players usually fall into two categories: recreational and tournament players. Tournament players take the game seriously, investing in excess of £1,000 in paintball gear. For example, a top of the line paintball marker can cost anywhere from £400 to £1000 or even more brand-new. A recreational marker can however be purchased for £50 to £180.

There are many types of recreational players, ("rec ballers"). Many, if not most, play games in commercially licensed and insured paintball fields. These playing fields are typically the most regulated, with specific rules and referees.

Other paintballers may use private property to play. Games on private property generally offer more freedom for players to develop their own rules and style of play. However, playing on private property is arguably less safe than playing on regulated fields, and liability can become a serious problem if proper safety precautions are not taken.