THE FIRST-TIMER FIELD GUIDE

Your First Paintball Adventure

New to paintball? You are exactly who this guide is for. Learn what happens from check-in to game one, what gear DBS provides, what to wear, and how to step onto the field feeling ready.

DBS guest with rental paintball equipment ready for a first adventure

START HERE

Pick the Experience That Fits Your Group

Both options include friendly guidance for first-time players. The difference is who joins your games.

Paintball players ready for an Open Session at DBS

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Open Session

Come on your own or with a few friends and play pickup games with other guests. Rental packages are available, and our hosts will teach you the flow.

EXPLORE OPEN SESSIONS
Private paintball group at DBS

YOUR GROUP, YOUR GAMES

Private Group

Reserve a time for your party. Only members of your group play in your group’s games, and a dedicated host keeps everything moving.

EXPLORE PRIVATE GROUPS

THE SIMPLE VERSION

Paintball Is a Fast, Friendly Game of Tag

Players wear protective masks, use paintball markers, split into teams, and complete short game objectives on themed outdoor maps.

The most basic format is team elimination: mark opposing players with a paintball while staying in the game yourself. Other game modes add flags, checkpoints, rescue missions, or special objectives—but the rhythm stays easy to learn.

You do not need experience. Your host explains the rules, demonstrates the equipment, and starts you with a clear game plan.

Short Games

You will play multiple rounds instead of one long match.

Team Focus

Communication and movement matter more than experience.

Easy to Learn

A safety briefing and game orientation happen before play.

Built for New Players

DBS introduces first-timers every week and helps them feel at home.

GEAR CHECK

Everything You Need to Play

Your package covers the core equipment and access. You only need to dress for an active outdoor day.

DBS rental paintball mask

Protective Mask

Included for each player. It protects the eyes, ears, front of the face, and sides of the head.

DBS rental paintball marker with air tank and hopper

Rental Marker Setup

Includes a compressed-air tank, hopper, and barrel bag. Your host shows you how every part works.

Traditional and low-impact paintballs shown side by side

Package Paintballs

The amount depends on your selected package. You can purchase more at the park if your group needs them.

DBS host providing a compressed-air refill

Unlimited Air Refills

Compressed air powers your marker. DBS refills your bottle throughout your visit as needed.

THE MAPS

Admission provides access to the scheduled play areas and themed maps.

THE ORIENTATION

Every player receives the safety briefing and game orientation before play.

THE HOST

Your host organizes teams, explains each game, and keeps the day moving.

SAFETY FIRST

Three Rules That Matter Most

Know these before you arrive and the rest will feel easy.

01

Keep Your Mask On

Keep Your Mask On equipment example

Your mask must stay on before entering and throughout every live-fire area.

  • Protects eyes, ears, and face
  • Never lift it for fog, heat, or a quick conversation
  • Ask your host for help if you need to adjust it
02

Use the Barrel Bag

Use the Barrel Bag equipment example

Outside live-fire areas, the barrel bag must cover the marker barrel.

  • Keep it attached between games
  • Treat it as your ticket off the field
  • Your host checks it before you leave the play area
03

Use DBS Paintballs

Use DBS Paintballs equipment example

Only paintballs purchased at DBS may be used at the facility.

  • Protects field equipment and surfaces
  • Keeps quality consistent
  • Ask the pro shop if you are unsure what to purchase
If You Forget, Stop and Fix It Immediately.

Hosts actively supervise play and reinforce these rules. Repeated safety violations can mean sitting out games or ending play for the day.

LOW IMPACT OR TRADITIONAL

Two Sizes. One Big Adventure.

A paintball is a small gelatin capsule filled with a washable, food-grade marking fill. It is designed to break on target and leave a visible mark.

.68 CALIBER

The traditional paintball size, available for players age 10 and older.

.50 CALIBER

A smaller option available for players age 6 and older.

Traditional .68-caliber and low-impact .50-caliber paintballs shown side by side

FROM ARRIVAL TO GAME ONE

Your First Visit in Four Simple Steps

There is no mystery. Follow this flow and your host handles the details.

01

STEP 01

Choose How to Play

Pick an Open Session or reserve a Private Group. Open Sessions welcome walk-ins when space is available, but booking ahead is recommended.

02

STEP 02

Complete the Waiver

Every player needs a waiver. Complete the waiver before arrival when possible. Players must meet the age requirement for their chosen format.

03

STEP 03

Check In and Gear Up

Your team completes check-in, receives the safety briefing and game orientation, and gets fitted with rental equipment.

04

STEP 04

Play Your First Game

Your host explains the map, objective, boundaries, and teams. Then the countdown begins.

GET READY → GET SET → PLAY

Get Ready: load paintballs, check air, and wipe old hits. Get Set: meet at the entry point while your host selects the map, game mode, and teams. Play: complete the objective, then reset and do it again.

Paintball players using cover on a DBS outdoor field

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Nerves Fade as Soon as the Game Starts

Getting hit by a paintball can sting for a moment—often compared with a firm flick or a rubber-band snap. Most first-time players say the anticipation feels bigger than the actual hit.

Once the game begins, attention shifts to teammates, cover, and the objective. You will play multiple short games, so one elimination never defines the day.

Need a Gentler Start?

Low Impact Paintball is designed for younger players and anyone who wants a softer introduction. Kids as young as 6 play this format at DBS.

FIRST-TIMERS WELCOME

New Players Are Our Specialty

DBS introduces new players every week. Your host will walk you through the safety rules, equipment, and game flow so you can focus on having a great first adventure.

DRESS FOR THE FIELD

Comfortable, Covered, and Ready to Move

Choose clothing for an active outdoor day. The marking fill is washable, but dirt and grass are part of the adventure.

  • Long pants such as jeans, work pants, or athletic pants
  • Long sleeves or a sweatshirt when weather allows
  • Closed-toe shoes with reliable grip
  • Layers you can add or remove as conditions change
  • Clothes you do not mind getting dirty; avoid white if grass stains concern you
READ THE COMPLETE WHAT-TO-WEAR GUIDE
DBS guest with a rental paintball marker and protective equipment

PLAY SMART

The Beginner Playbook

You do not need fancy moves. A few good habits make the first game more fun.

FIVE TACTICS THAT WORK

  1. Stay compact. Crouch behind cover so less of you is visible.
  2. Move with purpose. Advance from one useful position to the next.
  3. Talk to teammates. Share where opponents are and plan together.
  4. Aim before shooting. Controlled shots help your paintballs last.
  5. Keep it fun. Celebrate good plays and reset quickly after elimination.

MISTAKES TO SKIP

  • Never remove your mask in a live-fire area.
  • Do not stand tall above the same piece of cover.
  • Remember to check and refill your air between games.
  • Do not go silent—your team needs information.
  • Do not freeze in one spot for the entire game.
  • Do not take one result too seriously; another game is coming.

YOU KNOW THE BASICS. NOW COME PLAY.

Your First Game Starts Here.

Choose an Open Session to meet other players or reserve a Private Group so only your group members play in your group’s games. Either way, our hosts will teach you the ropes.

Low Impact Paintball is available for ages 6+. Traditional Paintball is available for ages 10+.

Players enjoying a private-group paintball adventure at DBS