FAQS

QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR FIELD

These are some of the most common paintball questions we get asked – about us and about paintball in general. Just select a category below. We’d like to answer all of your questions, so if you don’t see an answer to your question below, please feel free to contact us.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

  • WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

    Long pants are recommended. We suggest a long sleeve t-shirt. Camouflage is not necessary, but it will help you blend in. Hiking shoes are recommended for ankle support, but tennis shoes will do. Be sure to dress for the weather if you’re playing at Splatter Ranch. Layers are good in case you get hot during play.

  • WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO BE HIT BY A PAINTBALL?

    It depends on the amount of clothing, how close up, and the speed of the ball. Generally, it’s like getting a good smack from a DRY towel or a racquetball (only much smaller).

  • DOES THE PAINT WASH OUT?

    Yes. Our paint is completely washable. You may want to bring something to put on the car seat for the drive home. It is kind of difficult to throw the car seats in the wash.

  • HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO PLAY?

    Our standard minimum is 10 years old. Also, all players must be able to fit the goggles, no matter what their age, before they can play. All players under 18 need a waiver form signed by their parents in order to play. This form can be filled out in advance and brought to the field on game day. Parents do not need to be at the field. This form can be found on our forms page.

  • IS IT DANGEROUS?

    Like any active sport, there is always a possibility of accidents. As long as the safety gear is worn and the rules are followed, paintball has been proven to be the one of safest sports available.

  • CAN I BRING MY OWN PAINT?

    No. Westworld Paintball is a field-paint-only field. That means that we do not allow outside paintballs on our Recball fields. We provide a quality field paint option, that is good for use with all types of paintball markers. This policy is in place to ensure we comply with state environmental standards.

  • HOW MUCH PAINT WILL I USE?

    All players play the game differently, so each person uses a different amount of paint. Most players will make do with however much (or little) they have. We’ve found that the average player uses about 500-700 paintballs in an afternoon of play (some will use more, some will use less). The best thing to do is purchase paint by the case, if possible since the cost per case is the least expensive way to get additional paintballs. If you have any paintballs left over, you’re welcome to take them home with you and bring them back for use next time you play.

  • DO YOU TAKE CREDIT CARDS?

    Yes. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.

  • IS THERE FOOD/DRINK AVAILABLE?

    Splatter Ranch offers food concessions through an on-site vendor during our winter hours. There are no machines at Splatter Ranch.


    You’re welcome to bring your own food and/or refreshments, except alcohol, to Splatter Ranch. We ask that you don’t bring anything in glass containers.

HOURS

  • WHAT ARE THE OPEN PLAY HOURS?

    Each location has different hours. Please look for the field you are interested in on the “Hours” page or check out the “Events” calendar for information on special events we have coming up.

  • HOW LONG CAN I PLAY?

    Admission fees and equipment rental fees are good for all open game hours each day. Once you are checked in and have gone through orientation, you’re welcome to stay and play as many games as you want until we close. The only variable is the amount of paint you want to purchase.

PRICING

  • HOW LONG ARE THE FEES GOOD FOR?

    Admission fees and equipment rental fees are good for all open game hours each day. Once you are checked in and have gone through orientation, you’re welcome to stay and play as many games as you want until we close. The only variable is the amount of paint that you want to purchase.

  • HOW MUCH IS AIR?

    Air varies depending on the type of air you use. Our equipment rental includes air for the day. If you bring your own equipment, then you’ll need to purchase air fills. If you use N2/Compressed air, then you can get as many fills as you need/want for $5.00 a day per tank. CO2 fills are either $4.00 or $7.00 per fill, depending on the size of your tank.

  • HOW MUCH IS TAX?

    All items are taxable at 8.6% (.0860) at Splatter Ranch.

  • WHY DO YOU CHARGE TAX ON ADMISSION AND EQUIPMENT RENTAL?

    Even though most of us see this as a service and therefore feel it should not be taxed, the State and City have told us otherwise. What most of us don’t realize is that there is a tax on all types of admission; they just usually build it into their price. We’ve chosen to keep it separate.

  • HOW MUCH PAINT WILL I NEED?

    All players play the game differently, so each person uses a different amount of paint. Most players will make do with however much (or little) they have. We’ve found that the average player uses about 500-700 paintballs in an afternoon of play (some will use more, some will use less). The best thing to do is purchase paint by the case, if possible since the cost per case is the least expensive way to get additional paintballs. If you have any paintballs left over, you’re welcome to take them home with you and bring them back for use next time you play.

  • HOW MUCH IS IT IF I ONLY WANT TO PLAY FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS?

    The fees are the same for all players no matter how long they choose to play. We don’t keep track of how long our players are at the field, and we have many players that leave and get food and then come back. So, we’ve found that it’s easier for everyone if we have one fee.

SPLATTER RANCH ARENA

  • IS THIS ARENA INDOOR OR OUTDOOR?

    Splatter Ranch is an outdoor arena located in North Scottsdale. There are a couple of covered areas in the reception area, but the field is completely outdoors.

  • WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

    Splatter Ranch is located at 7025 E Jomax Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85054. Take Scottsdale road north about 5 miles from the 101 to Jomax. Turn west onto Jomax and go about 300 feet. Go south into the open gate to the parking area. Once you turn in, you will see the reception area and the equipment trailer.

  • WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS?

    Splatter Ranch is open for walk-on games on Saturdays & Sundays only. It is open for private games 7 days a week. Check out the hour's page for detailed hours or check the events calendar for upcoming special game days.

  • DO I NEED A RESERVATION?

    Reservations are not required to join in with open games. There is extra FREE paint to be had if a reservation is made in advance for groups of 6 or more. During open games, all players join in and play together. Our referee staff divides the group into 2 or 4 teams. All players are welcome to play as many games as they would like once they are checked in and have gone through orientation.

  • WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

    We provide everything you’ll need to play paintball. If you’re under 18, you’ll need to bring a waiver form signed by your parents. You may want to bring lunch money for concessions or pack your own lunch if playing at Splatter Ranch.

  • WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

    Long pants are recommended. We suggest a long sleeve t-shirt. Camouflage is not necessary, but it will help you blend in. Hiking shoes are recommended for ankle support, but tennis shoes will do. Be sure to dress for the weather, layers are good in case you get hot during play.

  • HOW MUCH PAINT WILL I USE?

    All players play the game differently, so each person uses a different amount of paint. Most players will make do with however much (or little) they have. We’ve found that the average player uses about 500-700 paintballs in an afternoon of play (some will use more, some will use less). The best thing to do is purchase paint by the case, if possible, since the cost per case is the least expensive way to get additional paintballs. If you have any paintballs left over, you’re welcome to take them home with you and bring them back for use next time you play.

  • DO YOU HAVE FOOD AVAILABLE?

    At Splatter Ranch we have various cans of soda, bottled Gatorade, and bottled water for sale in the trailer. Down at Pinnacle Peak and Scottsdale Road, there are a couple of food places and sometimes one of the pizza places close by will deliver.

  • CAN I BRING IN FOOD?

    You’re welcome to bring your own food or drinks, except alcohol. We ask that you don’t bring anything in glass containers.

PRIVATE GAMES

  • HOW DO I MAKE A RESERVATION?

    The easiest way to make a reservation is to fill out our online reservation form. You can also print the printable reservation form and fax it to 602-447-8200 or mail it (with payment) to 140 N Country Club Dr, Mesa, AZ 85201. (Remember that reservation availability changes very quickly, so give yourself plenty of time in advance.)

  • IS MY DATE/TIME AVAILABLE?

    Date availability changes minute to minute. The best way to know is to call 602-447-8200 and have us check a date for you. However, please remember that if we tell you a date is available, that information may change within minutes. If you are booking a private event, you can place a tentative hold on a date, while you gather funding to pay for your event and get confirmation from the people you’re having attend the event. This way, your date will not get taken without your knowledge. You’ll want to pay for your reservation as soon as possible after placing a hold on your date.

  • WHAT IF I ONLY HAVE 15 PLAYERS?

    There is no minimum number of players that you need to have for a private event. There is a minimum price for a private event. This price includes 20 players, all rental equipment and safety gear, and 2 cases of paint, but this does not mean you have to have that many players. You can also have more than 20 players.

  • HOW MUCH PAINT WILL I NEED FOR MY GROUP?

    All players play the game differently, so each person uses a different amount of paint. Most players will make do with however much (or little) they have. We’ve found that the average player uses about 500-700 paintballs in an afternoon of play (some will use more, some will use less). With a group, the best thing to do is purchase paint by the case for the group to share, since that is the most cost-effective way to get additional paintballs.

  • I HAVE A PLAYER THAT IS UNDER 10, CAN THEY PLAY WITH OUR GROUP SINCE WE HAVE A RESERVATION?

    Unfortunately, the answer to this question is no. We only allow players 10 or older on our fields, no matter the situation.



  • WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GROUP RATE/BIRTHDAY PARTY AND A PRIVATE EVENT?

    A group rate/birthday party is played during our open play hours and the group is mixed in with the public. A private event is a private field where no one but your group is on the field while you are playing.

  • WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?

    Long pants are recommended. We suggest a long sleeve t-shirt. Camouflage is not necessary but will help you blend in with the environment. Hiking shoes are recommended for ankle support, but tennis shoes will do. Be sure to dress for the weather if playing at Splatter Ranch. Layers are good in case you get hot during play.

  • I AM NOT VERY ATHLETIC, CAN I STILL PLAY?

    Paintball does not rely completely on athletic ability. It’s “the great equalizer”. Every person on the team, no matter what their ability, can affect the team, even if they stay in one place and snipe the other team.

  • CAN WE BRING OUR OWN PAINTBALLS?

    No. Westworld Paintball is a field-paint-only field. That means that we do not allow outside paintballs. We provide a quality premium paint or a mid-grade paint option, that is good for use with all types of paintball markers. This policy is in place to ensure we comply with state environmental standards.

  • CAN WE BRING OUR OWN EQUIPMENT?

    This is up to each group. Players are generally welcome to bring their own equipment. But some group leaders make the decision not to allow players to bring personal equipment. The best thing to do is check with the person organizing your event. All outside equipment must be chronographed before each game. (A Chronograph measures the speed of the paintballs the marker is shooting). All equipment must be set at or under the allowed speed for that field. Bringing your own equipment does not affect the price of a reservation. And anyone that brings their own equipment will need to purchase their own air. (This is available at the field).

  • IS THERE A PLACE TO SIT FOR THOSE NOT PLAYING TO WATCH?

    Splatter Ranch offers picnic tables that you’re welcome to use. there is a TV that broadcasts four live webcam feeds of the action.

  • DO YOU PROVIDE FOOD?

    Splatter Ranch offers food concessions through an on-site vendor during our winter hours. There are no machines at Splatter Ranch. You’re welcome to bring your own food and/or refreshments, except alcohol, to Splatter Ranch. We ask that you don’t bring anything in glass containers. We can provide a soda/water/Gatorade bar for your private event if you wish. Please call 602-447-8200 for more information on this option.

GROUP & BIRTHDAY PARTIES

  • WHY SHOULD I MAKE A RESERVATION?

    We have many players each day. Occasionally, we do fill up or rent out all of the equipment we have available. The best way to ensure that your group will get to play is to make a reservation. It’s also a great way for your group to save money.

  • IS MY DATE AVAILABLE?

    Date availability changes minute to minute. The best way to know is to call 602-447-8200 and have us check a date for you. Remember though, that if we tell you a date is available, that information may change within minutes, so you will want to pay for your reservation as soon as possible after speaking to a staff member.

  • WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GROUP RATE/BIRTHDAY PARTY AND A PRIVATE EVENT?

    A group rate/birthday party is played during our open play hours and the group is mixed in with the public. A private event is a private field where no one but your group is on the field while you are playing. A group rate/birthday party also has a minimum number of players required to make a reservation. A private group can have as few players as they want, but they’ve paid to have up to 20 or 30 players depending on the location

  • I AM NOT VERY ATHLETIC, CAN I STILL PLAY?

    Paintball does not rely completely on athletic ability. It’s “the great equalizer”. Every person on the team, no matter what their ability, can affect the team, even if they stay in one place and snipe the other team.

  • CAN WE BRING OUR OWN PAINTBALLS?

    No. Westworld Paintball is a field-paint-only field. That means that we do not allow outside paintballs in our arena. We provide quality field paint that is good for use with all types of paintball markers. This policy is in place to ensure we comply with state environmental standards.

  • CAN WE BRING OUR OWN EQUIPMENT?

    Yes, players are welcome to bring their own equipment. All outside equipment must be chronographed before each game. (A Chronograph measures the speed of the paintballs the marker is shooting). All equipment must be set at or under the allowed speed for that field. Bringing your own equipment does not affect the price for a reservation. And anyone that brings their own equipment will need to purchase their own air. (This is available at the field).

  • CAN I BRING CAKE AND PRESENTS?

    Yes, you’re welcome to bring a birthday cake and presents to Splatter Ranch. We ask that you don’t bring anything in glass containers.

  • IS THERE A PLACE TO EAT AND OPEN PRESENTS?

    Yes, we have picnic tables that you’re welcome to use and even decorate if you wish. Tables are not reserved and are first-come, first-served. But most of the time, there is plenty of room and people are willing to share if necessary.

  • DO YOU PROVIDE FOOD?

    Splatter Ranch offers food concessions through an on-site vendor during our winter hours. There are no machines at Splatter Ranch. You’re welcome to bring your own food and/or refreshments, except alcohol, to Splatter Ranch. We ask that you don’t bring anything in glass containers.

TIPS & TACTICS

  • AIM TO MISS

    It might sound like the worst tip in the world, but if you really want to get that guy hiding behind the bunker, aim to miss. When you shoot a bunker, it makes noise, and that keeps your target from looking around. If you just miss the bunker to the left or right, your target won’t know if you are shooting at them. They will stick their head out to see where you are and what’s going on…and if you time your shots just right, he will stick his head out in time to get tagged!

  • MOVING OUTDOORS

    Moving outdoors takes some skill, but when you master it, you can almost be invisible. Try to move when there is a lot of noise…a heavy shootout…a breeze…a passing vehicle, even. That noise will cover up the sound of your footsteps, the thing that a lot of players listen for to find someone sneaking up on them. Limit the amount of time you are in the open. When you break cover, during your run, mentally tell yourself “I’m up, they see me, I’m down.” At the end of that mantra, get to cover. You’ll have gained some ground, but kept your exposure (and the chances of getting tagged) to a minimum.

  • PREPARING YOURSELF & YOUR EQUIPMENT

    Camouflage yourself and your equipment.


    Tape or pad any part of your weapon or equipment that rattles or is loose and may snag.


    Be sure that the padding does not interfere with the operation of the weapon.


    Wear soft, good fitting clothes.


    The distinctive silhouette of the helmet can be broken up by the use of thick brush.


    Move by bounds; that is, short distances at a time.


    Halt.


    Listen.


    Observe.


    Move Again.


    Look for the next spot where you will stop before leaving the concealment of one position. Select the best available covered and concealed route to the new location.


    Take advantage of darkness, fog, smoke, or haze to assist in concealing your movement.


    Change direction slightly from time to time when moving through tall grass. Moving in straight lines causes the grass to wave with an unnatural motion which attracts attention.


    If you alarm birds or animals, remain in position and observe briefly. Their flight or movement may attract the enemy’s attention.


    Take advantage of the distraction provided by noises.


    Cross roads and trails where there is the most cover and concealment and then cross quickly and quietly.


    Follow the furrows as much as possible when crawling over a plowed field.


    When you must cross the furrows, look for a low section in the field; crawl down a furrow to that section and make your cross-furrow movement.


    Avoid steep slopes and areas with loose stones.


    Avoid cleared areas to prevent being silhouetted.

  • PAINT CHECKS

    This is more of a point of etiquette than a tactic but it’s still something every player should be aware of. Some players tend to forgo asking for a paintcheck and simply yell to their opponent where they got hit…or think they got hit. If you think you hit your target, or if you think you got hit but aren’t sure, call for a paintcheck. If you call for a check on someone or see someone being checked by a referee, wait until the ref makes the call and moves away before shooting. The other guy and the ref will be grateful for the courtesy. Paintcheck rules vary by field so make sure to check which rules apply at the field you are playing.

  • RE-LOADING

    Reloading keeps you in the game but can get you tagged out too. Lots of players tend to look at their hopper and pod when they reload, taking their eyes off the field for crucial seconds. Practice reloading by wearing your pack or vest while sitting in a chair and watching TV. Reach for a pod, load your hopper, and put it back…all without taking your eyes off your favorite show. You don’t have to have paint in your pod and after a while, it will become second nature to reload without taking your eyes off the screen…or your target on the field.

  • OPPOSING TEAM & PINCHING

    Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of a team gives you a strong advantage because you can plan paintball tactics around the facts discovered. For example, if you know who the stronger players are, you can focus on them at the beginning, then move on to the weaker players. Alternatively, you can stay away from the stronger player’s side and work the weaker side to gain a positional advantage. Pinching is when two players attack from both sides of a bunker that your enemy is sheltered behind. If you don’t mark the player during the initial attack, they will most likely be forced to move. This will give a better opportunity to eliminate the player. Paintball tactics that incorporate pinching are very effective when executed properly.

  • SQUAD LEADER

    Squad leaders are the guys/girls that manage the team on the field, keep everyone focused on the objective, and redirect players when things go wrong. Good squad leaders keep track of several things at once, have a good grasp of the field layout, know where their players are on the field and are able to change their battle plans on the fly. A great squad leader is well liked by his team, intelligent and has a good grasp of the field and his teammates. While it may seem that he/she spends most of the game away from the shooting and giving commands over the radio, the ideal position for the squad leader is, in fact in the rear. If the squad leader is eliminated, it can throw a team into confusion…possibly costing them a key position, points, or the entire game. However, he/she must also be willing to wade into a firefight when the situation calls for it. Knowing when to lead from the rear, and when to lead from the front is the toughest skill to master and become comfortable with. Radio communication is a must. The squad leader needs one (sometimes two) good radios to keep the flow of information moving, as well as good communication skills. Keeping the location of his teammates, the enemy players, and the objective organized in his/her mind takes impressive multitasking skills, so the good squad leader is able to do many things at once…receiving information from one player, giving directions to a squad, and keeping an eye out for other players sneaking up on him. From time to time, the squad leader is going to come under fire, either because somebody got too close or he must put himself on the line to take or hold a position. The squad leader needs an accurate marker. He wades into a shootout infrequently, so he doesn’t have to carry much paint…3 or 4 pods at most. As the squad leader gets to practice, his team is going to be impressed with how often they win.

INDIVIDUAL MOVEMENTS

  • WALKING

    Use when:

    • Extremely quiet movement is necessary.
    • Observing the enemy.
    • Moving towards the enemy.
    • You are required to watch for the enemy constantly.

    Hold your weapon at port arms. Make your footing sure and solid by keeping your weight on one foot as you step.


    Take short steps to avoid losing your balance.


    At night, when moving through dense vegetation, avoid making unnecessary noise by holding your weapon, with one hand (in any convenient manner) and extending the other hand forward, feeling for obstruction as you move.

  • THE RUSH

    The fastest way to move from one place to another. This should be used when crossing cleared areas or roads.


    Start from the prone position.


    Slowly raise your head and select your next position.


    Slowly lower your head.


    With one movement, spring to your feet and run to the new position using the shortest route possible.

  • THE LOW CRAWL

    Use when:

    • Cover and concealment are scarce.
    • Visibility permits good enemy observations.
    • Speed is not essential.

    Keep your body as flat as possible against the ground. Grasp the rifle sling at the upper sling swivel. Let the balance of the rifle rest on your forearm and let the butt of the rifle drag the ground.

  • THE HIGH CRAWL

    Use when:

    • Cover and concealment are available.
    • Poor visibility reduces enemy observation.
    • You require more speed.

    Keep your body free of the ground and rest your weight on your forearms and lower legs. Cradle the rifle in your arms, keeping its muzzle off the ground. Keep your knees well behind your buttocks so your buttocks stay low.

  • THE HAND AND KNEE CRAWL

    Use when:

    • Silence is imperative.
    • You are near the enemy
Share by: