HOW TO BUILD A ORBY GUN FIELD AT HOME?

Creating your own gel blaster arena at home is a great way to enjoy tactical games with friends and family. Whether you're aiming for a casual garden setup or a more advanced private field, this UK-friendly guide covers everything you need — from legal checks to layout ideas and safety essentials.

1. Check local regulations

Know the law in the UK

Gel blasters are legal in the UK as long as they meet certain conditions. Two-tone (bright coloured) models are generally permitted without restriction. Avoid realistic imitation firearms (RIFs) unless you hold a valid defence (e.g. Airsoft site membership under the VCRA).

Let your neighbours know

Even if it’s legal, it's smart to inform neighbours in advance. Explain that you’re setting up a safe, recreational space and reassure them about noise levels and safety.

2. Choose the right space

Garden size recommendations

• Small garden (10×6 m): great for short-range games or 1v1 matches
• Medium garden (15×10 m): ideal for 2–6 players with mixed cover
• Larger land (30×20 m+): suitable for objectives, sniper zones, and team games

Site conditions

Pick a flat, enclosed area. Add barriers or fencing to stop gel balls from leaving your property. Natural elements like trees or bushes can be used for cover too.

3. Plan your layout

Essential zones

• Spawn zone: for players to start or respawn
• Safe zone: no firing, for gearing up and reloading
• Combat zone: with covers, barricades, and shooting lanes
• Spectator area: optional but great for parents or filming

Fun features to include

• Central flag or control point
• High-ground platform for snipers
• Corridors and chokepoints for close-quarters action

4. Materials and gear

Building materials

• Wooden pallets or OSB boards (available at B&Q or Wickes)
• Tyres, barrels, plastic crates
• Camouflage nets, ropes, ground pegs

Safety gear

• Boundary netting or fencing
• Warning signs: “gel blaster area – eye protection required”
• First aid kit and basic fire safety gear

Additional field equipment

• Folding tables and chairs for safe zones
• Water tubs to rinse magazines
• Boxes for battery and gear storage

5. Build your field step by step

Quick cover setups

• Stack pallets and tyres to form bunkers
• Use ropes or zip ties to keep them stable
• Add camo nets for a more immersive feel

Sniper platforms

Build a simple raised area (1.5–2 metres tall) with railings. Use only with supervision and ensure it’s stable.

Create CQB lanes

Use pallets or sheets to create zig-zag routes and avoid blind corners. Keeps gameplay safe and dynamic.

6. Safety rules and supervision

Core safety guidelines

• Always wear eye protection
• No firing at close range (keep 2–3 metres minimum)
• Never shoot outside the play area or over fences

Control FPS levels

Most standard gel blasters shoot around 200–250 FPS. Avoid high-powered custom builds in small gardens, especially if children are playing.

Assign a marshal

For group games, having a neutral adult to supervise ensures everyone follows the rules and stays safe.

7. Maintenance and clean-up

After each match

• Pick up rubbish or damaged covers
• Wipe down gear
• Store gel balls and equipment properly

Regular safety checks

Inspect bunkers and barriers for stability. Tighten loose fittings and remove anything that could be unsafe.

8. Comfort and convenience

Charging and refill area

Set up a shaded table where players can refill mags, charge batteries, and take short breaks.

Hydration and seating

Have water available and create a shaded rest zone. A gazebo or parasol works well even in smaller gardens.

Lighting for evening play

Use LED strip lights or battery lanterns for night games. Avoid strong floodlights to keep the atmosphere immersive.

9. Budget and timeline

Example weekend build plan

• Day 1: design your layout, build main covers and mark boundaries
• Day 2: add extras, test safety zones, play a trial match

Estimated budget

Field type    Cost range (GBP)
Small garden field    £150 – £400
Medium setup          £400 – £800
Large private field    £800 – £2,000+

10. Game modes to try

Team deathmatch

Simple and fast-paced — great for warmups or short rounds.

Capture the flag

Encourages strategy and teamwork, especially on larger fields.

Defend the base

One team protects a structure while the other attacks. Great for using bunkers or sniper spots.

FAQ – building a home gel blaster field

Do I need planning permission?

Not for temporary setups. Avoid building permanent structures without checking with your local council.

Can kids play?

Yes, as long as they wear eye protection and are supervised. Use lower-FPS blasters for younger players.

Can I charge people to play?

Not without insurance and legal permission. Stick to private games with friends or family.

Are gel balls biodegradable?

Most reputable brands are eco-friendly and break down after drying. Avoid cheap or poor-quality options.

Conclusion

Building a gel blaster field at home can turn casual games into tactical adventures. Whether it’s a small CQB garden setup or a fully built-out private arena, a little planning goes a long way. Prioritise safety, start simple, and adapt the layout to fit your space. With the right materials and a creative mindset, your home can become the ultimate gel blaster battleground.