Combat Live Laser Tag

Where Strategy Meets the Arena

Combat Live Laser Tag is located inside Merle Hay Mall in Des Moines, IA. The facility hosts a 5,000-square-foot laser tag arena where the course layout changes every week, keeping even regular visitors on their toes. The gear is built around military training equipment, so instead of the usual "pew pew" or "zap zap" sounds, players handle controllers that simulate 285 different weapons — and the weapon simulation rotates weekly. It is a place designed for friends and family to compete against one another or team up against another squad, without the pain or cost of paintball or airsoft.

Game Modes That Keep Things Fresh

The list of available game modes is surprisingly deep for a local laser tag spot. Open play typically rotates through a set of core modes, but private parties can request something different. The lineup includes Team Deathmatch, Team Elimination, Capture the Flag, Blood Money, Predator, Battle Royal, Base Assault, Mystery Box, Juggernaut, Domination, and even a Zombie mode for special occasions. Whether someone prefers straightforward elimination or objective-based chaos, there is a mode that fits the mood. The arena layout changes alongside the game modes, so no two visits feel exactly the same.

More Than Just Laser Tag

Beyond the arena, Combat Live operates a game center where visitors can sit down and play popular video games on a business-grade internet connection. Instead of yelling at friends through a headset from home, players can gather in person and game side by side. All purchased gaming time is saved to a user ID, so unused minutes roll over for future visits. This setup makes the venue a solid choice for birthday parties, corporate team-building events, and casual hangouts where not everyone may want to run through the arena at once.

A Place Built for Celebrations

Private parties and birthdays are a central part of what Combat Live does. Reservations must be made at least one day in advance with a deposit, and the arena is booked exclusively for the group. The recommended maximum is 16 players for private parties, with additional guns available for a fee. The staff has earned praise from visitors for being pleasant, welcoming, and great at supervising groups while keeping the energy positive. For those planning a larger gathering, the combination of laser tag and a game center means there is something for everyone, whether they are tactical shooters or casual gamers.

What Visitors Are Saying

Reviews from guests highlight the realistic feel of the laser tag system and the weekly rotating gun simulations. Parents have noted that kids love the experience and that adults enjoy it just as much. The staff is frequently described as extremely pleasant and welcoming, with good supervision and an emphasis on teamwork. The venue currently offers discounted walk-in rates while the new facility is being fully set up, which adds a little extra value for first-time visitors looking to check the place out.