Pulse-Racing Missions, Neon Halls & Laughing Warriors — Our Epic Day at Combat Ops Indy

When my friends and I started planning a weekend outing, we wanted something that combined action, variety, and social fun — more than just going out to eat or seeing a movie. We discovered Combat Ops Entertainment-Indy via their website, which promises a “battle-themed entertainment center” with laser tag, Nerf, mini golf, axe throwing, laser maze, arcade, dark ride theater, and more — all under one roof.

What appealed immediately was the “all-in-one” concept: no need to travel between locations, and something for every taste in our group (some like fast action, some simpler games). Also, the facility is large (about 25,000 sq ft) and has mission-based laser tag in a multi-level tactical arena with upgraded gear.

So I booked it for a friends’ gathering — the idea of laughing, competing, exploring different zones all in one evening felt perfect.

We rolled into the parking lot at 4650 E Southport Road, easily finding a spot. The building had bold signage and a modern industrial vibe. Walking inside, we were greeted by the hum of activity: neon lights, ambient music, colorful arcade lighting, and the scent of popcorn and energy. The lobby had game machines lining the walls, party room doors, and a clear path toward the laser tag check-in.

At the front desk, the staff welcomed us warmly, checked our reservations, handed us guest wristbands, and guided us through a safety briefing. The interior lighting was dramatic: shafts of blue, red, and purple lights cutting through the slightly smoky (in a controlled effect) air. You could feel anticipation in the space — like stepping into a sci-fi battlefield.

The staff escorted us to a staging zone with lockers and benches. There, we saw glimpses of the multi-level laser tag arena through windows — elevated walkways, neon outlines, cover zones, and varied levels. I remember thinking: “this is going to be something special.”

For this visit, we opted for the “Mission-Based Laser Tag Party Package”, designed for groups. In our case, the package included:

A reserved session in the multi-level mission laser tag arena

All required gear (laser guns, vests, calibrations)

Option to rotate through other attractions (Nerf tag, mini golf, laser maze)

A party room reserved afterward to relax, eat, and debrief

Staff support and coordination (to manage transitions, explain rules, etc.)

We decided to spend the majority of our time in the laser tag missions but leave windows to try the laser maze and mini golf as breaks from the intensity.

Once equipped and briefed, we entered the laser tag arena. The moment the lights dimmed and mission music activated, the energy shifted. We stood in a dark corridor, the neon edges glowing on walls, and then the gates opened. The interior is built with multiple levels, staircases, catwalks, cover walls and elevated platforms — really cinematic in feel.

We played a mission where we had to infiltrate an enemy base, tag targets, defend zones, and hold out against waves. The sound design added tension — distant beeps, footsteps, echoing commands. As I darted from cover to cover, trying to flank an opponent, my pulse raced. One friend got pinned in a corridor, and another rushed in to save them. The coordination, shouts of warning, laughter, and sudden close calls made the experience feel vivid and alive.

Between missions, we caught our breath, compared scores, teased each other about misses. Then we wandered into the laser maze — a twisting path of beams we had to avoid triggering. It challenged reflexes and intuition, and walking it felt like navigating an artistic obstacle course bathed in color.

Finally, we cooled down by doing indoor mini golf (the “meltdown mini golf” theme), which was quirky and fun — a mellow contrast. The arcade, too, provided just the right low-pressure zone to recharge.

After all that, we retreated to our party room. Soft overhead lighting, chairs and tables, our loot (score sheets, mementos) laid out. We brought in snacks and chatted. The contrast between the adrenaline of battle and the calm of post-game camaraderie felt rewarding.

When we finally stepped out into the cool Indianapolis evening, the air felt different — charged, alive, as if the battle energy still hummed in our veins. My pulse was still racing, my hair damp from the rush, my voice half-gone from shouting commands and laughing too hard. The city lights looked softer, quieter, after all the chaos inside. We’d entered as friends looking for fun, but we left as a team — tired, happy, and glowing with that unique joy that comes only from shared adventure. Combat Ops isn’t just entertainment; it’s a rush that stays with you long after the game ends.