Aliens (Xenomorph) Tag

Name and Purpose

Aliens Tag is a high-energy conversion tag game with a role-switch mechanic that keeps everyone moving and involved.
Players practise strategy, spatial awareness, and cooperation as the Alien team grows each round.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 10-40 players | 15-25 minutes | Large dark indoor space (gym, hall) OR clear outdoor area at night

Materials

1 neon vest or jersey per player (minus starting Aliens)
Glow sticks or cones to mark Hive boundary (at least 4)
Timer (phone or stopwatch)
Small flashlights for staff only (to monitor the space safely)
Note: Staff should be aware of any participants who find low-light environments distressing

Quick-Run Card

Choose one starting Alien. All others wear neon vests.
Mark the Hive zone. Set timer to 2:30 and call “Go!”
Alien tags a player and escorts them to the Hive. Tagged player removes vest and waits.
When the timer ends, all Hive players stand and become Aliens.
New Aliens choose the next Hive location. Repeat until all players are Aliens.

Setup and Boundaries

Mark the play boundary clearly with glow sticks, cones, or a defined indoor perimeter
Mark the Hive with at least 4 glow sticks in a circle large enough for players to sit comfortably
Signal: 1 staff flashlight flash = pause; 2 flashes = stop and gather at Hive
Staff walk the perimeter in pairs during play, do not stand still
Check the space for trip hazards before lights go down

How to Play

Designate one player as the first Alien. All other players put on a neon vest.
The first Alien chooses where the Hive will be. Staff mark it with glow sticks.
Staff set the timer to 2 minutes 30 seconds and call “Go!”
The Alien tags a player by touching their shoulder gently. The Alien then escorts the tagged player to the Hive.
The tagged player removes their vest and places it at the Hive, then sits and waits.
When the timer ends, the first Alien returns to the Hive. All players in the Hive stand up and become Aliens.
The Alien team together chooses the next Hive location. Staff move the glow sticks.
Play continues until all players are Aliens.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Play as a free human, run and dodge; or play as an active Alien chasing and escorting
S (Support): Play as a communication Alien, calling out where humans are to other Aliens; or encourage Hive players while waiting
Q (Quiet): Move at a walk pace as a human or Alien; the escort role allows slower movement
O (Observer): Watch from the Hive as a designated “Hive Keeper” who tracks the vest pile and counts captured players; join the active game when ready

Inclusion Adaptations

Walking-pace rule: any player can declare themselves a “Walker” at any time. Aliens must also slow to a walk when tagging or escorting a Walker.
For players not comfortable with low-light environments, the Hive Keeper role (Observer, well-lit spot near staff) is a full and valued part of the game.

Stewardship Moment

Collect all glow sticks and vests immediately after play. Return reusable glow sticks to storage. Dispose of single-use glow sticks in the correct bin.
Reflection: “What made the Hive grow faster? What strategies slowed it down?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “This game happens in low light. For those not comfortable with dark spaces, the Hive Keeper role keeps you near the staff area with a light on. That role matters just as much.”
Pre-brief (contact): “Tagging in this game is a gentle shoulder touch. For those not comfortable with any physical contact, let a staff member know and we will set up a flag-pull alternative.”
Mid-game check: After the first round, pause. “Everyone doing well? Any adjustments before the next round?”
Opt-out/re-entry: Any player can step to the staff area at any time without explanation. Return to any role at the start of the next round.

Risks and Mitigation

Collisions in low light: require walk-pace near the Hive zone; staff hold flashlights pointed at the ground to illuminate trip hazards
Players not spotted by Aliens: staff can narrate approximate locations aloud without targeting specific players
Vest pile getting confused: designate one Hive Keeper to manage the vest pile each round

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Glow Patrol”: players walk the full boundary in the dark to get comfortable with the space before play begins
“Slow-Motion Tag”: one round of tag in slow motion to calibrate appropriate tagging force

Debrief Questions

What? “What strategy did the Aliens use that worked well?”
So What? “What was it like to go from being human to being part of the Alien team?”
Now What? “When have you felt like you joined a team that was already moving without you?”

Cleanup and Reset