When starting out as paintball player, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the choices of equipment available. The important thing to remember is that players only need four items in order to play: a paintball marker, paintballs, a mask, and a barrel blocking device.

Paintball markers are the guns designed to shoot paintballs. All paintball guns use a gas in order to propel the paintballs through the muzzle. Pressurized air or carbon dioxide are common propellants. Most paintball guns are semi automatic. Paintballs are actually gelatin capsules which are designed to burst on impact. Paintball masks are required at all paintball facilities, because being hit with a paintball in the eye can cause permanent damage or loss of the eye. It also protects the ears, which can also be damaged by a hit from a paintball. The final required item is a barrel blocking device, which is used when players are not actively involved in a game.

Although these items are the only ones needed in order to play, many players prefer to use accessories which decrease the risk of injury and increase their ability to be successful in the game. These items are available for purchase at paintball facilities, as well as through an online paintball store