Prisjakt
Prisjakt
Updated: 5 March 2026
NERF guns, also called NERF blasters, are fun toy weapons that test your marksmanship with soft shots. Whether you want fast duels or to plan strategic battlefields, there are plenty of models to choose from. In this guide we offer tips on what to consider before buying your next NERF gun so you get the most play and action for your money.
NERF guns are popular toy weapons that fire darts made of soft foam. The dart tip is flat and foam-like, making them safe to use, perfect for play indoors or in the garden without injuring anyone.
The concept was launched as early as 1969 in the USA by the manufacturer NERF, and since then the name has become almost synonymous with all toy guns that fire foam ammunition, regardless of manufacturer. Today the NERF brand is owned by Hasbro, which continues to develop new models and ranges for all ages.
Image: Unsplash, Kolby Milton
NERF has produced a wide range of NERF guns in various series, from small manual pistols that fire one shot at a time to fully automatic blasters and even bows. Each series has unique features and designs suited to different types of play and battles.
For example, the Modulus series can be expanded with extra accessories such as a sight, barrels or magazines, while the AccuStrike series uses ammunition with a slightly firmer tip for improved accuracy.
Bear in mind that different NERF series use different types of foam ammunition, which do not always fit between series. Always check that extra darts fit your specific NERF gun before buying them.
Popular NERF series to compare are:
NERF guns are recommended for children aged 8 years and up. They contain small parts and are therefore not suitable for children under 3 years.
Younger children can still play with simpler models that are easy to load and hold with one or two hands. Avoid blasters that require the child to pull a lever to an exact position, as that can be difficult for the very young.
Although NERF guns are designed for safe play one should always be cautious. A direct hit to the eye or face can damage vision. Safety goggles are always recommended, for both children and adults, so play is fun and safe.
All NERF models have different characteristics that suit specific situations. A small pistol can be a last resort when a larger weapon has run out of darts, and if you want to practise marksmanship it's easiest with NERF guns that have a built-in sight. Essentially you should choose based on what you will be shooting at and in what context.
Consider the following before you buy:
A few darts always come with your NERF gun. In many cases this is two to eight darts depending on the model. Buy extra darts separately so you don't have to search for the fired ammunition after only a few trigger pulls. There will be fewer interruptions in play and it doesn't matter if one of the darts gets lost.
Image: Unsplash, Kolby Milton
There are motorised NERF guns that can fire darts automatically. These require batteries to be installed in the weapon, often AA or AAA batteries.
The ammunition for NERF guns is soft and can break with rough handling. Models with magazines and automatic reloading can sometimes pinch darts if loaded incorrectly. Therefore it's good to have some extra darts on hand.
The more advanced motorised models can fire several darts per second, and the most powerful models can reach up to about 30 metres. Usually most NERF guns are in the 15–20 metre range.
There are several types of darts for NERF guns. Here are some of the more common ones right now.
Elite Darts: The classic blue darts with orange tips. They work in most blasters. The darts are cheap, wobble easily in the air and are not very accurate. In addition, durability is poor.
MEGA: Much larger, red darts that whistle in the air. They only fit in the large red MEGA weapons. The darts last longer and are more reliable. According to Hasbro, 6 out of 10 darts should reach maximum range with selected NERF models.
Rival: Small foam balls used in the Rival series. They are more accurate but require specific magazines. Rival darts come in different variants. Green are the standard variant with a smooth surface and yellow are so-called "High-Impact" darts with a surface reminiscent of a golf ball. The latter are harder, faster and more accurate.
Ultra: A newer type of dart with a stiffer foam. They only fit in Ultra blasters and are markedly more expensive than the other darts. Ultra darts are notorious for breaking when they hit a surface because the tip is glued to the body. There is a newer Ultra AccuStrike variant that is even faster and more accurate than the standard darts.
There are many different variants and types that we do not list above. For example special darts that are filled with water and break on impact for various water games. And darts made of a gel-like material that must be placed in water before use.
See what fits your specific NERF guns before you buy your darts.