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One thing that all kids can agree on when it comes to Nerf guns is that the range is impressive with something for nearly everyone. There are impressive rifles, bows, and everything in between with different effects and types of ammo. This is all great for epic battles and playtime during the day when we can appreciate all the lights and sounds at the best.
But what about if you want to go undercover in the darkness, a bit like a laser-tag game, or if you want to play at night? This is when kids will love any Nerf toy that has glow-in-the-dark capabilities or other light-up elements. So, can you get glow-in-the-dark Nerf guns, glow-in-the-dark Nerf darts, or maybe even both?
Can you get glow-in-the-dark Nerf guns?
Unfortunately, glow-in-the-dark Nerf guns don’t exist in the way that most kids would like them to. In an ideal world, you would have clever casings on these guns where they charge up under white light and look great in the dark. This would include cool design details that relate to a different aspect of the brand or maybe just some fun stickers.
This isn’t something that you can find that easily unless going for Nerfcompatible toys or adapting a current model with glow-in-the-dark effects. Instead, you will find guns that light up in the dark. This is either through the use of Glowshot technology to charge up the darts or other light-up elements.
In this guide, you will find a range of the best glow-in-the-dark Nerf guns that glow or light up in the dark in some manner. The first group is a series of guns from across different Nerf lines that include Glowshot tech or another lighting to create a great visual impact in the dark. This is followed by a pair of toys that are Nerfcompatible rather than from the company itself. The idea here is that you can use these glow-in-the-dark accessories with a regular Nerf gun to create a fun scene in the dark. Following that, I have a section on glow-in-the-dark Nerf ammo. These darts should glow without the need for that Glowshot tech and help enhance the experience of using a more standard Nerf rifle at night. Before we look at those top products, let’s consider some common questions regarding these Nerf guns.
Do Zombie Strike Nerf guns have glow-in-the-dark capabilities?
There is an understandable assumption that if any Nerf gun is going to have a glow-in-the-dark feature, it will be the Zombie Strike series. It makes sense for these grotesque green weapons to have some extra feature to make them look more toxic and scary in the dark. However, this isn’t the case. The casing is just green in color and will not charge up when exposed to white light. If you want to bring some glow-in-the-dark elements to this range then you will need to get some of the glow-in-the-dark darts or a compatible toy from a different brand.
What is Glowshot technology?
You will see the term Glowshot a lot in this guide. This is related to the technology within a small series of guns that allows them to charge the projectiles before firing. This then makes it easier to send glowing darts across a dark room. There is a light source within the blaster that you activate with a special button. After sufficient time, the darts should be ready to fire for dramatic effect.
There aren’t that many products in the Nerf line that use this sort of technology but it is worth looking out for if you want that effect with minimal effort. The alternative for light-up Nerf guns is to get something with literal lights inside. There is an example of this below.
Do you need batteries to make a Nerf gun glow in the dark?
The light source within these Glowshot guns does require battery power. The company should make it clear on the box what type you need, although it is highly unlikely that they will supply any for you. This can make the initial cost and upkeep of these sorts of guns a little more expensive. The good news is that you don’t need that battery to fire the gun.
So, it is possible to use a product as normal with no restrictions on the range or performance overall when the batteries run out. Also, there is the alternative option of getting a series of the best glow-in-the-dark Nerf darts highlighted below, charging them under white light, and not needing the battery. It is less convenient but it still works.
Choosing the right Glowshot compatible Nerf gun.
If you decide that you want to get a Glowshot Nerf gun for glow-in-the-dark ammunition, or one of the other light-up models, there are other considerations to keep in mind. The gun still needs to be able to fire those darts effectively across an adequate range. So, make sure to check the range and the method of firing in the product description. The gun also needs to have a good design away from any glowing features for regular use during daytime campaigns.
Kids want something with 24/7 appeal, ideally, within a range, they are familiar with. For example, one of the models below is from the more feminine Rebelle range. So, if you have a child that gravitates towards that aesthetic and the related gameplay, this might be the obvious choice in glow-in-the-dark Nerf weapons.
1) Nerf Glowshot Gun
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The name of this gun is a bit of a giveaway as to why I have included it in this guide. The Glowshot feature is the main selling point here with the focus primarily on that ability to send those glow-in-the-dark darts through the air. The system is pretty easy to use, to the point that most younger players shouldn’t have any problems with it. As long as you press and hold the button for long enough, you should be fine. The one-dart capacity isn’t ideal but makes sense for this sort of gun. It is about the process and the art of propelling the glowing dart rather than rapid firepower. It is good fun, but not as interesting as some of the other products.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-down” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]A nice introduction to this sort of gun
Comes with three compatible darts[/i2pros][i2cons]Not the most interesting gun to use this technology.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
2) Nerf Rebelle Lumanate
The Nerf Rebelle line is very popular with lots of teenage and pre-teen girls because of the aesthetics and the alternative type of gameplay. It is nice to see that there is a gun that fits into this line that has the same Glowshot technology. This means that players that focus on this storyline and the general look of Rebelle don’t miss out on the chance to fire glow-in-the-dark darts in the darkness. The process is the same with the light to charge the tip of the darts. You also get the same number of darts in the pack.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-down” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]The gun has enough features to tie this into the other Rebelle products
There is the same effective Glowshot action[/i2pros][i2cons]The range is advertised as 85 feet, which seems a bit short compared to other guns[/i2cons][/i2pc]
3) Star Wars Rogue One Nerf Captain Cassian Andor Blaster
This gun is sold as having GlowStrike technology for glowing light effects and the same way of charging the darts so that they glow when fired. It isn’t clear if there is anything else that makes this different from the Glowshot tech as it sounds pretty much the same. The additional light effects take this product up a level, as do the sound effects. So, this could prove to be a great choice for Star Wars fans. The reference to Jyn Erso from Star Wars Rogue One may be more niche, but kids still get to play as a Rebel Alliance soldier.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-down” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Extra lights and sounds to make this more interactive
Pretty each to use with the same glowing darts[/i2pros][i2cons]A bit of a niche item for other Nerf fans that aren’t that into Star Wars[/i2cons][/i2pc]
4) Nerf Modulus Blaster
Next, we have a product that relies more on lighting to glow in the dark. You don’t get the option of charging up the darts with the gun but could use pre-charged glow-in-the-dark darts. The star feature is the clear housing which shows the mechanisms and lights. The idea is that it is clear for stealth missions and then an attack on senses when it needs to be. This is also a more deadly weapon thanks to its rapid-fire system. You can load up to 12 darts at once into the clip.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-down” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]A more effective rapid-fire model than the rest
The option to customize the blaster with the light-up barrel extension[/i2pros][i2cons]No GlowShot or GlowStrike tech for glow-in-the-dark capabilities[/i2cons][/i2pc]
5) Nerf N-Strike Firefly Rev-8
Finally, for these Nerf-brand glow-in-the-dark toys, we have another model that is able to provide those glow-in-the-dark darts with the battery-powered light. This one may be my pick for families wanting to test out the potential of glow-in-the-dark Nerf games. This is where we see the difference between the battery-powered tech and pump-action firing so there is no confusion over controls. The pump action means that the range is limited but the effect is still great in a dark room. There are also more darts included here than with some other products, and a storage area for them on the back of the gun. It is a well-designed model with greater mass appeal that could be a big hit with a lot of kids.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-down” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Build for indoor play in dark rooms
8 glow-in-the-dark darts for plenty of ammunition[/i2pros][i2cons] The batteries are essential but not included in the box.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Glow-in-the-dark toys that are Nerf compatible.
An alternative option here is to go for a product that isn’t made by Nerf itself, but that still works with their products. It can be disappointing for kids not to get the full glow-in-the-dark experience they were looking for from these light-up Nerf guns. The Glowshot tech is great but doesn’t create that perpetual glow within a key piece of equipment. That is where a company like USA Toyz can help. Below is a pair of toys from the Astro shot range that isn’t Nerf-made but works as great accessories. The best part here is that they actually glow-in-the-dark for a great visual effect with the lights out.
The term Nerf-compatible here simply means that there is the chance to set up these training tools and other games and use them to enhance a session with a Nerf gun. It doesn’t matter what sort of blaster or pistol you have if you are aiming at a target. You could use one of the Glowshot guns, try the glow-in-the-dark darts with a standard blaster, or something else.
1) USA Toyz Astroshot Gyro Glow Rotating Shooting Games for Kids
First up, we have the Astro shot Gyro Glow game. This is basically a set of rotating targets that help kids practice their accuracy with different guns. The difficulty of this game comes from the fact you are focusing on glow-in-the-dark targets and will struggle with depth perception. This also means that you will get a truly glow-in-the-dark accessory to add to your Nerf set-up. There is a lot in the box as you get 2 foam dart gun blasters, 2 rotating target obstacles, a series of14 knock-down gun targets, and 24 soft foam darts to fire. You can use these or use the glow-in-the-dark darts and Nerf blaster instead.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-down” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]The fun rotating glow-in-the-dark target
The compatibility with Nerf guns[/i2pros][i2cons]These off-brand blasters and darts may not be as good[/i2cons][/i2pc]
2) USA Toyz AstroShot Zero GSX Shooting Games for Kids
This alternative device works in much the same way with a fun approach to target practice and glow-in-the-dark features. This time, you have to aim at a series of floating balls held up by air pressure. You can adjust the air to raise or lower the balls too. There are 10 of these floating targets in total as well as some additional flip targets to mix things up. There is also a little blaster gun in the box, although it is better to use a Nerf gun.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-up” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]A clever air pressure system for floating targets
Pretty easy to set up and play with[/i2pros][i2cons]Not as many accessories as the previous toy[/i2cons][/i2pc]
The best glow-in-the-dark Nerf darts for Nerf guns.
Finally, there is the option of getting a pack of darts that will glow when subjected to white light. There are pros and cons to this approach. On the one hand, you have a series of Nerf-ready projectiles that will glow when fired and look great in battle. This could provide the effect that kids are looking for if they don’t want to draw attention to their guns. The problem is that there is no glow-in-the-dark effect on the weapon so no way of enhancing it and making it something to intimidate enemies in battle.
How to use the best glow-in-the-dark Nerf bullets with a Nerf gun.
The process here is pretty simple. As mentioned before, there is the benefit here of not requiring any sort of battery to get these darts charged up. You can hold them under a bright light for a while, load them into the gun, and fire them off as normal. The downside is that the charge can wear off and you may find that the last of the darts aren’t as bright as they could be. This is where the battery-powered Glowshot guns are so effective. You may need batteries but you have that effective charger on hand at all times for a brighter series of darts.
Can you use these glow-in-the-dark Nerf darts in any gun?
Can you use these glow-in-the-dark Nerf darts in any gun?
What to look for in the best glow-in-the-dark Nerf darts?
First of all, you need to see how these darts charge up. Are you getting a concentrated area of bright light at the tip of the dart or a glow throughout the item? Next, you need to see what they are made from. The best ammunition for Nerf guns is light foam and plastic tips that can soar well but don’t hurt too much. Finally, there is the number of darts in the pack. This can vary greatly and there is no such thing as too much as long as you get value for money. Kids are sure to lose darts when playing in the dark and break some. You also need to be sure they can have enough to load into the blaster and some charging ready for the next round.
1) Amosting Nerf Refill Darts
This first set is the most basic of the lot but comes from a brand that sells a lot of different packages and seems to be pretty well-liked. This means that you should be able to get a quality set of darts that are no issue for use with a Nerf gun. There are 200 in total and they are the traditional white color. When charged with white light they glow at the tip and should work with most Nerf guns. There is also the assurance of high-quality materials.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-down” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]A good starter set with just enough darts
High-quality plastic and non-toxic EVA Foam[/i2pros][i2cons]As basic as they come with no extra perks [/i2cons][/i2pc]
2) Little Valentine Nerf Refill Darts
This next set is pretty much the same thing, to the point where you might suspect they are the same product under a different name. The only real difference is that you get 400 of these white darts rather than 200. Again, the darts should work with most compatible Nerf guns for a great glow-in-the-dark effect when charged up.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-down” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]A lot more darts for your money
The same great quality and glow-in-the-dark abilities[/i2pros][i2cons]A warning that the tip is a bit harder than on standard Nerf dart to ensure they fly further [/i2cons][/i2pc]
3) Amosting N-Strike Rebelle Refill Darts
Finally, we have a set with a more specific purpose in mind. These are blue darts for the N-Strike and Rebelle models, although they should also be compatible with other Nerf guns that take elite darts. You get the same mix of hard plastic at the tip where you activate the glow-in-the-dark feature and the soft foam. This time there are 500 darts for even more value.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-down” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]The blue color to match certain guns and themes
Even more darts for your collection[/i2pros][i2cons]They aren’t going to be as good as on-brand Elite darts[/i2cons][/i2pc]
What are the best glow-in-the-dark Nerf guns product for your child?
There are different routes that you can take here to find the best possible product for your child. Those that want a gun that lights up are better off going for actual light than anything that claims to be a glow-in-the-dark model. The only thing that really glows here is the dart. I prefer the Glowshot approach to that of charging up different glow-in-the-dark darts because it is so much more convenient and fun for kids. They don’t get taken out of the moment in the battle to prep their ammunition.
Instead, they get the fun of loading, charging, and firing in quick succession. This process should also allow for a brighter glow and a more consistent stream of glowing darts. Still, it doesn’t hurt to have a set of glow-in-the-dark darts on hand for other blasters so siblings and friends can enjoy the effect too. There is also no harm in getting a compatible glow-in-the-dark toy from a different brand to add to the experience.
You aren’t going to get a truly glow-in-the-dark Nerf gun unless you start customizing one with stickers or paint. But, that doesn’t mean that you can’t create an effective light show with glowing projectiles and have a lot of fun.
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