Sink the Battleship (Big Group Game)

Looking for a high-energy game that works for camps, retreats, or a regular youth group night? Sink the Battleship is a fast-paced, team-based challenge that blends strategy, chaos, and classic Capture the Flag vibes. It’s great any time of year—and if you’re brave enough to play it in the winter, it’s especially fun in the snow

• Quick Explanation
  Sink the Battleship is a reverse Capture the Flag–style game where teams work to score by getting three torpedoes (bean-filled socks) into the opposing team’s battleship (a large inflatable inner tube). Teams must dodge, strategize, and rescue teammates from jail to win.

• Supplies Needed

  • 1 large inflatable tire inner tube (the battleship)

  • 3 torpedoes per team (see instructions below)

  • Long socks and dried beans (or rice)

  • String or rubber bands

  • 8 cones (4 per jail)

  • A large field with clear end lines (for indoor play a large gym space)

• How to Play

  1. Divide players into two teams and place them on opposite ends of the field behind their end lines.

  2. Place each team’s battleship (inner tube) near their end of the field.

  3. Set up a jail for each team using 4 cones in a square, located in the far corner opposite their battleship.

  4. Each team starts with their three torpedoes behind their own end line.

  5. On “go,” teams try to get all three torpedoes into the opposing team’s battleship by throwing, carrying, or passing them.

  6. The first team to sink the opposing battleship by landing all three torpedoes inside the tube wins.

• Rules

  • Torpedoes may be thrown, carried, handed off, or passed.

  • If a torpedo touches the ground in the opposing team’s territory, it is dead and must be thrown back over the end line to reset.

  • Players can be tagged and sent to jail, following standard Capture the Flag rules.

  • Players may be freed from jail by a teammate using the agreed-upon jailbreak rule (tagging, escorting, etc.).

  • No guarding the battleship from inside the inner tube.

  • No physical contact beyond tagging.

• Bonus Ideas

  • Require torpedoes to be thrown only for a harder version.

  • Add a time limit and declare the winner by most torpedoes landed.

  • Use a lantern/large flashlight inside the inner tube for night play.

  • Play leaders vs. students for an intense final round.

How to Make a Torpedo (Simple Instructions)

1. Take a long sock.

2. Fill it 3/4 with dried beans or rice.

3. Tie a tight knot at the open end.

4. (Optional) Tape over the knot for durability.

That’s it—soft, throwable, and perfect for chaos.