Buzz
Dive into the controversies that surround this widespread high school game
Known as Senior Assassin or Senior Water Wars, this game has become a beloved tradition among high school seniors across the U.S. Players are each assigned a "target" and must eliminate them using a water gun. The last student standing often wins a cash prize. Despite its fun origins, the game has drawn criticism for potential safety risks. This article breaks down everything you need to know—what the game is, the basic rules, how to play, and the controversies tied to it.
Official Rules of Senior Assassin
Get your initial target assignment from the game organizer, and make sure you're clear on the rules and allowed zones. Research your target to create an effective strategy. Use a water gun to eliminate your target during the designated play period. Once successful, receive your next target and continue until you’re the last one remaining.
How to Play: Step-by-Step
What Exactly Is Senior Assassin?
Senior Assassin is a student-led game where players eliminate each other using water guns. Often referred to as Senior Water Wars, it’s a twist on the classic Assassin game, traditionally played by high school seniors before graduation. Each participant receives a specific target to soak with a water gun to knock them out of the game.
- Typically, players pay an entry fee, and the final winner receives a cash prize made up of the total contributions.
- The game is commonly organized in a “bracket-style” format, meaning players are assigned one target at a time until one person is left standing.
Rules of Senior Assassin & How to Come Out on Top
Register with the game host to get started and receive your first target. Senior Assassin is run by a designated host who oversees the entire game but doesn’t participate. Sign up with them and pay any required fee to join. After that, you’ll be given your initial target to eliminate.
Learn your game’s specific rules and play zones. Each school customizes how Senior Assassin is played, so make sure you’re aware of the specific rules before diving in. These guidelines are often posted on a social media page, but your host will tell you where to find them. Rules typically define where and when you can launch an attack, list any safe zones or immunity items, and outline the time window to eliminate your target.
- Most schools prohibit gameplay on school grounds or private property since the game isn’t officially endorsed by school authorities or law enforcement.
- The rules are generally created by the host or a behind-the-scenes student group.
Research your target to determine the best time to strike. If your target is someone you don’t know personally, especially in a larger class, try to gather information about them. Check their social media profiles or ask around to learn their schedule. This will give you a better idea of where and when to catch them off guard.
- For instance, find out if they have an after-school job or the time they typically return home in the afternoon.
Stay alert and don’t trust anyone. Keep in mind that someone is likely hunting you as well. Stay vigilant at all times, particularly in situations where you’re most vulnerable, like leaving work, stepping out of your car, or unlocking your front door. When you’re playing Senior Assassin, even your closest friends can’t be trusted. Always be aware and feel free to lie about your whereabouts if necessary.
- To stay prepared, keep your water gun with you, along with any other tools or protections that could prevent you from being eliminated.
Set up a surprise ambush to take out your target. Common tactics include hiding outside your target’s house, waiting for them to leave for work or head to their car, or making arrangements with their family members to let you inside. When the opportunity arises, hit them with a water gun to remove them from the game.
- If you’re eliminated before you can carry out your plan, you’re out of the game. The person who gets you out will then take over your target.
- Depending on the rules, you might need a witness or video proof to verify that you eliminated your target. Typically, you’ll also have to report your successful elimination to the game host to update the standings.
Continue pursuing your new target until you’re the last player left. After eliminating your first target, you’ll learn who their target was. This is now your next objective. Continue this process: eliminate their target, and move on to the next person. Eventually, only you and one other player will remain.
- In some cases, the host might assign you a completely new target, not the next person in line. This depends on your game’s specific rules.
Different Versions of Senior Assassin
There are countless ways to play Senior Assassin with variations to keep things interesting. While the basic objective is usually the same, schools often add unique twists to the game. If you and your friends are looking to change things up, here are some popular variations:
- Play in teams of two or more and share the prize money if you win.
- Donate half of the prize pool to a charity, with the rest going to the winner.
- Incorporate “power-ups” that can protect you from elimination, such as inflatable arm bands, tutus, or cowboy hats.
- If someone fails to eliminate their target within the allotted time, they go on a “bounty board” or “hit list,” and others can try to eliminate them.
- Instead of water guns, use fake weapons like Nerf guns or water balloons.
The Origins of Senior Assassin
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Senior Assassin rose to prominence in the 2010s. Though it’s hard to pinpoint its exact origins, Senior Assassin gained widespread attention following its appearance in teen shows like iCarly and Gossip Girl. As more students shared their game experiences on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, the game’s popularity spread to a broader audience.
Controversies and Dangers Surrounding Senior Assassin
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The game has led to injuries and legal issues for students. What began as a harmless activity has faced backlash from school authorities and law enforcement due to its potential dangers. Players are sometimes mistaken for real threats, which can result in police involvement.
- In 2017, three students in Massachusetts nearly faced felony charges after mistakenly ambushing the wrong house, thinking it was their target’s. The homeowner, unaware of the game, trapped them and called the police.
- In 2023, a school in Pennsylvania had to be evacuated after a student’s water gun was mistaken for an actual firearm during a sporting event.
- In 2024, two students in Chicago were threatened with a real gun when their water guns were mistaken for weapons during an attempted ambush at a restaurant.
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The name “Senior Assassin” is controversial due to its association with school shootings. Given the prevalence of school shootings, many consider the name “Senior Assassin” to be insensitive and triggering for survivors. As a result, some schools opt to rename the game “Senior Water Wars.”
How to Play Senior Assassin Responsibly
Choose water guns with bright, noticeable colors. To ensure safety during Senior Assassin, use a water gun that clearly looks like a toy. Avoid models that resemble real firearms, as this could make others feel threatened or confused, potentially leading to dangerous situations.
Avoid hiding your identity. While some players may attempt to conceal their face with masks or headgear during the game, this can be risky. Hiding your face could make others believe you’re a genuine threat, possibly putting you in danger or causing trouble with the authorities. Always keep your face visible to avoid misunderstandings.
Only target players who are part of the game. Even with a brightly colored water gun, pointing it at someone who isn’t involved in the game may alarm or upset them, potentially prompting a call to the police. To ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment, direct your water gun only at your target or other participants who have agreed to play.
Don’t play on private property or in business areas without permission. One of the biggest risks in Senior Assassin is playing in areas where you’re not allowed, like a restaurant or a stranger’s property. Stick to public spaces, such as parks or your neighborhood, and avoid trespassing. Ensure that you have permission before entering someone else’s private property.
- In some cases, playing in unauthorized areas can lead to charges, like disorderly conduct, so use your judgment when choosing where to play.
Never enter someone’s house without permission. During a game of Senior Assassin, players are sometimes mistaken for real burglars. Always get explicit permission from your target’s parents before attempting to ambush them inside their home. If you don’t have their consent, stick to playing in public areas or outdoors where you have a clear shot at your target.
Avoid playing after dark. If you’re seen sneaking around at night with a water gun, someone who doesn’t know about the game might mistake you for a threat and call the authorities. To avoid confusion and ensure safety, set a clear time frame for playing. It’s best to stick to daylight hours, when it’s obvious that you’re carrying a toy water gun, not a real weapon.
Inform your parents about your whereabouts and plans. As a precaution, make sure your parents or guardians know where you’re heading and how long you expect to be out. This way, if something goes wrong, they’ll know where to find you. Always carry your phone with you so they can contact you if necessary.
- If you think someone might try to ambush you at home, let your parents know so they won’t panic and call the police.
Use common sense when planning your attacks. Take a moment to think about what could go wrong before you go ahead with a plan. Avoid doing anything illegal or dangerous. If a plan feels unsafe or questionable, it’s best to hold off and come up with a safer strategy.
- For example, don’t try to play while riding in or around moving vehicles, and don’t break into someone’s house in the middle of the night to eliminate them.
What steps can parents take to ensure their children’s safety?
Have an open conversation about the risks of Senior Assassin. Take some time to sit down with your child and explain why Senior Assassin can pose risks, using real-life examples to help them understand. Give them space to ask questions, and work together to decide if they are allowed to participate, setting clear expectations for their behavior and involvement in the game.
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If you want to keep yourself or your friends safe from elimination, you can intentionally spread false information. For example, you might say you work on Tuesdays and Thursdays when you actually work on Mondays and Wednesdays.
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If you're the one organizing your Senior Assassin game, make sure the rules are simple to understand and easy to access. Consider creating an Instagram or other social media page where students can find all the important details, and be available to answer any questions they may have.
