About Us
Hi, I’m Tim, and I started The Archertype here in Manchester because I absolutely love bringing people together. There’s nothing better than hosting an event, seeing the joy on people’s faces, and knowing we’ve helped create memories they’ll talk about long after the day is over.
At The Archertype, we run experiences that are fun, competitive, and always full of laughter.
Combat Archery
Our main event is Combat Archery – imagine a mash-up of dodgeball and archery. It’s fast-paced, safe, and brilliantly competitive (a bit like me!). It’s perfect for birthdays, stag & hen parties, family days, or just a bunch of mates who want to try something different.
There is a minimum age of 10 for safety reasons (you need the strength to pull the bow and take a hit), but for everyone else it’s an absolute blast. Personally I love seeing grandads and mums getting their own back!
Outplayed: The Gameshow
Because not everyone can do Combat Archery, we also created Outplayed: The Gameshow – a completely family-friendly experience where anyone can take part. It’s an immersive live gameshow where you feel like the star of the show, facing off in rounds of trivia, challenges, and head-to-head faceoffs. It’s high-energy, flashing lights, giant props and will fulfill your TV gameshow fantasy!
Why We Do It
At the heart of it, we just want people to have the best time. For us, that means plenty of laughter, a bit of healthy competition, and time well spent together with friends, family, or colleagues. Whether it’s running around the arena in combat archery or buzzing in for a trivia round in Outplayed, our goal is the same: unforgettable fun.
So if you’re looking for something different for your next party, celebration, or just a great day out – come and play with us at The Archertype. We’d love to host you.
– Tim & The Archertype Team
P.S If you want a tailored birthday experience/ unique celebration, get in touch and I’d love to work with you on creating it! We’ve done Who wants to be a Triviaonaire/ Survivor /Running Man & Team Building Games!
Email me personally at thearchertype@gmail.com and we’ll make your event amazing!
Combat Archery Experience
“Real life hunger games” “Feel like Legolas” “Adrenaline Rush”
All phrases used to described combat archery with us at The Archertype. We’ll make sure you enjoy your time with us and become a Pro Katniss / Hawkeye in no time!
You sign in at the reception desk, signing waivers and settling any outstanding payment then go to training for a briefing on health and safety and how to hold the bow and arrow.
Following that, you’ll have full equipment provided and opportunities to train on our range to perfect your skills.
Next, we’ll jump into the arena and get straight into the action! Games are done in two teams (Black and White) to accumulate the most points, with the winner getting bragging rights with our winner/loser photos!
Classic Combat ARchery
Combat Archery is played like the sport of dodgeball. Starting from your back lines you’ll run to the centre to retrieve a single arrow and begin fighting against your opponents! Using your bow and foam-tipped arrows you’ll have to strategically decide to shoot players or spot targets. There are obstables to hid behindon either side of the arena and teams must work together to fulfil their victory condition. Each game of Classic Combat Archery lasts no longer than 4 minutes and can be played with 4 - 20 players. Players can be revived through fellow teammates catching an arrow or knocking out one of the spot targets. Games are won in one of the three below ways:
1. Be the first to knock out all five SPOT TARGETS of the opposing team
2. Eliminate all of the opposing team by tagging out all of their players
3. Accumulate more points than the opposing team when the time limit reaches zero
How To Find Us?
Public Transport
The Archertype can be accessed via the 192 bus or 201, 203, 204, 205 bus to Ardwick and is then a 5 minute walk. We are 20 minutes walk from Oxford Road (Universities) and 15 minutes from Manchester Piccadilly Train Station and 3 minutes from Ardwick Train Station.
Unit 10A, Universal Building
We are situated opposite Universal Square Business Centre in Universal Building on the second floor. You’ll see our sign outside the stairway entrance saying ‘Archertype / Outplayed the Gameshow.’
Where To Park?
Private Car Park
The Car Park adjacent to Universal Building is private ran and offers 8 hours of parking for £5
Off Road Parking
Cars can park on Higher Ardwick in the evenings or on the weekend. Alternatively drivers can park on Temperance Street which has no parking restrictions.
