We Turned Hypebeast HQ Into a NERF Loadout Test Range Using Our Favorite Setups
From the NERF Loadout Galactic Commander to Shadowspeed Recon and more, the lineup of blasters gives NERF enthusiasts over 1,000 ways to customize across the Loadout line.
Presented by NERF
We just set out to see which NERF Loadout blasters deliver, and how to build the perfect setup for you and your squad. To find out, we turned Hypebeast HQ into a test arena and filmed an office challenge (protective eyewear on, obviously), putting the new modular lineup through some serious target practice.
The mission: stress the system, swap attachments and figure out what works given the situation. With six blasters built for different roles—and mix-and-match scopes, barrels and stocks—you can tune your rig to your style instead of the other way around. Here’s what stood out and how to choose your primary, your partner piece and everything in between.
If you want a do-it-all primary, start with the NERF Loadout Galactic Commander. It’s the most adaptable blaster in the range, with three firing modes—semi-auto, 3-dart burst and fully automatic—so you can swap tactics on the fly. Out of the box, it comes stacked with a scope, a clip-storage stock, a barrel attachment and two high-capacity clips, so you’re not hunting for extra parts to be competitive. N Series N1 darts (included) are built for accuracy, speed and distance, which helps the Galactic Commander pack a punch when you really need it to.
Hasbro
Hasbro
Prefer low-profile plays and quick reloads? The Shadowspeed Recon is your stealth specialist. A pump-action format with a six-dart cylinder keeps things nimble, while the 14-dart storage attachment means you can top up between blasts without bogging down the pace. It’s the kind of blaster that rewards movement. With it, you can hug corners, change levels and stay light and annoying in the best way possible. Paired with the NERF Loadout Galactic Commander on your squad, you’ve got a perfect one-two for pressure and precision.
Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro
Rounding out the roster are four thematic hitters that bring distinct roles to the party. The Arctic Zerostriker is the long-range vibe with bolt-action feel, six-dart internal clip and a full suite of attachments (scope, stock, barrel, bipod) plus an ambidextrous bolt so lefties aren’t left out. The Cyberlight Ghost adds spectacle to tactics with built-in LEDs illuminating the barrel and cylinder—great for nighttime base raids—and includes a rotating cylinder and modular parts like its stablemates. Then there’s elemental swagger: Flarefusion brings the “magma” energy with a rotating cylinder and customizable attachments, while Frostfusion answers with the “ice” loadout and an even deeper dart count; combine the two and you’ve got a thematic duo that looks as good on a shelf as it feels in a squad match.
Collectively, the benefits are clear: interchangeable attachments across the entire NERF Loadout blaster line make it easy to tailor performance to your space (tight apartments, open office, backyard course), your role (anchor, flanker) and your aesthetic (futurist, stealth, arctic, neon). Rapid reload options keep the action moving; ambidextrous bolts make the line friendly for more players; and the consistent N1 dart system means your crew can share ammo without breaking immersion.
Most important: keep it lighthearted and safe. Please aim below the shoulders and wear protective eyewear, or just do some practice drills like we did on our test video for a fun way to test your skills.
The NERF Loadout line is now available to purchase at most retailers, including Amazon.
