Key Takeaways
– 🎯 Hasbro has produced various types of Nerf darts, each with unique features.
– 🪶 Nerf darts have evolved from the original foam darts to larger, more specialized varieties.
– 🧨 Some darts, like the Mega Dart, have suction cups for sticking to surfaces.
– 🎶 Darts like the Whistler Dart and Sonic Micro Dart create a whistling sound when fired.
– 🪙 The AccuStrike Dart is considered one of the best Nerf darts for accuracy.
– 💡 Nerf has introduced themed darts like the Zombie Strike Dart and Fortnite Dart.
– 🚀 The Mega XL Dart is the most giant Nerf dart ever made, with a unique whistling sound.
– 🎖️ The AccuStrike Ultra Dart focuses on enhanced shooting precision.
– 💰 While there are other dart manufacturers, this list only includes genuine Hasbro Nerf darts.
– 📅 The list provides information on each Nerf dart type’s year of release, length, and diameter.
Different Types of Nerf Darts Explained: Picking the Perfect Dart
A comparison of the various types of Nerf darts created over the years, including size and features.
Over the years, Hasbro has manufactured many Nerf guns and blasters in various shapes, sizes, and price ranges.
Since the introduction of the original Nerf gun, numerous new types of Nerf ammo have been developed, ranging from basic foam darts to powerful ball-sized rounds.
In this Nerf darts comparison article, I will review the different varieties of Nerf darts and describe their properties. As new darts are available, this article will be updated.
Nerf Darts Comparison Table:
| Dart | Year | Dimensions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sharpshooter Dart | 1992 | 3.60″ x 0.60″ |
| 2 | Mega Dart | 1993 | 3.60″ x 0.60″ |
| 3 | Micro Dart | 1993 | 3.25″ x 0.5″ |
| 4 | Whistler Dart | 2003 | 3.1″ x 0.5″ |
| 5 | Sonic Micro Dart | 2003 | 3.1″ x 0.5″ |
| 6 | N-Strike Micro Dart | 2003 | 3.25″ x 0.5″ |
| 7 | Tagger Micro Dart | 2004 | 3.25″ x 0.5″ |
| 8 | Streamline Dart | 2006 | 2.8″ x 0.4″ |
| 9 | Tagger Micro Whistler Dart | 2011 | 3.25″ x 0.5″ |
| 10 | Elite Dart | 2012 | 2.75″ x 0.5″ |
| 11 | Collectible Dart | 2013 | 2.75″ x 0.5″ |
| 12 | Zombie Strike Dart | 2013 | 2.75″ x 0.5″ |
| 13 | N-Strike Mega Dart | 2013 | 3.65″ x 0.75″ |
| 14 | Suction Dart | 2014 | 2.8″ x 0.4″ |
| 15 | Doomlands Dart | 2015 | 2.75″ x 0.5″ |
| 16 | GlowStrike Dart | 2016 | 2.75″ x 0.5″ |
| 17 | AccuStrike Dart | 2017 | 2.75″ x 0.5″ |
| 18 | AccuStrike Mega Dart | 2018 | 3.65″ x 0.75″ |
| 19 | Ultra Dart | 2019 | 2.45″ x 0.6″ |
| 20 | Fortnite Dart | 2019 | 2.75″ x 0.5″ |
| 21 | Fortnite Mega Dart | 2019 | 3.65″ x 0.75″ |
| 22 | Elite 2.0 Dart | 2020 | 2.75″ x 0.5″ |
| 23 | Mega XL Dart | 2021 | 4.00″ x 1.50″ |
| 24 | AccuStrike Ultra Dart | 2021 | 2.45″ x 0.6″ |
Distribution Of Nerf Darts By Years
What Is the Best Nerf Dart?
Let’s get the million-dollar question answered first:
What Is The Best Nerf Dart?
The Nerf Accustrike dart is the greatest Nerf dart ever created. Please keep reading because I will explain why further down.
Remember that the list below only includes genuine Nerf darts manufactured and marketed by Hasbro.
Other dart manufacturers, such as Adventure Force, sell great darts at lower prices, but I’m sticking with Nerf darts for this list.
With that in mind, let’s look at that list of Nerf darts.
List of Nerf Darts
The different types of darts are listed chronologically, starting with the first ever made, the Sharpshooter Dart.
As stated, this list only includes darts and excludes other types of Nerf ammo, such as rounds and arrows.
1. Sharpshooter Dart
Introduced in 1992, the Nerf Sharpshooter was the first blaster to fire darts rather than balls. Unsurprisingly, that first dart was called the Sharpshooter dart.
The darts were included with the blaster and were not sold separately. This meant that you had to take care of your darts, or you’d have to buy a new Sharpshooter blaster.
| Sharpshooter Dart | |
|---|---|
| Year: | 1992 |
| Length: | 3.6 inches / 9 cm |
| Diameter: | 0.6 inches / 1.6 cm |
2. Mega Dart
The dart proved to be a popular sort of Nerf ammo. Thus, Nerf began to develop more dart types. The Mega Dart was the next Nerf dart to be produced in 1993.
The Mega dart, also known as the Sucker dart, had a suction cup to attach to windows and walls. The first-generation Mega darts were brilliant red and black.
| Mega Dart | |
|---|---|
| Year: | 1993 |
| Length: | 3.6 inches / 9 cm |
| Diameter: | 0.6 inches / 1.6 cm |
3. Micro Dart
The Micro dart was shorter than the Mega dart and had a suction cup. It was one of the most popular darts with a longer shelf life than Mega.
In 2003, ten years after its first release, the N-Strike Micro dart succeeded the Micro dart (see further below).
| Micro Dart | |
|---|---|
| Year: | 1993 |
| Length: | 3.25 inches / 8.3 cm |
| Diameter: | 0.5 inches / 1.3 cm |
4. Whistler Dart
Released in 2003, the Whistler dart was essentially a Micro dart, but it had a small opening at the front, creating a whistle when fired.
| Whistler Dart | |
|---|---|
| Year: | 2003 |
| Length: | 3.1 inches / 8 cm |
| Diameter: | 0.5 inches / 1.3 cm |
5. Sonic Micro Dart
The Sonic Micro dart, released the same year as the Whistler dart, was a variation of the Micro dart with a small aperture in the head that created a whistle.
The Sonic Micro was known to be a bit more robust than the Whistler but also less accurate.
| Sonic Micro Dart | |
|---|---|
| Year: | 2003 |
| Length: | 3.1 inches / 8 cm |
| Diameter: | 0.5 inches / 1.3 cm |
6. N-Strike Micro Dart
The N-Strike Micro dart was the successor to the popular Micro dart and was produced in the same year as the N-Strike series of blasters.
The N-Strike Micro dart still had the suction cup.
| N-Strike Micro Dart | |
|---|---|
| Year: | 2003 |
| Length: | 3.25 inches / 8.3 cm |
| Diameter: | 0.5 inches / 1.3 cm |
7. Tagger Micro Dart
The Tagger Micro dart, or simply Tagger dart, was released in 2004 as part of the Dart Tag series.
They were named Tagger darts because they had a velcro head type, meaning they would stick to vests and other types of clothing.
| Tagger Micro Dart | |
|---|---|
| Year: | 2004 |
| Length: | 3.25 inches / 8.3 cm |
| Diameter: | 0.5 inches / 1.3 cm |
8. Streamline Dart
Also known as Clip System darts, Streamline darts were introduced in 2006 under the popular N-Strike series of Nerf blasters.
The Streamline Dart was introduced as the ammunition type for the brand-new Longshot CS-6, the first Nerf blaster to use a clip.
| Streamline Dart | |
|---|---|
| Year: | 2006 |
| Length: | 2.8 inches / 7.2 cm |
| Diameter: | 0.4 inches / 1.2 cm |
9. Tagger Micro Whistler Dart
Released in 2011, the Tagger Micro Whistler dart represented an exciting new evolution of the popular Nerf Tagger Micro series of darts. While maintaining the iconic velcro-tipped head that allowed Tagger Micro darts to stick to compatible targets and vests, the new Whistler model added an ingenious noise-making feature.
When fired from any standard Nerf blaster, the Tagger Micro Whistler dart emitted a loud, high-pitched whistling noise as it sailed through the air. This added sensory element enhanced the overall experience and fun for Nerf battles and target practice games.
The technology behind the whistling effect involved a small hole near the base of each Micro Whistler dart. As the dart spun rapidly after being fired, this hole channeled and compressed air correctly to create a loud, attention-grabbing whistle. It provided audible feedback, allowing players to follow the dart’s path and trajectory as it flew through the air.
The whistling noise also served as a helpful safety element for parents and supervisors, signaling that a Nerf battle was in progress nearby. The Micro Whistler effectively announced itself even around corners or behind obstacles where players may be hidden from view.
The velcro-based sticking power combined with a whistling projectile was a clever formula that made the Tagger Micro Whistler one of Nerf’s most memorable and beloved specialty darts ever produced. It added a thrilling audio layer to indoor and outdoor Nerf battles, keeping players engaged and excited with every whistling shot.
| Tagger Micro Whistler Dart | |
|---|---|
| Year: | 2011 |
| Length: | 3.25 inches / 8.3 cm |
| Diameter: | 0.5 inches / 1.3 cm |
10. Elite Dart
The revolutionary Elite dart debuted in 2012, rendering predecessors like the Micro dart obsolete. With streamlined aerodynamics and rigid construction optimizing flight, the Elite achieved unprecedented firing range and accuracy, cementing its status as the most influential Nerf dart ever created.
Check out my review of the N-Strike Elite Disruptor.
| Elite Dart | |
|---|---|
| Year: | 2012 |
| Length: | 2.75 inches / 7 cm |
| Diameter: | 0.5 inches / 1.3 cm |
11. Collectible Dart
Also called Rebelle darts, Collectible darts were a variety of Elite darts with vibrant color schemes released as part of the Rebelle series 2012.
While maintaining Elite performance, these uniquely designed darts complemented the stylish, feminine-focused Rebelle blasters. Their collectible colors and patterns appealed to a new demographic of Nerf fans.
| Collectible Dart | |
|---|---|
| Year: | 2013 |
| Length: | 2.75 inches / 7 cm |
| Diameter: | 0.5 inches / 1.3 cm |
12. Zombie Strike Dart
Debuting in 2013, Zombie Strike darts represent a themed variety of Elite darts, complementing Nerf’s zombie-themed blaster series. While maintaining the precision engineering and performance of Elite darts, Zombie Strike darts feature a distinctive bright green color scheme that ties in with the post-apocalyptic zombie aesthetic.
The unique green foam makes them easily identifiable and collectible for fans of the Zombie Strike series. Though purely cosmetic, the coloration helps immerse fans in zombie battles, outbreak scenarios, and other themed Nerf games. The Zombie Strike darts deliver the same accuracy as Elite darts with added stylistic appeal for fans of the undead.
| Zombie Strike Dart | |
|---|---|
| Year: | 2013 |
| Length: | 2.75 inches / 7 cm |
| Diameter: | 0.5 inches / 1.3 cm |
13. N-Strike Mega Dart
The N-Strike Maga dart, most commonly referred to as the Mega dart, was released in 2013 as part of the brand-new N-Strike Mega series.
This was a noticeably bigger dart than what we were used to, designed to result in much-improved firing ranges.
The Mega series proved to be quite successful, with many popular blasters.
The N-Strike Maga dart, also called the Mega dart, debuted in 2013 as part of Nerf’s new N-Strike Mega series. Significantly larger than standard darts, the wider Mega dart was engineered for dramatically extended firing ranges. Its increased size and weight enabled excellent stability in flight for superior accuracy at long distances.
The successful Mega series resulted in many popular blasters optimized for these hard-hitting mega darts. Their impressive performance and iconic oversized foam heads made Mega darts a hit, with Nerf fans wanting extreme firing power.
Check out my list of the best Nerf Mega blasters currently available.
| N-Strike Mega Dart | |
|---|---|
| Year: | 2013 |
| Length: | 3.65 inches / 9.3 cm |
| Diameter: | 0.75 inches / 1.9 cm |
14. Suction Dart
The suction cup came back in 2014 with the release of the Suction dart under the N-Strike Elite series.
The Suction dart is essentially an Elite dart with a suction cup head type.
A significant improvement compared to the older suction cup dart is that with the Suction dart, the head is the same width as the body of the dart.
The suction cup dart design returned in 2014 with the N-Strike Elite Suction dart. This dart merges Elite performance with a classic suction cup tip.
Unlike previous versions, the new suction head matches the foam body’s width for optimized flight. The Elite Suction dart allows players to revisit the joy of Nerf suction darts while enjoying modern accuracy and firing power.
| Suction Dart | |
|---|---|
| Year: | 2014 |
| Length: | 2.8 inches / 7.2 cm |
| Diameter: | 0.4 inches / 1.2 cm |
15. Doomlands Dart
The Doomlands dart was another Elite dart released in 2015 under the Doomlands 2169 series. Blasters in that series are themed after a post-apocalyptic future set in 2169.
The Doomlands dart, a variety of Elite darts, arrived in 2015’s Doomlands 2169 line. Styled after a dystopian 2169 future, these darts complemented alien-looking blasters for immersive Nerf battles.
| Doomlands Dart | |
|---|---|
| Year: | 2015 |
| Length: | 2.75 inches / 7 cm |
| Diameter: | 0.5 inches / 1.3 cm |
16. GlowStrike Dart
As the name suggests, the GlowStrike dart can glow in the dark. They were released in 2016 as part of the GlowStrike series, a sci-fi-themed range of blasters.
The dart is similar to the Elite dart and has a white and green color scheme.
The GlowStrike dart’s photoluminescent foam enables glow-in-the-dark play. Part of 2016’s sci-fi GlowStrike series, these Elite-style darts have a vibrant white and green design. Their luminous flights let battles continue even when the lights go out.
| GlowStrike Dart | |
|---|---|
| Year: | 2016 |
| Length: | 2.75 inches / 7 cm |
| Diameter: | 0.5 inches / 1.3 cm |
17. AccuStrike Dart
We’ve arrived at the best Nerf dart ever made! That’s right, the AccuStrike is, in my opinion, Nerf’s finest dart.It was released in 2017 under the revolutionary AccuStrike series, a range of blasters engineered for superior accuracy.
AccuStrike darts have a unique spiraled tip that causes them to fly in a straight, horizontal direction. In addition, they also have optimized weight distribution compared to Elite darts.
What’s great is that AccuStrike darts are backward compatible with Elite blasters. The downside is their higher cost.
With its spiraled tip optimizing horizontal flight, the AccuStrike dart achieves unprecedented accuracy, earning its reputation as Nerf’s finest dart. Part of 2017’s accuracy-focused AccuStrike series, these darts feature revolutionary engineering, albeit at a premium price
| AccuStrike Dart | |
|---|---|
| Year: | 2017 |
| Length: | 2.75 inches / 7 cm |
| Diameter: | 0.5 inches / 1.3 cm |
18. AccuStrike Mega Dart
Nerf released the AccuStrike Mega dart in 2018, a larger version of their accuracy-focused AccuStrike dart line. Interestingly, the Mega dart lacks the signature spiraled AccuStrike tip, instead having a flat rubber head.
Tests show the flat head improves accuracy over traditional Mega darts, staying true to the AccuStrike name. However, the flat tip reduces firing distance and speed versus standard Mega darts.
| AccuStrike Mega Dart | |
|---|---|
| Year: | 2018 |
| Length: | 3.65 inches / 9.3 cm |
| Diameter: | 0.75 inches / 1.9 cm |
19. Ultra Dart
In 2019, Hasbro introduced the Ultra darts as part of their new Ultra series, aiming to enhance their blaster performance.
However, the series hasn’t entirely lived up to its expected success. These darts are designed with a sleeker head featuring two small holes and come with two fins at the base. They’re colored in black and orange.
Check out my list of the best Nerf Ultra blasters currently available.
| Ultra Dart | |
|---|---|
| Year: | 2019 |
| Length: | 2.45 inches / 6.2 cm |
| Diameter: | 0.6 inches / 1.5 cm |
20. Fortnite Dart
In partnership with Epic Games, Hasbro introduced the Fortnite series to highlight the popular online game Fortnite. The Fortnite darts, distinguishable by their blue and purple hues, are essentially Elite darts.
Check out my list of the best Nerf Fortnite guns currently available.
| Fortnite Dart | |
|---|---|
| Year: | 2019 |
| Length: | 2.75 inches / 7 cm |
| Diameter: | 0.5 inches / 1.3 cm |
21. Fortnite Mega Dart
As implied by its name, the Fortnite Mega Dart is a larger version of the Fortnite dart, adorned in orange and purple colors. Blasters designed for Mega darts are compatible with Fortnite Mega darts and vice versa.
| Fortnite Mega Dart | |
|---|---|
| Year: | 2019 |
| Length: | 3.65 inches / 9.3 cm |
| Diameter: | 0.75 inches / 1.9 cm |
22. Elite 2.0 Dart
Introduced in 2020, the Elite 2.0 dart follows the original Elite dart as part of the Elite 2.0 blaster series. These darts come in two designs: one with a blue/teal body and an orange tip and another with an orange body paired with a blue/teal tip.
Check out my review of the Elite 2.0 Commander RD-6.
| Elite 2.0 Dart | |
|---|---|
| Year: | 2020 |
| Length: | 2.75 inches / 7 cm |
| Diameter: | 0.5 inches / 1.3 cm |
23. Mega XL Dart
Introduced in 2021, the blue Mega XL dart is part of the Mega XL blaster series. Living up to its “XL” name, it’s the largest Nerf dart ever made. It’s double the thickness of the N-Strike Mega dart and even a bit longer.
Its design is attractive: it gives off a whistling sound when airborne. Plus, a quirky fact – the regular Mega dart can fit snugly inside the Mega XL dart because it’s hollow, with the inner gap matching the size of the Mega dart.
| Mega XL Dart | |
|---|---|
| Year: | 2021 |
| Length: | 4.00 inches / 10 cm |
| Diameter: | 1.5 inches / 3.8 cm |
24. AccuStrike Ultra Dart
Launched in 2021, the AccuStrike Ultra Dart is an upgraded version of the 2019 Ultra Dart, focusing on enhanced shooting precision.
Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice its distinct flat head. Additionally, its color design sets it apart from its predecessor.
| Accustrike Ultra Dart | |
|---|---|
| Year: | 2021 |
| Length: | 2.45 inches / 6.2 cm |
| Diameter: | 0.6 inches / 1.5 cm |
F.A.Q. – Understanding Different Types of Nerf Darts
What are the different types of Nerf darts available on the market?
Nerf darts come in a wide variety of types, including Sharpshooter Dart, Mega Dart, Micro Dart, Whistler Dart, Sonic Micro Dart, N-Strike Micro Dart, Tagger Micro Dart, Streamline Dart, Tagger Micro Whistler Dart, Elite Dart, Collectible Dart, Zombie Strike Dart, N-Strike Mega Dart, Suction Dart, Doomlands Dart, GlowStrike Dart, AccuStrike Dart, AccuStrike Mega Dart, Ultra Dart, Fortnite Dart, Fortnite Mega Dart, Elite 2.0 Dart, Mega XL Dart, and AccuStrike Ultra Dart.
When were the first Nerf darts introduced, and what were they called?
The first Nerf darts were introduced in 1992 with the release of the Sharpshooter Dart, which came with the Nerf Sharpshooter blaster. This marked the transition from Nerf balls to Nerf darts.
What is the best Nerf dart available, and why?
The best Nerf dart is the AccuStrike Dart, introduced in 2017. Its unique spiraled tip enhances its accuracy, allowing it to fly straight and true. AccuStrike darts also have optimized weight distribution, further improving their performance. While they offer superior accuracy, they are compatible with Elite Blasters, though they tend to be more expensive.
Are there Nerf darts designed for specific themed blasters or series?
Yes, Nerf has released themed darts for specific Blaster series. For example, Collectible Darts are designed for the Rebelle series, Zombie Strike Darts for the zombie-themed blasters, and Fortnite Darts for blasters based on the popular online game Fortnite.
Are there any Nerf darts that glow in the dark?
Yes, the GlowStrike Dart is a type of Nerf dart that can glow in the dark. These darts were introduced in 2016 as part of the GlowStrike series, allowing for exciting play even in low-light conditions.
What are Nerf darts, and how have they evolved over the years?
Nerf darts are foam-based projectiles designed for Nerf guns and blasters. They have evolved significantly, with the first Nerf dart, the Sharpshooter Dart, introduced in 1992. Since then, various types of Nerf darts have been developed, each with unique features and sizes.
What is the best Nerf dart available?
The best Nerf dart, in many opinions, is the Nerf Accustrike dart. It is known for its superior accuracy, thanks to its unique spiraled tip and optimized weight distribution. Accustrike darts are compatible with Elite blasters, making them a top choice for Nerf enthusiasts.
Are there any Nerf dart alternatives to those manufactured by Hasbro?
Alternatively dart manufacturers like Adventure Force produce high-quality darts at lower prices. However, in this list, we’ve focused on genuine Nerf darts manufactured and marketed by Hasbro.
Which Nerf dart is the most significant and most unique?
The Mega XL Dart, introduced in 2021, is the most giant Nerf dart ever made. It measures 4.00 inches in length and 1.5 inches in diameter. It is large and whistles in flight, making it a unique addition to the Nerf Dart lineup.
