How to Play Battleship on Paper (Free Printable Game)
In a world dominated by digital distractions, the humble joy of classic games never fades. Among these timeless treasures lies the paper Battleship game.
It is an ageless activity that turns ordinary paper and pen into a battlefield of strategic warfare.
If you're looking for a screen-free battleship alternative, preparing a fun battleship for kids session, or hunting for a free printable Battleship game to take on a family trip, this guide covers it all.
With our battleship printable grids and instructions, you’ll be ready to sink ships like a seasoned admiral with no plastic board required.
What is Paper Battleship?
Paper Battleship is a boardless version of the classic Battleship game, traditionally played on gridded paper using pens or pencils.
It mirrors the original gameplay with players secretly arrange ships on a grid and take turns firing “shots” to locate and destroy each other’s fleets, but without the need for physical game boards or plastic pieces.
This pen and paper Battleship variant is cherished for its simplicity, portability, and accessibility. No batteries, no setup time, and no missing game pieces. Just strategy, focus, and a touch of competitive spirit.
What You Need to Play (Download Free Printable Battleship Grids)
To get started, you only need the following:
Two players
One printable Battleship game sheet per player (we’ve got you covered with the free download)
Pens or pencils
A flat surface to write on
We've designed a battleship grid printable that mirrors the traditional layout. Complete with labeled rows (A–J) and columns (1–10). Each sheet includes:
Your grid (where you place your own ships)
Opponent’s grid (where you mark your hits and misses)
You can also draw the grids by hand if you're feeling crafty or caught without a printer.
How to Set Up Battleship on Paper
If you're new to playing battleship without a board, here's a detailed guide on how to set up your paper battlefield:
Step 1: Understand the Grid Layout
Each player has two 10x10 grids:
The top grid (your attacks on the opponent)
The bottom grid (your ships)
Label rows A through J vertically and numbers 1 through 10 horizontally on both grids.
Step 2: Place Your Ships
Use the following classic ship sizes:
Aircraft Carrier – 5 squares
Battleship – 4 squares
Cruiser – 3 squares
Submarine – 3 squares
Destroyer – 2 squares
Place each ship horizontally or vertically on your top grid. No overlaps. No diagonals.
Tip: You can draw rectangles, shade them in, or use initials like “A” for Aircraft Carrier, “B” for Battleship, etc.
How to Play Battleship Without a Board
Here’s where the magic of pen and paper battleship really shines. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Decide Who Goes First
Flip a coin, play rock-paper-scissors, or let the youngest player begin.
Step 2: Call Out Coordinates
Each player takes turns calling out a coordinate (e.g., "D5"). The opponent checks that coordinate on their grid:
If it hits a ship, they respond with "Hit!"
If it doesn’t, they say "Miss."
Mark your bottom grid accordingly by using an "X" for hits and "O" for misses.
Step 3: Track Ship Status
Once all parts of a ship have been hit, the opponent declares, “You sank my [ship name]!”
Keep going until all of one player’s ships are sunk.
Optional House Rules
First player to sink three ships wins (for shorter games)
Play silent mode where opponents don’t announce hits, adding more mystery
Allow diagonal ship placement for expert-level chaos
Travel and Road Trip Battleship: Fun on the Go
Battleship road trip games are lifesavers during long hours on the highway. Keep the kids occupied without screens or chargers.
Why It’s Great for Travel:
Lightweight and portable
No internet or batteries required
Zero small parts to lose in the car
Pro Tip: Pre-print several battleship printable sheets and store them in a binder with pens clipped inside. Ready to play in seconds.
You’ll be surprised how quiet the car ride gets when everyone’s hunting submarines instead of arguing over the radio.
Benefits of Screen-Free Battleship Games
In a hyper-connected world, screen-free battleship offers something increasingly rare: uninterrupted focus and imaginative play.
Mental & Social Benefits:
Boosts strategic thinking
Sharpens spatial awareness
Encourages communication and sportsmanship
Teaches patience and turn-taking
Physical Benefits:
No eye strain from blue light
No hand cramps from controllers
No sensory overload from flashy animations
Paper Battleship helps create meaningful interactions, something digital versions can’t always replicate.
Tips to Make Your Paper Battleship Game Last Longer
Want to reuse your paper Battleship game sheets?
Try This:
Laminate the sheets or slip them into plastic page protectors
Use dry-erase or wet-erase markers
Store in a folder or binder to prevent folds or tears
Customize with colored pens for added flair
These simple tweaks can turn your printable Battleship game into a reusable staple for years.
Bring Back the Joy of Paper Gaming
In a fast-moving digital world, there’s something undeniably special about slowing down with a classic game.
Pen and paper Battleship rekindles childhood memories, fosters creativity, and provides meaningful engagement.
Best of all, it costs nothing to enjoy. Our free printable Battleship grids bring the game to life wherever you are.
So grab a pen, print your sheets, and go sink some ships, the old-fashioned way.