But if you’re new to the airsoft sport, you might feel intimidated by the rules and gameplay. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! In this blog, we’ll walk you through the basics of playing airsoft, so you can confidently hit the field and dominate the competition.
We’ll cover everything from the equipment you need to the different game modes you can play and safety measures for staying secure and coming out on top.
Understanding Airsoft Basics
What is Airsoft?
Airsoft is a sport that simulates military and law enforcement scenarios using realistic-looking firearms called airsoft guns. These guns fire small plastic pellets and are powered by various mechanisms, such as gas, electric, or spring systems.
As a player, you engage in team-based games employing tactics and strategies to achieve objectives on the field.
Paintball guns, however, shoot larger paint-filled capsules. This makes airsoft a more realistic experience, and generally, airsoft players focus on tactical accuracy and stealth, while paintball emphasizes speed and adrenaline.
Types of Airsoft Guns
Three main categories of airsoft guns exist – spring, gas, and electric.
Spring guns: These are manually cocked and fire a single shot per cocking action. They are typically less expensive and less potent than other airsoft gun types.
Gas guns: Powered by CO2 or green gas, these guns offer semi-automatic and, in some cases, fully automatic firing modes. Gas guns often have realistic blowback action, which mimics real firearms.
Electric guns (AEGs): Utilizing a rechargeable battery, AEGs offer high rates of fire and customizable performance. They are among the most popular airsoft guns and are ideal for beginners and experienced players.
BBs come in different weights, with heavier ones providing increased accuracy and range at the cost of reduced speed. Always use high-quality, seamless BBs to prevent damaging your airsoft gun and ensure optimal performance during games.
First and foremost, protect your eyes. Get a high-quality pair of safety goggles or a full-face mask – this isn’t the place to cut corners. Many airsoft fields will require full-seal goggles with an ANSI Z87.1 rating.
Respect and honor are critical components of airsoft sportsmanship. The honor system depends on players to call their own hits and never purposely cheat the game. Always follow instructions given by game organizers, referees, or field staff.
Till you’re prepared to fire, don’t touch the trigger.
Avoid blind firing.
Obey minimum engagement distances and the field’s FPS limits.
Call your own hits.
Airsoft Field Rules
You must familiarize yourself with the laws of the airsoft field you’re playing on because rules can differ from one airsoft field to another. Make sure to attend the field’s safety briefing before playing, and always show respect to other players and field staff.
Commonly, there are standard rules you’ll find in most fields:
Rule
Description
Barrel covers
Use a barrel cover when not on the field to prevent accidental discharge.
Dead zones
Follow the field’s specific rules for dead zones or respawn areas.
FPS limits
Ensure your gun’s FPS is within the field’s limits and requirements.
In this section, we’ll cover some key topics, including minimum age requirements, airsoft gun laws by state, and proper transportation and storage of airsoft guns.
Minimum Age Requirements
While there isn’t a federal age limit for playing airsoft, local laws, and field regulations can vary. Generally, the minimum age to play airsoft is 12 years, and participants under 18 need parental consent.
Airsoft gun laws differ from state to state, and it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the regulations that apply to your location.
In this section, we’ll discuss two state examples:
IL:Illinois requires airsoft guns to have an orange tip, a federally mandated requirement. Beyond this, no additional state-specific restrictions are in place.
MI:Michigan prohibits brandishing any object that looks like a firearm, including airsoft guns but does not categorize airsoft guns as firearms.
When participating in airsoft activities, remember to research and adhere to your local laws and regulations.
Transporting and Storing Airsoft Guns
It’s essential to transport and store your airsoft guns safely and responsibly.
Some best practices include:
Always use a gun case or bag specifically designed for transporting airsoft guns.
Avoid public areas where your airsoft gun may be mistaken for a real weapon.
Store your airsoft gun unloaded, with the orange tip visible, and in a secure, locked location.
First, consider your playstyle and the role you want to take in airsoft games. For snipers, a high-accuracy sniper rifle with long-range capabilities is ideal.
Choose an AEG (automatic electric gun) that suits your budget and preferences for a more versatile option.
Accessories and Equipment
When purchasing accessories, prioritize essentials such as extra magazines, batteries or gas, and a high-quality sling to ensure your airsoft gun functions efficiently on the field. Investing in a good quality battery charger is also essential.
Optional equipment includes scopes, bipods, or camouflage wraps for enhancing your gameplay experience.
Airsoft Clothing and Footwear
Select clothing that offers protection and camouflage, such as full BDU (battle dress uniform) sets or tactical pants and shirts.
Your footwear, such as hiking or military-style boots, should provide comfort and ankle support. Remember to choose weather-appropriate gear for your playing conditions.
Skirmish: Fast-paced, close-quarters combat, with teams fighting to eliminate the opposition.
Milsim: A more realistic military simulation with organized teams, structured missions, and tactical gameplay.
CTF (Capture The Flag): Teams race to capture the opponent’s flag and return it to their base while protecting their own flag.
Other game types include Team Deathmatch (TDM), King of the Hill, Zombie, and Ambush, each providing unique experiences and strategies to master.
Teamwork and Communication
Effective teamwork is crucial for success in airsoft. Clear communication among players is critical to coordinating movement, spotting opponents, and sharing vital information. Use hand signals, radios, or other communication tools to stay connected with your team.
Remember that as a team player, cooperation and collaboration are essential. Support your teammates, share resources, and think strategically to secure the victory.
Utilize suppressive fire to pin opponents down, allowing your teammates to advance or retreat as needed. Always stay alert and adapt to the changing conditions of the game.
Advanced Game Scenarios
As you become more experienced with airsoft, you might want to explore advanced game scenarios that incorporate objective-based missions and military tactics. These can bring a new level of excitement and challenge to your games.
This section will discuss four advanced game scenarios: Bomb, Hostage Rescue, Runner, and Protector.
Bomb
In the Bomb scenario, teams compete to plant or defuse a simulated explosive device. To effectively execute your team’s strategy in this game, follow these tips:
Communication is key. Coordinate with your teammates to cover each other’s movements.
Analyze the battlefield and identify potential chokepoints to contain the enemy.
Practice quick decision-making to adapt to any unexpected situations.
Hostage Rescue
Hostage Rescue scenarios require one team to hold hostages and the other to rescue them. Remember the following tactics for success:
As the attacking team, gather intel on enemy positions before attempting a rescue.
Stay stealthy as you approach the hostages, and move quickly once you’ve reached them.
Defending teams should spread out yet maintain lines of sight to cover all possible angles of attack.
Runner
The Runner scenario features a single player, the Runner, who must evade both teams to reach their objective. To succeed in this game, you can:
As the Runner, focus on stealth and making unpredictable movements to remain undetected.
Use natural obstacles to your advantage, such as dense foliage or uneven terrain.
Keep track of the opposing teams’ movements and exploit any gaps or weaknesses that appear.
Protector
In the Protector scenario, one team must safeguard VIPs while transporting them to a designated location. Here are some tips for both sides of this scenario:
If you’re part of the escort team, use a staggered formation to cover all angles and provide optimal protection for the VIP.
As the assaulting team, focus on disrupting the enemy size and formation and isolating the VIP for a quick capture.
Coordinate with your teammates and maintain constant communication to react and adapt to surprises.
Airsoft Etiquette and Responsibilities
Respect for Property
When playing airsoft, respecting both public and private property is crucial. Always ask for permission before using private land for your airsoft games, and follow any specific rules the owner sets.
Avoid causing damage to the property, vegetation, or structures. If damages do occur, be responsible and report them to the landowner to resolve them appropriately.
Respect for Other Players
In airsoft, you’ll interact with other players in a competitive environment. Treat your opponents with respect, and always play with a sportsmanlike attitude.
Remember to follow the game’s rules and adhere to the agreed-upon safety guidelines. This includes respecting boundaries and safe zones and not causing harm to other players through reckless behavior.
Personal Responsibility
Taking personal responsibility for your actions during an airsoft game is essential. If you make an error in the battle, own up to it and use the experience to learn and improve your gameplay.
Ensure you have adequate protective gear and maintain your airsoft equipment to prevent accidents or injuries on the field. Additionally, take responsibility for cleaning up after yourself; this includes picking up empty BBs, trash, and other waste.
Starting and Participating in Airsoft Community
Including the airsoft community in your experience is a fun improvement approach. As a player, you can participate in various airsoft games, meet new people, and explore different locations.
In this section, you will learn about finding local fields and events, joining airsoft teams, and creating your games.
Finding Local Fields and Events
Finding a good location is crucial for enjoying airsoft games. Whether you prefer woodland or CQB (Close Quarters Battle) environments, you’ll need a safe and suitable field for your airsoft games. Search online for airsoft fields, stores, and events near your area.
Most local fields have dedicated websites or social media pages to post scheduled games and events. You can also visit airsoft stores in your area and ask for recommendations on the best fields and events catering to kids and adults alike.
Joining Airsoft Teams
Joining an airsoft team is an excellent way to improve your game and make new friends. Many teams regularly practice together, share tips and tactics, and participate in local or national airsoft events.
You can usually find team information and recruitment notices on field websites or through local airsoft discussion forums.
Don’t hesitate to chat with a team or join their practice sessions. Airsoft players generally enjoy welcoming new members to their community and helping them improve their skills.
Creating Your Own Airsoft Games
For a more personalized experience, you can create your airsoft games with custom rules and scenarios. This can be done on private property with the necessary permissions or on a rented airsoft field. Ensure everyone participating knows the rules and that all players adhere to them.
Get creative with your game scenarios, and use various props or markers to provide a visual aid. Involve your friends and fellow airsoft players to help expand your airsoft community as you share your love for the hobby.
Wrapping Up
Airsoft is a thrilling sport that requires skill, strategy, and safety awareness. Following the tips and guidelines in this guide, you can improve your game and have a great time with friends and fellow airsoft enthusiasts.
Key Points to Remember:
Always prioritize safety by wearing proper gear and following game rules.
Enhance your skills through practice, teamwork, and learning from experienced players.
With dedication and continuous learning, you’ll become a formidable airsoft player. Now, gear up and enjoy the game!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the basic rules of airsoft?
The primary rules include wearing eye protection, keeping your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, and respecting the safety zones. Additionally, understand and follow your local field’s specific regulations.
Q. What are common airsoft game modes?
Some popular game modes include Team Deathmatch, where two teams compete to eliminate each other’s members, Capture the Flag, in which teams must steal the opposing team’s flag and return it to their own base, King of the Hill, where teams fight to control a designated area on the field.
Q. What type of airsoft gun should I start with?
Consider an electric airsoft gun (AEG) for beginners, as they are reliable, cost-effective, and versatile for various game modes. However, as you gain experience, you may want to explore gas or spring-powered airsoft guns.
Q. How should I maintain my airsoft gun?
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your airsoft gun stays in top condition. This includes cleaning the barrel with a rod and cloth and lubricating moving parts with silicone oil. It’s also important to periodically check and tighten loose screws to prevent malfunctions during gameplay.
Q. What should I wear for an airsoft game?
Protective gear, such as goggles or a full face mask, is essential. Dress in durable, comfortable clothing, like long sleeves and pants, to protect against BB impacts. Wearing gloves and appropriate footwear, such as boots, is also crucial for safety and comfort.
