How to Play Airsoft
If you’ve made the decision to give airsoft a try, this is the ultimate guide on how to play airsoft. The sport has exploded in popularity in recent years, and it’s not hard to see why. Airsoft allows you to channel your inner Rambo, while at the same time appealing to that kid in all of us who likes to run around and shoot stuff. With some basic gear that includes the best type of airsoft gun (for you), goggles, and a few other pieces, you can start playing airsoft right away. This sport is easy to get into, and it’s not hard to learn how to play. In fact, the basic rules are simple enough that you probably won’t even need that much information before you hop into your first game. However, as you become an airsoft pro, you’ll find that there’s a lot more to the game than just pointing a gun at another player and shooting…
How to play airsoft? Airsoft is played by getting an airsoft gun, learning how to use it, shooting at stationary targets, putting on safety gear, and then choosing your favorite airsoft games with friends or on a team!
Read on to get a more in-depth look at how to play airsoft!
How to Play Airsoft in Your Backyard (and Beyond)
Airsoft is (still) a huge hobby for many, but if you’re just getting started you may be wondering: what is involved? What equipment do you need before you can run around an airsoft field shooting your friends? And, if you’ve never played before, what do you need to know before you step on the field?
Airsoft is a fun, competitive team sport where players and teams eliminate each other by shooting small pellets, called BBs, through airsoft guns. To begin your adventure into how to play airsoft, start with step 1 below!
Step 1: Research and buy your first airsoft gun
The first step to beginning airsoft is to save your money so that you can afford to buy a decent airsoft gun. These guns can range from $100 to over $300!
Make sure you do some research online or in airsoft/gun stores to learn about which type of airsoft gun is right for you. You can also ask friends who play to see what they think! There are several types of guns available, so research is super important! Here are the main 3 types: spring-loaded, electric, or gas-powered. Each comes with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Once you;ve done your research, select and buy your first gun! Make sure you purchase some BBs and safety gear as well!
Step 2: Learn about your airsoft gun
After you purchased your airsoft gun, now you need to learn about what your specific gun can do. Of what is it capable? Here are several questions you need to be able to answer about your gun:
- What types of BBs is best for it to shoot?
- What is the general FPS velocity of the BBs it shoots?
- Does it have a specific firing rate?
- Is it capable of semiautomatic and automatic firing rate?
Additionally, you should be practicing disassembling and reassembling your gun so that you know how it functions and how to fix it. If you’re into it, you can even give your weapon a name! I call my pistol “Little Whipper!”
Step 3: Stationary target practice
Once you know your weapon, now’s the time to start shooting! Find a safe area where you can shoot. You need to avoid public places, so maybe practice in your bedroom with a small target, in the backyard if you have privacy fences, or on some private property that you have permission on which you have permission to be. Set up some targets, and then select some various shooting spots at short and long distances to practice your aim, accuracy, and distance shooting. You can also practice shooting in different positions: standing, kneeling, laying prone, and moving. Practicing like this will also help you learn how to fire, your preferred firing rate, and your play style.
Step 4: Gear up!
After you have some target practice, you might want to start playing with others. Go back to your airsoft store and purchase some protective gear. At the very least purchase some goggles and a helmet. You can also get pads and other gear if necessary.
Step 5: Play with friends or a team (aka moving targets!)
If you can set up moving (non-living!) targets, do so for practice. Contact some friends or connect with a local team to become better. With these folk, find a safe area for play. This will generally be at designated courses and fields or some form private property (with owner permission) like woods or fields.
Backyards are not generally recommended because airsoft guns can be confused by passersby and local law enforcement as real guns. For this same reason, airsoft is NEVER played in public places! Confusion of airsoft guns for real weapons can quickly create a confusing and dangerous situation!
Once you find a place, talk with your team and agree on ground rules. Here are some examples:
- When the gun safety should be on/off
- Hold up arms to mean “hold your fire”
- Define a safe zone
- Define how many hits before a person is out
Making agreements like this can simulate playing competitively, as local airsoft fields and competitions have rules and regulations that you will want to learn.
Step 6: Learn tactics and play in a league
Once you’ve played a few games with friends, go out and find a league! To do this, make sure you learn the rules and regulations for competition. It might also be a good idea to learn and practice individual tactics, such as using cover, stealth, and camouflage. These tactics will help with overall team tactics. Then you’ll be ready to try some other game- and play-styles, such as milsim, speedsoft, CQB, objective, deathmatch, etc.
Last, have fun!
