What is Airsoft

1. Introduction to Airsoft. Alternative to firearm ownership and tactical training.

2. Airsoft Characteristics and Realism. Airsoft weapons resemble real firearms. Effective for police and military training.

3. Safety and Equipment in Airsoft. Safety is a top priority.

4. Global Rise of Airsoft. Originally popular in Asia. Gaining popularity in Europe and America.

5. Tactical Aspects in Airsoft Games. Mimics real combat situations. Use of camouflage for added challenge.

6. Airsoft Game Environments. Close combat in urban landscapes. Diverse scenarios beyond CQB and MilSim.

7. Types of Airsoft Games. Close Combat, Military Simulation (MilSim), Other Game Types.

Airsoft history

Airsoft was born in the early 70s in Japan to offer local firearms enthusiasts an alternative hobby - Japanese laws prohibit private individuals from owning firearms. As a result, special attention was paid to the similarity of airsoft weapons with real weapons, both in terms of appearance and working principle. Nowadays, airsoft is much more popular than paintball in the Pacific basin, with the exception of Singapore, Australia and New Zealand, where airsoft, unlike paintball, is banned.

Although airsoft bullets have less kinetic energy than paintball bullets, their ballistic properties are close to firearm bullets. Airsoft bullets are quite painful to hit, which further increases the realism of the sport compared to real combat. Therefore, the use of airsoft is more effective than paintball in training police and military personnel. This is also the reason why airsoft is still banned in many countries.

Airsoft is a sports battle similar to paintball, in which the participants try to knock each other out of the game by shooting 6-, previously also 8-mm plastic bullets from airsoft guns. Using the required safety equipment, airsoft is one of the safest sports in the world, in which injuries are extremely rare. Airsoftguns have several sources of kinetic energy: gas cylinders filled with carbon dioxide gas (air that is pushed into the weapon like a classic air rifle), as well as the usual spring known from a cap gun. The latest achievement in the field of airsoftweapons are electric airsoftguns, where the air is compressed by electricity (batteries). The game uses various replica firearms, which are often quite difficult to distinguish from real weapons. Inexhaustible tactical options, which are also used in real combat situations, military accessories and camouflage add spice to the game. In recent years, the game that was popular in Asia has started to find ardent supporters in Europe and America as well.

Airsoft Characteristics and Realism

Distinguishes itself through its remarkable attention to detail, creating an experience that closely mirrors real firearms. Crafted to resemble authentic weapons in both appearance and working principles, airsoft guns fire 6- or, previously, 8-mm plastic bullets, exhibiting ballistic properties comparable to those of actual firearms. Despite having lower kinetic energy than paintball bullets, airsoft projectiles are notably painful upon impact, intensifying the sport's realism. This realism, coupled with the sport's effectiveness in training police and military personnel, has led to its global recognition. However, this authenticity comes with a caveat, as airsoft remains prohibited in numerous countries due to safety concerns and its potential for misuse.

Safety and Equipment in Airsoft

Safety is paramount in airsoft, and participants are required to don specific safety equipment to mitigate the risks associated with the sport. While injuries are exceptionally rare when safety guidelines are followed, the sport involves the use of airsoft guns powered by various sources of kinetic energy, including gas cylinders, springs, and electric compressors. These safety measures are crucial, given the sport's close-quarters nature and the realistic ballistic properties of the projectiles. As such, players are equipped with protective gear to ensure a secure environment. Despite the sport's potential for intensity, its commitment to safety has contributed to its reputation as one of the safest sports globally.

Global Rise of Airsoft

What began as a niche hobby for Japanese firearms enthusiasts facing legal restrictions on private firearm ownership has evolved into a global phenomenon. While initially popular in the Pacific basin, airsoft has transcended its Asian roots, gaining ardent supporters in Europe and America. The sport's appeal lies in its replication of real combat scenarios, utilizing replica firearms and military accessories that closely mimic those used in actual conflicts. This global rise is indicative of the universal allure of airsoft, attracting enthusiasts across diverse cultures and regions.

Tactical Aspects in Airsoft Games

Airsoft games are distinguished by their emphasis on tactical strategy, offering inexhaustible options mirroring real combat situations. Players must navigate scenarios that demand quick thinking, teamwork, and effective use of terrain. The sport's tactical depth is heightened by the use of camouflage, adding an extra layer of challenge to the games. Mimicking authentic military strategies, airsoft fosters an environment where players must employ cunning tactics and adaptability to emerge victorious. This tactical richness contributes to the sport's appeal, attracting players seeking a dynamic and intellectually engaging experience

Airsoft Game Environments

Airsoft thrives in a diverse range of environments, from close combat scenarios in urban landscapes to nighttime melee in natural settings. The sport's flexibility allows for games in limited areas with numerous obstacles, creating fast-paced and unpredictable gameplay. Beyond traditional settings, airsoft games explore various scenarios, challenging players to adapt to different terrains and situations. This diversity contributes to the sport's widespread popularity, ensuring that enthusiasts can find engaging and immersive experiences in a variety of environments.

Game types

Close combat

Close Quarters Battle (CQB) is one of the most popular airsoft game types. It takes place in a limited area, so the gameplay is fast and offers a lot of surprises. Often a city district or natural landscape is marked on the playground. The more passages, gates, windows, doors, stairs, tunnels, etc. are built, the more exciting and unexpected the game is for the participants, because you never know where the enemy is lurking, Shooting mostly takes place at very close range, so the hits are also painful, urging players to be more careful - thats why players wear extra safety equipment in close combat.

Melee can also be fought at night, as well as in any natural location that offers plenty of cover.

In Airsoft close combat, very close fire is fired, so you have to take into account the fact that in the final phase of the game, the fire efficiency of airsoft weapons may drop - the cylinders are running out of gas.

Military simulation

MilSim (Military Simulation) combines airsoft with a military role-playing game. Teams are given specific goals or tasks to achieve or complete.

The teams remain on the battlefield with defined boundaries until the winner is determined or the agreed playing time ends. Leaving the battlefield is only allowed to get first aid or in some other vital case. MilSim games often last several days. For example, in Sweden, the big game BERGET lasted six days in a row. Military vehicles are simulated by the vehicles of MilSim participants or their friends, although there have been games that use real armored vehicles and tanks.

Nowadays, the possibilities of airsoft are far from limited to CQB or MilSim. In addition to them, many more games with a simpler scenario are played, such as:

A survival game

in which all players fight against each other. The last player to "survive" wins.

Officer or president game

is the goal of the opposing teams to "shoot" the opposing teams officer or president. The game is made more interesting if the officer or the president has full command rights - so the victory of the game largely depends on the tactical skills of the team leader.

Recruitment game

ideal for forest areas. It usually involves two teams, whose goal is to get individual players hiding in a certain forest area to their own team, who shoot both competing teams. The most skilled airsoft players are usually placed in the middle of the perimeter, making it even more difficult to hit them that way. There are variants in the game: players who are caught can get points or take the side of the team that caught them.

Prisoner release

In this game, one player competes against a team. His goal is to reach a certain point, free the prisoner from the enemy and deliver him safely to a safe place.