If you’ve ever wanted to experience the thrill of living a first-person shooter (FPS) in real life without actually getting hurt, Airsoft is the perfect chance to try it out. The competitive team sport has been famous for decades thanks to its realistic weapons and advanced play, making it pretty much a military simulation. Unlike paintball, which relies on “markers” to identify when someone’s hit, it depends on an honor system in which you must call yourself out when you’re shot.

Given how identical it is to military scenarios without the actual risk of dying, it’s easy to get intimidated by the whole setup. Some people may feel excited about the prospect of shooting friends for fun, but the thought of actually pulling the trigger may dampen any enthusiasm. It’s best to do more research into the sport before trying it out or diving right into it, so here’s what you need to know:

Prepare Yourself Accordingly

Even though Airsoft can’t kill you the way real guns do, it often causes bruises, draws blood, and raises some welts. Some people have experienced blisters on their fingers and welts in different places, like their necks and butts. If you’re ready to field questions your coworkers and family members may have about the strange bruising on your body, then you’ll be good to go. 

Openly carrying an Airsoft gun in public can get you arrested or even killed, so you’ll need to do proper research into the sport before you begin. That’s why there are many organized outdoor events specifically for the sport, allowing you to give it a try legally. Do your best to avoid backyard Airsofting, as low flying planes, helicopters, or passersby may interpret it as a small-scale shootout or even training site for budding rebels. 

Look for a Place to Play

If you’re ready to explore the world of Airsoft, you’ll want to find an excellent close-quarters battle Airsoft site. There’s probably one near your area, so look them up and read through their website. Find out if they sell snacks and drinks, too, since you’ll definitely be famished. 

Check their policies as well, as some sites require you to don full masks while others need you to wear just the approved goggles. Remember that any old pair of goggles won’t do; you’ll need one that’s shatterproof since shop goggles will burst into tiny shards that can render you blind. The sites may also require parental consent to accompany you if you’re a minor. 

Buy the Right Gear

Getting shot in Airsoft can be painful, so it’s essential to equip yourself with the proper gear. It’s best to wear a comfortable sweater, paintball or work gloves, jeans, and a sturdy pair of shoes to protect yourself from the full impact of the pellets, which players refer to as BBs. Neutral colors work best so that you won’t be an obvious target. Some people take this to the next level by wearing military gear and combat boots, although this entirely depends on how immersed you want to be in the sport. 

Since this will be your first time, you’ll probably be renting a gun. However, if you’re borrowing one from a friend, make sure to bag it correctly in your backpack, the original packaging, or an actual gun bag. Otherwise, you’ll quickly land yourself in hot water if you’re openly carrying a replica gun.

Remember the Etiquette

There are a few things you need to remember before stepping out onto the field. Be sure to wear proper eye protection since you’ll risk putting yourself in a dangerous situation if you walk around without it. If your safety gear comes off, call yourself out or hold something over your eyes while cautiously walking out. You can also shout for the refs or yell out “blind man.”

Physical contact isn’t allowed in Airsoft to dispel fistfights, especially when high powered projectile weapons are involved. Most of the time, you’ll get kicked out or even banned for instigating a fight, so do your best to avoid it entirely. That includes shouting expletives, taunting, or anything that runs contrary to good sportsmanship.

Lastly, be sure to call your hits. If you get hit, call yourself out and raise your hand or weapon. Friendly fire, or being shot at by your teammates, also counts. Airsoft requires ethics, so it’s best to play by the rules and walk out when you’re hit.

Conclusion

Airsoft is an entertaining and adrenaline-pumping sport to try, but it also involves a little more preparation than you may expect. By keeping this guide in mind, you’ll be more than ready for your first foray into the competitive team sport!

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