Airsoft can be an exciting game, but just like all things, it can be intimidating for new players. This is especially true given all the specialized gear and jargon that players use.
So we reached into our collective experience and dug out some helpful tips for new players. See if these can help you improve your game.
Pay Attention to the Game Brief (Don’t Get Lost in the Sauce)
MilSim and airsoft events all vary by objective, and every game has one. Common objectives are “search and destroy,” “capture the flag,” and “death matches,” in which both sides play until no players are left standing.
You should pay attention during the brief so you know what you “should” be doing, which more often than not is not simply shooting at the other team. Your teammates will not appreciate it if you are unprepared.
Stay Prone
Staying upright makes you a glaring target. Keeping prone – on your belly – enables you to move forward offensively and fire without standing up. It also keeps you low to the ground, closer to cover and concealment, and minimizes your target profile.
Be Aware of Field Velocity Rules and Engagement Distances
Pretty much all airsoft fields have velocity rules (about how fast an airsoft gun can shoot) and engagement distances (how far away you should be from an opposing team members before engaging). Make sure you know these; you don’t want to get ejected on a technicality or bring an airsoft gun you can’t use.
Don’t Cheap Out on the Face Protection
One, consider a full face mask. Two, if you would rather wear goggles, buy ANSI-rated safety goggles that offer good clarity and which are shatter resistant, as these will be more comfortable and will better protect your face.
Wear Thick Clothes (and Gloves)
Even in hot weather, thick clothing will protect you best from the opposing team’s fire. Also, thick gloves will protect your hands in CQB in which errant strikes can break the skin.
Comfortable Footwear Matters
Think of an airsoft match as a particularly grueling overland hike, during which you may very well be exposed to the absolute worst of the elements, mud, rain, and extreme temperatures.
You wouldn’t take a long hike without comfortable, supportive footwear, don’t play airsoft without them either.
A good rule of thumb is to get breathable boots for summer events and warm, well-insulated boots for winter events.
Know Your Airsoft Gun Inside and Out
It’s alright if you’re just learning the ropes and you don’t know exactly how your airsoft gun shoots, but if you want to make any mods down the line that will boost performance, That alone is reason to become more familiar with the inner workings of the platform.
One Is None, Two Is One
Always carry a sidearm in a match. You don’t want to be dead in the water due to airsoft gear failure.
Buy a Case
Discretion is the better part of valor, as they say. Also, some fields and ranges may require the airsoft gun to be cased during transport, anyway.
Need Some Mystery in Your Life? Get an Airsoft Mystery Box!
Looking for something new to try out at your next match but not sure what to get? There are still some airsoft mystery boxes left online at MiR Tactical (MiRTactical.com) which is where we got all these tips from, anyway.
They’re the perfect thing to get if you love surprises (and the value of the gear inside each airsoft mystery box is guaranteed to be greater than the sticker price of the box).
Check out their website today via the link above to learn more.
