Thursday, September 3, 2009

Airsoft Game Types: Paratroopers

airsoft paratrooper gameMany airsoft players like to participate in different types of airsoft games and scenarios for variety and to become well rounded in their airsoft skills. Periodically, we spotlight some of these different game types in this "Airsoft Game Types" series. Today we are highlighting Paratroopers - an airsoft game scenario in which a group of 'stranded' paratroopers is tasked with completing specific objectives and making it safely back to their pickup zone.

The paratrooper airsoft scenario begins with dividing participating players into four groups. The members of the group chosen to be the paratroopers are blindfolded and led to the designated ‘Drop Zone,’ where they are understood to have landed in this game scenario. The paratroopers are given a basic map of the area and must collaborate with one another to achieve the objectives, which have been determined at the beginning of the game. In a variation of this scenario that makes for a more challenging game, there may be multiple designated 'Drop Zones' with some of the paratroopers starting at each location. When there are four groups as described, one group is comprised of the paratroopers and the other three are assigned to defend three objects that the paratroopers will be trying to "take out."

Often the map provided to the paratroopers contains inconsistencies or tricks to make the challenge more difficult to accomplish. For instance, an objective may be marked in the wrong location, or an objective may be marked on the map that is not actually there.

Each of the other three groups is assigned an object to defend, for a total of three objects that represent the objectives for the paratroopers. The paratroopers are tasked with "taking out" each objective, represented by a flag at each location that must be returned to the "Pickup Zone." The paratroopers win if they are able to return the flags from all three objectives to the Pickup Zone successfully.

This is a basic description of how Paratroopers can be played, though like other game types, the game scenarios can be modified to fit the number of players or the area available for play.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, the #1 fastest growing Airsoft retailer in the nation. Airsoft Megastore offers the latest airsoft guns and gear as well as a 125% low price guarantee on all new Airsoft guns and gear.

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Monday, July 6, 2009

Airsoft Game Types: King of the Hill

airsoft king of the hillWe've discussed a few airsoft game types in previous posts - Medic, Team Deathmatch and Capture the Flag. King of the Hill is another fun airsoft game with the goal of controlling of a predetermined area marked by a flag. Usually, the marked area being defended is a hill - hence the name of the game - but the game can be played with most any area designated as the hill. The hill or other area being guarded should be a somewhat open area that is not overly easy to defend.

In King of the Hill, players are divided into two groups - attackers and defenders. The defenders start out positioned around the flag, which they will defend while the attackers attempt to take over the territory. The game is played with a time limit, usually about fifteen minutes or half an hour, but can be any time frame as dictated by the game organizer. The team with members closest to the flag is considered to have control of the hill, and the team that has control of the flag upon expiration of the allotted time is the winner.

Defenders of the hill shoot the attackers with airsoft guns in attempt to protect the hill, while attackers do the same to take out opponents and seize control of the hill. Usually in a game of King of the Hill, players who are hit are required to stay out of the game and remain silent until the next round begins. Or, players may be permitted to reenter the match after a certain amount of time has passed, depending on the rules set forth by the organizer of the match.

As with other airsoft game types, the rules and scenarios vary among different fields and organizations. If you are participating in a King of the Hill match, be sure you know the guidelines put forth by the organizer. As always, be safe, play fair and have fun!

Learn about other airsoft game types in our Knowledge Base.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, the #1 fastest growing Airsoft retailer in the U.S. Airsoft Megastore offers a full selection of gas and electric Airsoft guns and accessories including Airsoft green gas.

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Thursday, June 18, 2009

Airsoft Game Types: Capture the Flag

airsoft capture the flagCapture the Flag is a classic game type that is popular in both paintball and airsoft. Each team is tasked with capturing a flag and bringing it to a designated location while avoiding enemy fire. Capture the flag is a versatile game type in that it can be adapted to accommodate large or small groups of players. There are several variations on the rules of Capture the Flag, a couple of which are described below.

Capture the Flag begins with two teams positioned at opposite ends of the playing field. Usually, each has its own base (or designated starting location) with a flag that the team must protect. Each team’s mission is to capture the opposing team’s flag and bring it safely to home base while defending its own flag and eliminating as many opponents as possible. Typically the rules stipulate that the flag must be visible at all times, including while it is being carried by a player. The rules dictated by the organizer will determine what happens if a player carrying the flag is hit. Either the flag must be returned to its original base or the player may drop the flag for a teammate to pick up and continue with the mission.

An alternative scenario called ‘Center Flag’ consists of two teams and two bases, but only one centrally located flag that each team must try to capture. In the single flag variation, victory goes to the team that returns the flag to its own base first. In an alternative scenario, the team may be required to capture the flag and bring it to the opponent’s base.

As with other airsoft game types, the rules for Capture the Flag vary among different organizations and fields. Even if you are an experienced player, be sure that you are familiar with the rules for the organization with which you are playing.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, an airsoft retailer offering electric and gas powered airsoft guns. Please visit Airsoft Megastore to shop for airsoft AEGs, full metal airsoft rifles or the right airsoft gas gun for players of any experience level.

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Friday, May 8, 2009

Airsoft Game Types: Team Deathmatch

Airsoft Team Deathmatch TDMTeam deathmatch, also known as TDM, is a basic airsoft game type that consists of two teams competing to get the most hits on their opponents. Teams begin on opposite ends of the playing field and work together toward the goal of eliminating members of the other team before their own players are hit. Typically there are equal numbers of players on each team to start.

In team deathmatch, each player keeps track of his or her own hits, and team totals are calculated at the end of the match. When a player is hit, he or she signals the hit and goes to a designated respawn point. As with other Airsoft game types, players are expected to adhere to the honor system and call themselves out when they are hit. The rules and objectives of this game type will differ from group to group, but in many cases players who have been "killed" can come back into the game after a certain amount of time has passed.

A variation on team deathmatch is an individual deathmatch, or Free for All, which is a similar scenario except there are no teams. Last Man Standing is an example of this game type. Each player tries to eliminate other players without getting hit, which proves a challenge without having team members to help defend against enemy fire. Since every man is for himself, being attacked from multiple directions at once is common and makes hiding difficult. Though many airsofters love the camaraderie of team games, individual deathmatch games are fun and fast-paced and usually shorter in length than team matches.

Team deathmatch is one of the basic airsoft game types that is commonly played by beginners and experienced players alike. Games that fall into this category will vary widely on the details of play, so be sure to pay attention to the rules specified for the group you are with.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, an Airsoft retailer offering electric and gas powered Airsoft guns. Please visit Airsoft Megastore for new airsoft guns including electric airsoft rifles or the right airsoft gas gun for players of any experience level.

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Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Airsoft Game Types: Medic

Airsoft MedicMedic is a type of airsoft game that gives players who have been hit the chance to get back into the action once they have been "healed" by a player designated as the medic. Typically the game is played with the goal of team domination or death match, but there are many variations that can be played with medics. If you are participating in a skirmish using this scenario, be sure to learn the specific rules for being healed, or "respawned" for the group organizing the skirmish.

In a skirmish, the player chosen as the medic is usually either unarmed or lightly armed. When another member of the medic's team is hit, the medic can "heal" the down player, who may then return to the game. The player who has been hit is required to stay down until the medic arrives in most cases, though depending on the particular game, sometimes a hit player is permitted to go find the medic after a certain period of time has passed. Players may be permitted to defend themselves with their airsoft guns while they are down, or they may not. A medic makes it possible for individuals to stay in the game longer, but there are usually limits dictating the number of times a player can be healed and return to play.

With the ability to bring a hit player back into the game, the medic is key to the endurance of the team in an airsoft skirmish. If the opposing team hits the medic during play, the medic is out of the game, and the other members of the team can no longer be brought back after being hit.

Some teams play the game with a higher degree of realism, with the medic imposing fake "injuries" that hinder players in some way depending on where they are hit. Since players are often brought back multiple times during a skirmish, playing airsoft with a medic can take more time than the typical 'one hit and you're out' scenario. When you are getting ready to play a game of this type, be sure you have plenty of time and ammo!

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, the #1 fastest growing Airsoft retailer in the U.S. Airsoft Megastore offers a full selection of gas and electric airsoft guns and accessories as well as a wide airsoft gas gun selection.

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