Airsoft Guns

There are a variety of different airsoft games, ranging in style, composition, difficulty and structure. Creative and passionate players are constantly making up new game variations, but many of the core airsoft games remain the same.

This article includes a list of popular airsoft games that avid players have enjoyed playing for many years.

I. Closed Quarter Battle (CQB)
Not for the faint of heart, this battle takes place in a closed environment and often results in high speed action. The close proximity to the other players often makes the game more intense and concentrated. It is important to add hiding places, tunnels and bunkers to the closed space to make the game more challenging. Light airsoft guns are often used in closed quarter battle and give the user an edge up on the competition.

II.Skirmish
A skirmish is a laid back and popular method of enjoying airsoft with friends and teammates. There is more room to roam in a skirmish than a closed quarter battle, as it is often in an open field. The exact rules of the skirmish depend upon each circumstance, but often the players can use any weapon of their choice. Typically each player wears camouflage clothing, eye protection and tactical gear. Carrying a large supply of ammunition is necessary since this game often lasts longer than closed quarter battles.

III.Capture the Flag
Capture the flag, also known as capture the intelligence, is popular in both airsoft and paintball. If often consists of two teams and two flags, but it can also be played with multiple teams and one neutral flag. There are a variety of rules associated with capture the flag, ultimately the rules used is up to the group. The group may decide that the player is out after being hit once or after being hit multiple times. One thing is consistent across the majority of capture the flag games, the team wins by being the first one to get the flag and return it to their base. Playing capture the flag is a great way to meet new friends as you all work together to steal and return the flag.

IV. Team Death Match
Team death match is a simple game where two teams compete to get the most hits on their opponents. The main goal is to eliminate members of the other team while maintaining your team members. Each player keeps track of his or her own hits and uses the airsoft honor system. Often times people who have been “killed” can come back into the game after a certain amount of time has passed, but it depends on the exact rules set at the beginning of the game. The total number of hits by each team is calculated at the end of the game and a winner is decided upon.

V. Paratroopers
This is a unique game in which a set of “stranded” paratroopers have to complete specific objectives and make it safely back to the designated pickup zone. The abandoned paratroopers are blind folded and led to drop zone, given a map and various objectives. The players can get really creative with this game and have to come up with a clever strategy to defend their object while safely returning to the pickup zone.

VI. Military Simulation (MilSlim)
Military simulation, called MilSlim for short, refers to military simulations conducted by people for fun. When airsoft players perform a military simulation they take part in military role playing by assigned military roles and using military replica weapons. Each role is acted out in battle, which may be scripted or non-scripted. Many airsoft groups that conduct military simulation have ex-military members that partake. These ex-military members are often seeking the camaraderie of their old units.

VII. Historical Recreations
Historical recreations are similar to military stimulation, but the players act out classic events in history such as Civil War and World War II. The players try to include all the details of the event and bring the battle to present day. Historical recreations allow bystanders to see what took place in a visual manner and allow the players to feel a part of a monumental event in history.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the President and COO of Airsoft Megastore, a growing online Airsoft retailer that carries airsoft guns and airsoft tatical gear. Airsoft Megastore offers a 125% low price guarantee on all new airsoft guns and airsoft ammunition.

Labels: airsoft games, airsoft gun games, airsoft guns

Typically when you think about Airsoft skirmishes, you think about an intense airsoft milsim combat where many fighters maneuver around a huge plot of land, with constant rapid fire coming from all directions. A true airsoft player, on the contrary, knows that some of the most intense, engaging and enjoyable airsoft games can be brought about by 1 v 1 combat.

This article will give you some great ideas of how how to have an intense and fun 2 player airsoft game!

2 Player Benefits

There are many benefits to engaging in 1 on 1 airsoft battles. For one, it is easier to match skill levels. Many times with large groups, the forces are strongly divided by weak and strong players. Playing against someone at your skill level keeps the game challenging, but allows you to have some wins and improve your play.

Additionally there is little preparation time with 2 players as opposed to group play. Explaining the ground rules and developing intricate group strategy can take time and fun away from airsoft battles. Two player combat can begin much quicker. And it's just a lot easier organizing an event with two people as opposed to dozens.

Lastly, since there are only two players, less space is needed to accommodate airsoft play. This means you have many more options for skirmish areas.

2 Player Airsoft Games

Duel/Fast Draw

This game is very similar to the draws seen in old Western movies. It’s a simple game that is best played with airsoft spring pistols. First, the airsoft players stand back-to-back, with their guns in hand or holster. Then the players both take ten paces forward. These paces must be counted out loud and once ten is reached, they quickly turn and begin firing. Players are free to duck and dodge bullets. You can decide whether moving around is allowed. The first one to be shot loses.

Attack & Defend

Attack & Defend (also known as Capture the Flag) is a common game played with groups but can easily be modified to accommodate 2 players. This game involves one player defending a particular parameter that they are not allowed to exit. In this parameter, the defender is guarding a physical object, such as a flag. The offender, on the other hand, is attacking and trying to capture the object. The defender only wins by shooting the offender and the offender wins by capturing the object. This game is very fun when played at night with the right tactical lighting units or gun-mounted flashlights.

Hunter & Hunted

The Hunter & Hunted is an intense airsoft battle of hide and seek with a twist. First the hunter allows 10 minutes for the hunted to set up traps, bunkers, hiding places, strategy etc. After the ten minutes, the hunter begins to seek out the hunted while avoiding any trap the hunted may have set up. One popular strategy is to find a hiding spot and use a high-powered airsoft sniper gun and wait to catch a good shot of the hunter. All areas are in bound to both players. The first player to be shot loses.

The best part of 2 player airsoft is getting creative and developing games that suit you and your opponent. So don’t waste time thinking a game with just your buddy can’t be fun. True airsoft enthusiasts have a good in any type of airsoft combat and look for every opportunity to increase their skill level.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the President and COO of Airsoft Megastore, an online airsoft retailer offering electric and gas powered airsoft guns, as well as airsoft parts, upgrades and accessories. Visit Airsoft Megastore to shop for all types of airsoft guns including snipers, pistols, rifles & more! Airsoft Megastore also showcases a wide variety of airsoft parts, upgrades & accessories.

Labels: 1 vs 1 airsoft, 1v1 airsoft, 2 player airsoft, airsoft games, airsoft guns

There are plenty of games that airsoft enthusiasts can play for practice and entertainment. Earlier we have mentioned games such as Paratroupers, Capture the Flag, Medic, Team Deathmatch, and King of the Hill. Today we would like to talk about lesser known game - Manhunt.

I like to think of Manhunt as airsoft meets The Fugitive. It's (usually) one man against everyone else, which makes it pretty intense. Basically, one individual - armed with an airsoft pistol - is hunted down by the rest of the players. The hunters can use whatever weapons they like, airsoft shotguns and rifles are popular picks. The person being hunted is given a five-minute head start to go wherever they want within a given space. After five minutes, often marked by a signal such as a whistle or blow-horn, the hunters start the manhunt. Obviously, the goal of the hunters is to shoot the hunted man within a specific time limit. Conversely, the hunted man wants to pick off the hunters or at least remain "alive" throughout the designated time limit. Hunters are not allowed to deliberately shoot other hunters. If they do, they are eliminated. If anyone is hit by an airsoft bb accidentally, they must sit out on the side until the next game begins.

There are two possible ways to win the game. If you are the prey, you win the game by surviving and/or shooting all the hunters within the time limit. (Not an easy feat!) If you are a hunter, your team wins by having one person shoot the prey. Of course, like all airsoft games, rules can be altered to fit your needs. For example, you can have two people being hunted... or even have two separate conflicting teams doing hunting. The increased complexity often adds more excitement to the game.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the President and COO 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 including airsoft sniper rifles and spring airsoft shotguns.

Labels: airsoft game, airsoft games, airsoft skirmish, airsoft skirmishes

Historically military branches and law enforcement agencies worldwide have attempted to offer training to their personnel which mimics as realistically-as-possible the real-life situations they’ll encounter in their respective lines of work, whether that be close quarter combat, hostage/civilian scenarios, full-scale assaults, or otherwise. Referred to as ‘MilSim’, which stands for ‘military simulation’, their focus has always been two-fold: one, in replicating the challenges as humanly possible which their personnel will actually face, and two, to do so in as safe an environment as allowable, which is why airsoft has become the preferred weapon training platform for military and law enforcement alike.

While paintball and the military equivalent of laser-tag have both been used in the past for these purposes, neither was able to lend the authenticity to this training as airsoft. Simply put, airsoft guns mimic their real-life counterparts like no other weapon platform, not only in size and weight ratio, but also in their operation (the difference of course is that airsoft guns fire non-lethal airsoft BBs instead of live ammunition). Additionally, airsoft manufacturers market guns which so closely resemble actual weaponry employed by the military world-over, that in doing so trainers are able to easily and authentically re-create the various theaters of urban warfare and equipment which their trainees will most likely engage in and encounter, whether they be MOUT (military operations on urban terrain), FIBUA (fighting in built-up areas) or OBUA (Operations in Built Up Areas) in the West.

How does all of this benefit the civilian airsoft enthusiast? Quite simply, it renders the airsoft ‘weekend warrior’ the ability to engage in realistic military simulations without having to actually enlist and at a relatively affordable expense. With impressively-sized and carefully-planned MilSims taking place across the globe (Operation Irene in the U.S. employs actual tanks and APCs, Sweden’s annual Berget event runs nearly a week – with no rest periods), the only thing an airsoft player needs to engage in the sport (aside from locating a MilSim near them) is a dedication to the level of play required. This does of course mean accordingly realistic equipment. Airsoft MilSim players are a stickler for authenticity, and therefore ‘fantasy’ airsoft guns and high-capacity airsoft magazines are frowned upon (low-cap airsoft mags more closely recreate the operations of their real-life firearm brethren), MilSim basic supply load-outs of ammunition are adhered to strictly, and player uniform authenticity and a penchant for team-tactics are a must. MilSim airsoft players are often required to remain in the field for the duration of a MilSim operation as well, and are allowed only to return to a ‘safe zone’ for medical emergencies and for other unique circumstances. As such, this also means stamina for the player, although these components also allow for the closest approximation to real-world combat one will find.

Whether you are interested in modern airsoft urban warfare MilSims or military reenactments (there is also a sub-set of airsoft players worldwide who prefer to painstakingly and impressively recreate historical battles to the best of their ability), the benefits reaped and the lessons learned by military and law enforcement trainers alike, via their use of airsoft as a training tool, can be enjoyed by the civilian as well.

Just make sure to wind your gears. Nothing will break the suspension of disbelief required for a MilSim like the rattling around of airsoft pellets in one’s magazine.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the President and COO 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.

Labels: airsoft games, airsoft military simulation, airsoft milsim

In airsoft play, a medic is a player who has the ability to re-spawn injured or dead players. In others words, the medic can touch a dead man or injured player and "heal" them, allowing the player to re-join the game. You can either play Medic, a game focused around the medic concept, or introduce medic(s) into another form of airsoft skirmish. There are several possible variations of the medic option worth considering:

• Will the medic be a single player on the team, several members, or will all players have medic abilities? The fewer medics on a team, the more valuable the medic becomes. Too many medics and your game may never end... which is not necessarily a bad thing.


• In games where there are multiple medics, can a medic "heal" another medic? If everyone has medic abilities, of course they can, but if you only have a few medics in the game, this question becomes more important.


• Will the medic(s) be armed? In some instances, medics are not armed, making their situation more challenging and precarious. In others, they are only allowed one pistol. Or in some instances, medics are fully armed.


• Will medics heal on contact or require a certain amount of time for the player to be restored? If the touch heals the player instantly, game play is a bit easier. Requiring a certain amount of time to elapse is more challenging. For example, you might require a medic keep contact with the patient for 10 consecutive seconds before that patient is healed.


• Can medics carry arms and/or ammo to downed players? The longer you plan the game to last, the more attractive this option becomes. Oftentimes, players run out of ammo and get shot during long skirmishes. In some instances, your medic can also become an effective re-supply strategy.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, the fastest growing of all airsoft stores in the nation. Airsoft Megastore offers deep discounts on sale items for players interested in cheap AEG airsoft guns and looking to find airsoft sniper rifles cheap.

Labels: airsoft game, airsoft games, airsoft gun games, airsoft medic, airsoft medic rules

Close Quarter Combat (CQC), is a military tactic made popular by Israeli and Russian soldiers that involves using close proximity, speed, and accuracy to violently overtake an enemy target made. In airsoft, CQC is one of the most exhilarating and realistic exercises you can engage in. In modern warfare fellow soldiers, enemy fighters, hostages and civilians are often closely intermingled, making long distance assaults less risky. Since the main objective is a rapid and violent takeover with minimal friendly fire and casualties, a strong CQC soldier must think fast on their feet and have a mastery of their weapon. Here are a few tips on being the best CQC player you can be:

• CQC is typically a side arm game... think airsoft AEGs such as pistols and hand guns. Machine guns and large rifles have their time and place, but in most close quarters combat scenarios, they are a disadvantage as they are bulky and less agile.


• CQC requires more compact, short range firearms which allow for a higher rate of fire and maneuverability. Once you have selected the right electric airsoft guns, practice, practice, practice. CQC is too high speed to risk inaccuracy.


• Most CQC games are played in smaller enclosed areas, often mimicking an urban warzone, though outdoor games are fun as well. Regardless of the location, CQC is fast paced and typically full of surprises, so it is best to know the terrain before-hand.


• CQC players are encouraged to wear extra padding. Direct and even ricochet hits can be very painful in this close proximity.


• It is recommended that you carry a multi-tool (for possible gun jams), duct tape (for Macgyver moments), water, extra mags, and whatever accessories fit the objective. Smoke grenades are a cool way to enhance a CQC exercise. Camouflage is also recommended for that added element of surprise.


• Eye protection is a MUST. At this close of a range you could potentially lose an eye.


• A strong CQC player is aware of enemy movements, uses cover effectively, and knows to watch their AEG's battery life.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, a leading online provider of airsoft guns, gear and accessories. Airsoft Megastore offers guaranteed lowest prices on airsoft guns including electric airsoft guns and airsoft sniper rifles.

Labels: Airsoft, airsoft games, airsoft tips, Close quarter combat, CQC

Many 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.

Labels: airsoft game types, airsoft games, airsoft paratrooper game, airsoft paratroopers, airsoft scenarios

We'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.

Labels: airsoft game types, airsoft games, airsoft king of the hill, airsoft scenarios, king of hill airsoft, king of the hill

Team 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.

Labels: airsoft death match, airsoft deathmatch game, airsoft dm, airsoft game, airsoft game types, airsoft games, airsoft team deathmatch