An airsoft game is a simulation of a military operation in which players compete on a field using replicas propelling 6 mm balls. It can be a solitary or team game, combining strategy and fair play in a defined, secure setting.
All airsoft games take place on terrain that can vary in size, from CQB (= Close Quarter Combat) to large outdoor areas such as forests. An airsoft game may involve a specific scenario or a simple confrontation between players and/or teams.
The aim of an airsoft game is to play realistically and let off steam while respecting your opponent. Fair play is the basis of all games, and when a player is hit by a BB or grenade, he or she is declared "OUT" and leaves the game temporarily or permanently.
Airsoft stands out from other hobbies because of the mutual support it implies, and its shared passion for military simulation and handling replicas. The practice is also distinguished by the equipment used, which is generally Mil-Sim-oriented, and by immersion. Adrenalin and camaraderie are the watchwords of this hobby.
One of the great strengths of airsoft lies in the diversity of terrains in which it can be played. Each environment offers players a unique experience, with a specific style of play that requires players to be adaptable.
You'll find CQB nerve centers indoors, where you have to check every nook and cranny, as well as large wooded areas giving you a certain freedom of movement and enabling long-distance play. Some courses will be natural, while others will be completely landscaped, each with the aim of total immersion.
In this first part, we find the open terrain. These are airsoft?s most emblematic and immersive fields. You'll often find them in forests or countryside, offering large playing areas for a wide range of scenarios. These areas encourage stealth and strategy, allowing you to assault your opponents on several fronts. Replicas with a certain range and, above all, good accuracy are particularly useful in these areas, since most engagements are at medium to long range. Every element becomes an asset to be exploited, whether to conceal your progress or camouflage yourself and wait patiently for your opponents. Snipers and DMRs have their rightful place on these terrains, and will enjoy definite advantages. These open terrains are perfect for players who appreciate realism and immersion.
The second type of terrain is confined space, offering intensity and excitement. These courses are usually set in abandoned buildings, warehouses or hangars, where every nook and cranny has to be checked. These pitches give the game a fast-paced rhythm, with engagements often taking place just a few meters or even centimeters away. So you have to think, move and communicate fast. Most of the time, compact replicas such as pistols and SMGs are used. Similarly, the weight of the bullets is often adapted, with lighter bullets reaching their targets more quickly. CQB scenarios favor rapid objectives such as VIP extractions or hostage rescue.
Mixed terrain is the perfect combination of the best and the worst of the two, mixing short and long distances, and often requiring two configurations to respond effectively to both. You'll need to be adaptable and modular, and your equipment should be able to cover every eventuality. Scenarios can therefore be richer and more creative, rewarding teams that are agile in these different environments. This is the best environment in which to progress technically and tactically.
Finding an airsoft game can be complex, since communication about the existence of associations and the organization of games can seem chaotic. We've all been through the phase where we've got the equipment, we're ready to set off on an adventure and we can't find a game near home because Google isn't necessarily our best ally on this point... .
So let's take a look at how to find airsoft associations and, at the same time, how to find airsoft games in your area or that might be of interest to you.
Before starting an airsoft game, it's a good idea to know the basic rules and to behave in the spirit of the gentlemen's agreement (behaving like a gentleman by being honest, courteous and responsible, even if there are no official constraints obliging you to do so). It's a code of honor for the fair-play player, and the very foundation of airsoft.
Safety is the most important aspect of airsoft. Whether in terms of equipment or behavior to avoid injuring yourself or others.
When it comes to equipment, eye protection is essential. As soon as you arrive at the shooting range, you must put them on. This should be your reflex, and you should also make sure that others do the same, since it's easy to forget when you're caught up in the heat of the action. A face mask (also known as a stalker mask) is also highly recommended. It will protect your mouth, teeth (since a marble can break them) and nose from impacts that could cause injury. Complementary protection can also provide additional playing comfort.
When it comes to behavior, there are some simple but essential rules to follow. For example, in the Safe-Zone, all replicas must be unloaded. Chargers must always be kept separate, and replicas must be set to "SAFE" mode. Similarly, when a game ends and you remove the magazine from its well, it's important to fire empty to ensure that no BBs remain chambered and avoid untoward incidents in the Safe-Zone. Never look down the barrel without eye protection, and without ensuring that the replica is clear of all bullets with the magazine removed and the replica set to Safe mode. Never point a replica at an unprotected person, even when unloaded, or just for fun - accidents happen faster than you think.
The power of an airsoft replica is measured in Joules, representing the kinetic energy released by the ball's propulsion. Depending on the country, it may have a higher or lower maximum limit to protect players. When the limit is exceeded, it is considered a firearm. In France, where we are located, the maximum power limit is 2 joules. If the power of your replica is too high, it may be subject to restrictions or simply prohibited, depending on the association or the terrain where you play. In addition to this, speed is also measured to ensure compliance with the framework defined by legislation and the association. Before each game, your replica will be tested, either with the game ball or with a 0.20 g ball, so that you can decide on the rules of engagement with your replica, or simply whether or not you are entitled to play with it.
In short, the power of a replica is not its central element. Sometimes it's better to base your choice on rate of fire, accuracy or reliability.
Fair play is one of the foundations of airsoft. As we regularly play games without referees behind each player or touch sensors, this leisure activity relies entirely on honesty and mutual respect between players. It's based on an implicit understanding that each player plays with integrity and respect for the rules. Fair play means declaring yourself OUT when you are hit, without needing to be told by others. You should also avoid any excesses that could turn a game into a brawl, such as abusive short-range shots, insults or simply bad faith. On the pitch, respect is essential, and a "Well Played" will often be greatly appreciated. Don't hesitate to warn us if you notice something, or to help a newcomer settle in without difficulty. Fair play keeps the game fun and enjoyable. It preserves the spirit of the game and makes it an enjoyable discipline to play in a spirit of camaraderie, whether you are team-mates or opponents.
Now let?s talk about an element that sometimes causes problems during the game, whether due to lack of knowledge or absent-mindedness. The "Libanaise" is a forbidden practice in airsoft, and for obvious reasons. It consists of only letting your replica protrude blindly around a corner, a door or an obstacle, and firing without direct sight on your opponent. This technique is anti-fair play and dangerous for others.
Indeed, as we saw earlier, fair play is the cornerstone of airsoft, and this way of playing goes against it by going against tactical realism and the fact that players must move and engage their opponent with discernment and in such a way as to always have a part of his body protrude.
Shooting the "Libanaise" way also means taking the risk of injuring others if the shot is fired from too short a distance, or if a player makes the mistake of removing his protective equipment. Each shot must be well thought-out and controlled.
In airsoft, pyrotechnic devices (smoke grenades, grenades or 40 mm grenades, for example) require a great deal of attention and responsibility. In fact, these potentially dangerous devices are subject to strict rules. Their use is either prohibited, or defined within a very strict framework.
Before using them, always ask permission from the site organizer and check local laws. If these devices are to be used, you need to define all the conditions and all the elements available to make the game safe. The risks are too high, and the game is never worth the candle (above all, it's illegal and extremely dangerous).
In short, ask for authorization, define a framework and take your precautions. The immersion they offer should never endanger others, and sometimes it's better not to use them than to take ill-considered risks.
When you take part in an airsoft session, you're also taking part in a gaming experience that offers sensations and requires reflection. Regardless of the size of the field or the environment, each game offers adrenalin, tactical and strategic thinking, and moments of camaraderie. The different scenarios will allow everyone to put their best foot forward and find the style of play that suits them. Finding a game can be simple if we know where to look and, above all, how, knowing that there is something to suit every budget and taste.
