First Time

First Time Playing Airsoft: What to Expect and How to Prepare

So, you’ve decided to dive into the exciting world of airsoft! Welcome! Your first game is an exhilarating experience, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. This guide will walk you through what to expect and how to prepare, ensuring you have a safe, fun, and memorable introduction to the sport.

Before You Go: Preparation is Key

Proper preparation will make your first game much more enjoyable.

1. Choose Your Site & Book Your Spot:

• Research Local Sites: Look for “airsoft sites near me” or check online directories (like UKARA registered sites).

 

• Rental Packages: As a first-timer, you’ll almost certainly need to rent gear. Ensure the site offers comprehensive rental packages which typically include:
  • Airsoft gun (usually an electric AEG)
  • Full-face or eye/lower face protection
  • A magazine or two for the rental gun
  • A bag of BBs

 

• Book in Advance: Especially for weekend games, walk-on spots can fill up quickly. Book your place and any rental gear well in advance.

 

 

• Check Opening Hours & Rules: Confirm the site’s operating hours, minimum age requirements, and read their specific rules (e.g., FPS limits, biodegradable BBs only).

 

 

2. What to Wear:

• Layers: You’ll be active, so layers are good. Think a t-shirt under a long-sleeved top.

 

• Long Sleeves & Trousers: Essential for protecting your skin from BB impacts, scrapes, and environmental hazards. Durable materials like jeans, cargo trousers, or old combat fatigues are ideal. Avoid thin fabrics.

 

• Sturdy Footwear: Crucial! Boots with ankle support are highly recommended for uneven terrain. Avoid trainers if possible.

 

• Gloves: Protect your hands from BB hits and rough surfaces. Garden gloves or tactical gloves work well.

 

• Head Covering: A hat or beanie can protect your head from direct hits and offer some sun/rain protection.

 

3. What to Bring (Beyond Rental Gear):

• Plenty of Water! Hydration is vital, especially during active play.

 

• Snacks: Energy bars, fruit, or anything to keep you going throughout the day.

 

• Small Backpack: To carry your water, snacks, and any personal items.

 

• Sunscreen & Insect Repellent: If playing outdoors.

 

• Change of Clothes: For after the game, especially if you get muddy or sweaty.

 

• Cash/Card: For entry fees, extra BBs, snacks, or any gear you might want to buy.

 

• A Positive Attitude! Go in ready to learn and have fun.

 

What to Expect on Game Day:

 

1. Arrival & Sign-In:

• Arrive Early: Sites recommend arriving 30-60 minutes before the first game briefing. This gives you time to:
  • Sign in and complete any necessary waiver forms.
  • Pay your entry fee and collect rental gear.
  • Find a spot in the safe zone to set up your things.

 

• Safe Zone: This is a designated area where no airsoft guns are allowed to be fired, and eye protection can usually be removed. It’s for resting, reloading, and socialising.

 

• Chrono (Chronographing): If you bring your own gun (unlikely for a first-timer), it will be tested to ensure its power (FPS/Joules) is within the site’s limits.

 

 

2. The Safety Briefing:

 

• Mandatory & Crucial: Pay close attention! This covers essential safety rules (especially eye protection!), hit-calling, safe zones, boundaries, minimum engagement distances (MEDs), and any specific site rules.

 

• Marshal Introduction: You’ll meet the marshals (referees) who enforce rules and ensure safety during games. Don’t hesitate to ask them questions.

 

 

3. Gearing Up & First Game:

• Put on Eye Protection: Once the briefing is over and you leave the safe zone, your eye/face protection must remain on until you return to the safe zone. This is non-negotiable!

 

• Magazine Loading: Marshals will show you how to load your rental gun’s magazine.

 

• Game Objectives: You’ll be briefed on the game scenario (e.g., capture the flag, team deathmatch, objective defence) and the rules for that specific game.

 

• Getting Hit: Yes, it will happen! It feels like a quick sting or a firm flick, similar to a rubber band snap. It usually subsides quickly.
  • Call your hit loudly: Shout “HIT!” or “OUT!” immediately.
  • Raise your hand/gun: To signal you’ve been hit.
  • Follow respawn rules: Proceed to the designated respawn point or safe zone as instructed.

 

4. Gameplay Experience:

• Fast-Paced Action: Games can be intense and require movement, teamwork, and communication.

 

• Adrenaline Rush: The thrill of stealth, tactical movement, and direct engagements is a huge part of airsoft’s appeal.

 

• Teamwork: Airsoft is best enjoyed as a team sport. Communicate with your teammates, share intel, and work together.

 

• Variety of Scenarios: Most sites run multiple different game types throughout the day to keep things fresh.

 

• Breaks: There will be breaks between games to reload, hydrate, and strategize.

 

Tips for First-Timers:

• Listen to the Marshals: They are there to keep you safe and the game fair.

 

• Call Your Hits Honestly: This is the bedrock of airsoft. If you feel a BB hit you (even through clothing), call it. Don’t argue with others about hits.

 

• Don’t Be Afraid to Ask: If you’re unsure about rules, your rental gun, or anything else, ask a marshal or an experienced player. Most airsofters are friendly and happy to help newcomers.

 

• Stay Hydrated! Seriously, it’s easy to get dehydrated.

 

• Have Fun! Don’t worry about being the best player. Focus on learning, enjoying the unique experience, and being a good sport.

 

Your first airsoft game is an exciting step into a fantastic hobby. By being prepared and knowing what to expect, you’re set for a day full of adrenaline, strategy, and camaraderie. Enjoy!