| Airsoft by definition is a sport where players simulate | | | | early would have to wait for a long time until the next |
| military or law enforcement combat by using airsoft | | | | game (with paintball, medics are hardly ever |
| guns (which look a lot like real guns, to add to the | | | | incorporated into play). Weapon hit rules vary |
| realism) and other airsoft gear. The game of airsoft | | | | depending on the game. Usually, a weapon being hit is |
| was developed in Japan, where firearms were (and | | | | the same as the player being hit, but if the person has |
| still are) almost impossible to get without resorting to | | | | a sidearm, rules can be modified so that the person |
| illegal means. An alternative was developed, and that | | | | just is not allowed to use their primary and must |
| alternative was airsoft. Because of this, it is no surprise | | | | instead only use the sidearm. |
| that airsoft is actually most popular in East Asian | | | | The three types of airsoft guns are spring, electric, and |
| countries such as China, Japan, Taiwan, and South | | | | gas. Spring guns are usually cheap but can get very |
| Korea (North Korea is more interested in using real | | | | expensive if they fire at a high FPS. Electric, also |
| guns!) | | | | known as AEG, guns are powered by a battery and |
| The basic point of airsoft is to shoot other players with | | | | the main advantage is that they are automatic, but are |
| airsoft guns, thereby getting them out and pushing your | | | | generally not very powerful unless upgraded. Gas |
| team closer to victory. Because of the nature of the | | | | guns are the most powerful, and gases supported |
| game, safety items such as helmets and cups must | | | | include carbon dioxide, propane, green gas, red gas, |
| be used (the only way one could get seriously injured | | | | and high pressure air (HPA). Red gas is not legal in |
| in airsoft is if they were hit in the face, especially eyes, | | | | many states because its pressure is so high. |
| and that is why the mask is the most important safety | | | | The items used for airsoft extend far beyond just the |
| feature). Unlike paintball (a very similiar sport), no | | | | guns. Grenades, vests, belts, extra magazines, speed |
| splatters are made on the skin or clothes, and unless | | | | loaders, and of course safety gear can be purchased |
| the person yells that they are out, you will not know if | | | | and utilized. The initial costs for airsoft can be quite |
| they are hit. That is why the game of airsoft relies on | | | | heavy (depending on how you look at it), but after that, |
| the "Honor System", where players lift their gun up and | | | | all one needs are more pellets and perhaps grenades, |
| say, "Hit". Also, one player on each team is usually | | | | gun upgrades, or extra accessories. When airsoft |
| designated as a medic, to revive players so they can | | | | pellets are bought in the bulk, you can save a lot of |
| resume play. Without medics, people who got hit very | | | | money, so it is wise to buy a lot at one time. |