Airsoft is an increasingly popular sport that simulates military combat using replica firearms that fire 6mm plastic BBs. The game combines the excitement of paintball with the realism of military simulation, offering a variety of game types to cater to different playstyles, preferences, and skill levels.
In this article, we will delve into some of the most popular airsoft game types, exploring their rules, objectives, and the tactics required to emerge victorious.
If you’re a fan of video games, especially Call Of Duty, you may be familiar with some of the games.
1. Team Deathmatch (TDM)
One of the simplest and most popular game types, Team Deathmatch, pits two teams against each other in a battle for supremacy. The objective is simple: eliminate as many opponents as possible before the time runs out or the opposition’s respawn tickets are exhausted. TDM is a great way for beginners to get started with airsoft, as it requires minimal strategy and emphasizes teamwork and individual skill.
Key Strategies:
- Communication is crucial. Ensure your team is always aware of enemy positions and movements.
- Flanking your opponents can provide a significant advantage, as it forces them to divide their attention.
- Use cover effectively to avoid getting hit and take advantage of stealth to surprise your enemies.
How to Play:
- Divide players into two teams.
- Set a time limit for the match.
- Each player is eliminated when hit by a pellet.
- The team with the most eliminations at the end of the match wins.
2. Capture the Flag (CTF)
A classic game type, Capture the Flag, challenges each team to infiltrate the enemy’s base, capture their flag, and return it to their base without being eliminated. CTF adds a strategic element to airsoft, as players must not only focus on eliminating opponents but also defend their flag while attempting to capture the enemy’s flag. Effective communication, teamwork, and coordination are essential for success in CTF.
Key Strategies:
- Divide your team into offensive and defensive units, ensuring that both objectives are covered.
- Establish clear communication lines between the offensive and defensive units to coordinate attacks and relay information about enemy movements.
- Utilize suppressive fire to create openings for teammates to advance and capture the enemy flag.
How to Play:
- Divide players into two teams.
- Place each team’s flag at their respective base.
- Set a time limit for the match.
- The first team to capture the opposing team’s flag and return it to their base wins.
3. King of the Hill (KOTH)
In King of the Hill, teams vie for control of a central location or structure, such as a hill or building. The team that maintains control of the designated area for a predetermined amount of time or reaches a specific point threshold wins. KOTH requires players to balance offense and defense, as they must protect their position while attempting to seize control of the objective from the opposing team.
Key Strategies:
- Assign designated defenders to the hill while the rest of the team engages enemies trying to approach.
- Utilize smoke grenades and other cover to conceal your team’s movements when advancing on the hill.
- Constantly shift defensive positions to keep opponents guessing and prevent them from finding an easy path to the objective.
How to Play:
- Divide players into two teams.
- Choose a location as the “hill.”
- Set a time limit for the match.
- The team that controls the hill for the longest period wins.
4. Attack and Defend (A&D)
Attack and Defend is an asymmetric game type in which one team is tasked with defending a specific location, while the other team attempts to infiltrate and capture it. This game type can take various forms, such as a team defending a building, a hostage rescue scenario, or a bomb defusal situation.
In A&D, the defending team must use strategic positioning and effective communication to repel the attacking team, while the attackers must coordinate their assault to break through the defenders’ lines.
Key Strategies:
- For the defending team, establish a solid defense around the objective by utilizing natural cover, barricades, and strategic positioning.
- The attacking team should employ tactics such as flanking, suppressive fire, and diversionary attacks to break through the enemy’s defenses.
- Both teams should maintain effective communication to coordinate strategies, adapt to changing circumstances, and relay information about enemy movements.
How to Play:
- Divide players into two teams: attackers and defenders.
- The defenders must protect a designated area or objective.
- The attackers must infiltrate the defended area and capture the objective.
- Set a time limit for the match.
- If the attackers capture the objective within the time limit, they win. If the defenders successfully protect the objective for the entire duration, they win.
5. Search and Destroy (S&D)
Search and Destroy is a high-stakes, high-tension game type that tasks one team with planting a “bomb” (usually a prop or timer) at a specific location, while the other team must prevent the bomb from being planted or defuse it before it “detonates.”
S&D is a test of strategy, teamwork, and stealth, as players must navigate the map undetected, gather intelligence on the enemy’s movements, and execute coordinated attacks to achieve their objectives.
Key Strategies:
- For the attacking team, move quickly and decisively to catch defenders off guard.
- The defending team should establish a strong perimeter around the bomb sites and maintain constant communication to react to enemy movements.
- Both teams should utilize suppressive fire and diversionary tactics to create opportunities to plant or disarm the bomb.
How to Play:
- Divide players into two teams: attackers and defenders.
- The attackers are given the objective of finding and destroying a specific target, such as a hidden container or an item placed within the playing field.
- The defenders must protect the target and prevent the attackers from accomplishing their mission.
- Set a time limit for the match.
- If the attackers successfully locate and destroy the target within the time limit, they win. If the defenders prevent the attackers from completing their objective for the entire duration, they win.
6. Hostage Rescue
In Hostage Rescue, one team plays as “terrorists” who have taken hostages, while the other team plays as the “counter-terrorists” tasked with rescuing the hostages. The hostages are typically represented by props or volunteer players.
The objective of the counter-terrorists is to eliminate the terrorists and safely extract the hostages, while the terrorists must prevent the hostages from being rescued. This game type emphasizes stealth, strategy, and effective communication.
Key Strategies:
- The rescuing team should work together to create distractions and draw the captors away from the hostages.
- Captors must be vigilant in guarding the hostages while also staying alert for any potential rescue attempts.
- Stealth and deception are vital in this game type, as teams must outsmart their opponents to achieve their objective.
How to Play:
- Divide players into two teams: rescuers and captors.
- The rescuers must locate and safely escort the hostage to their base.
- The captors must prevent the rescuers from achieving their objective.
- Set a time limit for the match.
- The team that completes their objective within the time limit wins.
7. Zombies
Zombies is a unique and thrilling airsoft game type that combines elements of survival and horror. In this game, one or more players start as “zombies,” while the remaining players are “survivors.” Zombies can only be eliminated with headshots, and survivors who are “infected” by zombies (usually by being hit in the torso or limbs) become zombies themselves.
The objective of the survivors is to stay alive for a predetermined amount of time or reach a designated extraction point, while the zombies’ goal is to infect all survivors. This game type encourages teamwork among survivors and tests their ability to adapt and improvise under pressure.
Key Strategies:
- For humans, work together to create a defensive perimeter and eliminate zombies from a distance.
- Zombies should use their numbers and unpredictability to overwhelm human defenses and infect as many players as possible.
- Be aware of your surroundings and always have an escape route in case you are cornered by zombies.
How to Play:
- Divide players into two groups: survivors and zombies.
- Survivors start with Airsoft guns, while zombies are unarmed.
- When a zombie is hit, they are eliminated.
- When a survivor is tagged by a zombie, they become a zombie.
- Set a time limit for the match.
- If all survivors are turned into zombies, the zombies win. If any survivors remain at the end of the time limit, the survivors win.
8. Medic
Medic is a game type that adds a unique twist to traditional airsoft gameplay by introducing a “medic” role to each team. In this game, players who are hit are considered “wounded” rather than eliminated. The medic, who is usually identified by a distinctive armband or vest, can “heal” wounded players by touching them for a specified amount of time.
The objective of each team is to eliminate the opposing team’s medic and then eliminate the remaining players. This game type emphasizes teamwork, coordination, and strategic use of the medic role.
Key Strategies:
- Protect your medic at all costs. Position them strategically, keeping them away from the frontlines while still allowing them to reach eliminated teammates.
- Identify and eliminate the opposing team’s medic as soon as possible to gain a significant advantage.
- Utilize teamwork and communication to coordinate attacks, focusing on overwhelming the enemy medic’s position.
How to Play:
- Divide players into two teams.
- Choose one player from each team to be the medic.
- When a player is eliminated, they must wait for their team’s medic to revive them.
- The medic can only revive each player a limited number of times.
9. Sniper and Recon
In Sniper and Recon, teams are divided into snipers, recon players, and standard infantry. Snipers are equipped with long-range airsoft rifles, while recon players are responsible for gathering intelligence on the enemy’s movements and relaying that information to their team.
The infantry must engage the enemy and complete various objectives, such as capturing a flag or defending a position. This game type is well-suited for large-scale airsoft events and emphasizes the importance of teamwork, communication, and specialized roles.
Sniper and Recon is an Airsoft game type that emphasizes stealth, long-range engagements, and reconnaissance. In this mode, one or more players assume the role of snipers, tasked with eliminating specific targets or gathering intelligence on enemy positions, while the rest of the team provides support and protection.
The opposing team must identify and eliminate the snipers or prevent them from achieving their objectives.
Key Strategies:
- Snipers should focus on finding concealed positions with a clear line of sight to their targets, while remaining undetected by the enemy.
- Support and protection team members should maintain constant communication with snipers, providing updates on enemy movements and potential threats.
- The opposing team must use observation and tracking skills to locate and eliminate snipers, as well as devise strategies to disrupt their objectives.
How to Play:
- Divide players into two groups: snipers and recon team.
- The snipers are equipped with long-range Airsoft guns and positioned in strategic locations on the field.
- The recon team must complete a specific mission, such as retrieving an item, capturing a location, or reaching a specific point on the field.
- The snipers must eliminate the recon team members while remaining undetected.
- Set a time limit for the match.
- If the recon team successfully accomplishes their mission within the time limit, they win. If the snipers eliminate all members of the recon team before the mission is completed, they win.
10. Battle Royale
Inspired by popular video games and films, Battle Royale is a free-for-all airsoft game type in which players begin at designated locations on the map and must scavenge for weapons, ammunition, and other supplies.
The play area gradually shrinks as the game progresses, forcing players to confront one another until only one player or team remains. Battle Royale is a test of survival skills, adaptability, and resourcefulness, as players must navigate a constantly changing battlefield and make split-second decisions to stay alive.
Key Strategies:
- Resource management is crucial. Conserve ammunition and utilize found equipment strategically to gain an advantage over opponents.
- Stealth and situational awareness are essential for survival. Stay aware of your surroundings, and avoid making unnecessary noise or movement that could reveal your position.
- Form alliances with other players or teams, if allowed by the game rules, to increase your chances of survival. However, be prepared for the possibility of betrayal as the game nears its conclusion.
How to Play:
- Each player begins the game individually or in small teams.
- Set a time limit for the match.
- Players must scavenge for weapons, ammo, and other supplies.
- The game area shrinks over time, forcing players to move closer together.
- The last player or team standing wins.
11. Military Simulation (MilSim)
Military Simulation, or MilSim, is a highly immersive and realistic game type that aims to recreate the experience of actual military operations. MilSim events often span multiple days and involve large numbers of participants who are divided into opposing factions, such as NATO forces and insurgents.
These events typically feature structured missions, detailed scenarios, and strict rules of engagement, with players expected to follow a chain of command, adhere to specific loadout requirements, and use authentic tactics and communication.
MilSim events often take place at large-scale venues, such as decommissioned military installations or sprawling outdoor environments, providing a realistic backdrop for the intense, strategic gameplay.
Participants may be tasked with completing objectives such as capturing territory, retrieving intelligence, or conducting search and rescue missions, all while engaging with enemy forces in a realistic, high-stakes environment.
This game type differs from skirmish games and appeals to experienced airsoft players and military enthusiasts who seek an authentic, immersive experience that goes beyond the casual gameplay found in many other airsoft game types.
MilSim requires exceptional teamwork, communication, and tactical knowledge, as well as a strong commitment to role-playing and maintaining the integrity of the simulation.
Key Strategies:
- Take your assigned role seriously, as each player’s contribution is essential for the team’s overall success.
- Communication and teamwork are crucial in MilSim games, as they often involve intricate strategies and coordinated attacks.
- Stay in character and adhere to the game’s rules and scenarios for the most immersive and enjoyable experience.
How to Play:
- Divide players into teams or factions, each with a designated command structure and specific roles.
- Assign realistic objectives and missions for each team, such as reconnaissance, search and rescue, or territory control.
- Teams must work together and follow their chain of command to achieve their objectives.
- Enforce strict rules and regulations, including realistic ammunition limits, role-specific equipment, and the requirement for proper communication and planning.
- MilSim games can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the scale and complexity of the scenario.
12. Terrorists vs. Counter-Terrorists
Terrorists vs. Counter-Terrorists is a versatile game type that can incorporate various objectives and scenarios, drawing inspiration from real-world counter-terrorism operations and popular video games.
In this game type, players are divided into two opposing factions: the terrorists, who seek to carry out attacks or criminal activities, and the counter-terrorists, who are tasked with preventing these actions and neutralizing the terrorist threat.
The specific objectives for each team can vary depending on the chosen scenario. For example, the terrorists may be tasked with planting a bomb or executing a high-profile kidnapping, while the counter-terrorists must prevent the bomb from detonating or rescue the kidnapped individual.
Other scenarios could involve hostage situations, defending or capturing strategic locations, or even engaging in covert espionage missions.
Terrorists vs. Counter-Terrorists emphasizes the importance of teamwork, communication, and strategic planning, as each team must work together to achieve their objectives and outmanoeuvre their opponents.
Players must also adapt to the unique strengths and weaknesses of their chosen faction, as terrorists may rely more on stealth and surprise attacks, while counter-terrorists may have superior equipment and resources at their disposal.
Key Strategies:
- Communication is vital for both teams, as they must coordinate offensive and defensive actions to achieve their objectives.
- The terrorist team should utilize stealth and diversionary tactics to plant the bomb or take hostages undetected.
- The counter-terrorist team must maintain a strong defense around potential bomb sites or hostage locations while also being prepared to respond to any sudden attacks.
How to Play:
- Divide players into two teams: terrorists and counter-terrorists.
- Assign a specific objective to the terrorists, such as planting a simulated bomb at a designated location.
- The counter-terrorists’ goal is to prevent the terrorists from carrying out their objective, either by eliminating all terrorists or defusing the bomb.
- Set a time limit for the match.
- If the terrorists successfully carry out their objective within the time limit, they win. If the counter-terrorists prevent the terrorists from completing their objective or eliminate all terrorists, they win.
13. Trouble in Terrorist Town (TTT)
In TTT, players are divided into three groups: Innocents, Traitors, and a Detective. The majority of players are Innocents, while a smaller number of players are designated as Traitors.
The objective of the Traitors is to eliminate all Innocents without being discovered, while the Innocents must identify and eliminate the Traitors. The Detective, a special Innocent player, has the primary role of investigating and identifying the Traitors.
Key Strategies:
- Trust and deception are essential elements of TTT. Traitors must blend in with the Innocent players, avoiding suspicion while discreetly eliminating targets.
- Innocent players should keep an eye on their surroundings and watch for suspicious behavior, but be cautious about making accusations without solid evidence.
- The Detective should use their unique abilities and privileges, such as inspecting eliminated players, to gather information and identify Traitors. They must also communicate their findings effectively to the Innocent players.
How to Play:
- Divide players into two groups: innocent and traitors.
- The ratio of innocent players to traitors should be around 4:1.
- Assign one player as the detective, who can investigate eliminations and reveal a player’s allegiance.
- Traitors must secretly eliminate innocent players.
- Innocent players must deduce the identity of the traitors and eliminate them.
- The game ends when all traitors are eliminated or when the traitors eliminate enough innocent players to equal their number.
14. Close Quarters Battle (CQB)
Close Quarters Battle, or CQB, is an airsoft game type that takes place in confined spaces such as indoor arenas, urban environments, or buildings with multiple rooms and tight corridors.
This game type emphasizes fast-paced, intense combat, and requires players to rely on quick reflexes, effective communication, and teamwork to overcome opponents in close-range engagements.
CQB games can incorporate various objectives, such as Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, or Attack and Defend, but are primarily distinguished by their focus on close-quarters engagements and tactical movement within confined spaces.
Key Strategies:
- Practice effective room-clearing techniques, such as “slicing the pie” and using flashlights or other illumination tools to check for opponents in dark corners.
- Communication and coordination are crucial for successful close-quarters engagements. Call out enemy positions and work together to secure rooms and eliminate opponents.
- Utilize tactical movement, such as crouching and leaning, to minimize your exposure to enemy fire while navigating tight spaces.
How to Play:
- Divide players into two teams.
- Choose a game type or objective that suits the CQB environment, such as Team Deathmatch or Capture the Flag.
- Set a time limit for the match.
- Players are eliminated when hit by a pellet.
- The team that achieves the chosen objective within the time limit wins, or the team with the most eliminations at the end of the match wins.
Conclusion
Airsoft offers a diverse range of game types to suit players of all skill levels, preferences, and playstyles. From the fast-paced action of Team Deathmatch to the stealth and strategy of Search and Destroy, there is something for everyone in the world of airsoft.
As the sport continues to grow and evolve, players can expect to see even more innovative and engaging game types emerge, providing endless opportunities for adrenaline-pumping, tactical gameplay. So gather your team, load up your airsoft guns, and immerse yourself in the thrilling world of airsoft game types.
