Airsoft by definition is a sport where players simulate military or law enforcement combat by using airsoft guns (which look a lot like real guns, to add to the realism) and other airsoft gear. The game of airsoft was developed in Japan, where firearms were (and still are) almost impossible to get without resorting to illegal means. An alternative was developed, and that alternative was airsoft. Because of this, it is no surprise that airsoft is actually most popular in East Asian countries such as China, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea (North Korea is more interested in using real guns!)

The basic point of airsoft is to shoot other players with airsoft guns, thereby getting them out and pushing your team closer to victory. Because of the nature of the game, safety items such as helmets and cups must be used (the only way one could get seriously injured in airsoft is if they were hit in the face, especially eyes, and that is why the mask is the most important safety feature). Unlike paintball (a very similiar sport), no splatters are made on the skin or clothes, and unless the person yells that they are out, you will not know if they are hit. That is why the game of airsoft relies on the “Honor System”, where players lift their gun up and say, “Hit”. Also, one player on each team is usually designated as a medic, to revive players so they can resume play. Without medics, people who got hit very early would have to wait for a long time until the next game (with paintball, medics are hardly ever incorporated into play). Weapon hit rules vary depending on the game. Usually, a weapon being hit is the same as the player being hit, but if the person has a sidearm, rules can be modified so that the person just is not allowed to use their primary and must instead only use the sidearm.

The three types of airsoft guns are spring, electric, and gas. Spring guns are usually cheap but can get very expensive if they fire at a high FPS. Electric, also known as AEG, guns are powered by a battery and the main advantage is that they are automatic, but are generally not very powerful unless upgraded. Gas guns are the most powerful, and gases supported include carbon dioxide, propane, green gas, red gas, and high pressure air (HPA). Red gas is not legal in many states because its pressure is so high.

The items used for airsoft extend far beyond just the guns. Grenades, vests, belts, extra magazines, speed loaders, and of course safety gear can be purchased and utilized. The initial costs for airsoft can be quite heavy (depending on how you look at it), but after that, all one needs are more pellets and perhaps grenades, gun upgrades, or extra accessories. When airsoft pellets are bought in the bulk, you can save a lot of money, so it is wise to buy a lot at one time.