Want to brush up on your airsoft etiquette? We’ve decoded the spoken and unspoken rules of airsoft that players are expected to know so it’s not glaringly obvious you’re a newbie to the sport. We all start somewhere.
You’ll probably find that different sites will have different etiquette expectations depending on the regulars you get playing there and the site’s safety requirements.
But there are some better-known rules that you’ll find being enforced across the board, and ones that the wider airsoft community consider to be just good manners.
Regardless of how much you already do or don’t know, we’ve created a playbook of sorts to help you navigate the social intricacies of airsoft. From safety to communication, we’ve got you covered with our guide on airsoft etiquette.
Top Airsoft Etiquette Tips
- Always call your hits, even if you're unsure. It keeps the game honest and enjoyable for everyone.
- Respect marshals, follow the rules, and remember: good sportsmanship is more important than winning.
- Stick to FPS limits and weapon rules. Bending them with high-rate fire or “cheater switches” ruins the experience for others.
- Never aim for unprotected areas on purpose, and always check on players if you accidentally shoot at close range.
- Make the game welcoming for new players, help others when you can, and don’t forget to hydrate and have a laugh.
The Basic Airsoft Rules
As with any sport or hobby, there are some basic airsoft game rules that everyone needs to know before they set foot on a field. Knowing these rules gives you a decent foundation for what's expected of you at your local club and ones further afield.
Learning the Rules of Engagement in Airsoft
Understanding the basic rules of engagement in airsoft is crucial to being a responsible and courteous player.
These basic rules include:
- Always use eye protection
- Communicate with your teammates
- Follow the FPS limits
By familiarising yourself with these guidelines, you demonstrate respect for the game, your fellow players, and the staff who work hard to ensure the experience is enjoyable for everyone.
Not only does this help maintain a safe and fair playing environment, but it also enables smoother gameplay and fosters a sense of camaraderie on the field.
If You're Unsure, Call 'Hit' Anyway!
The cornerstone of successful and fair airsoft games is clearly calling your hits (it's a fairly trust-based game after all).
Sometimes, it's hard to tell if you've been hit or not, especially if you've invested in decent protective gear. Because of this, if you have any kind of inkling that you took a hit, it's best to call it.
We know it can be disappointing to be out of a game, but just use the time to go to the toilet, grab a drink, and reset, ready for the next one. It's better to bow out of a game unnecessarily than stay in one unfairly.
This also goes for if someone's grenade goes off questionably close to you. Just call the hit. Consumables like that are expensive, and you'll likely make their day instead of making it feel like a waste of equipment.
Never Abuse the Marshals
We get it, sometimes marshals can feel like the fun police, but even when they're being annoying, there's never an excuse to abuse them or otherwise be aggressive towards them.
They're only human, just like you, so sometimes they'll make the wrong call or miss something you think they should have seen.
While it can be annoying, you've got to remember that it's only a game, and there's always next time.
Ultimately, airsoft games can't go ahead without marshals, who are often unpaid volunteers who just love the sport and want to be part of it.
Don't Be a D***!
In the same vein, the most important rule of airsoft is simply: Don't be a d***!
Everyone on the field is there for the same reason. To have fun and play a game they love.
There's no place for aggression, bullying, or any other forms of unsportsmanlike behaviour.
This rule encompasses:
- Cheating
- Overshooting
- Raging at teammates
- Temper overriding sportsmanship
Remember that you're part of a community and your actions reflect not only on yourself, but also on the entire airsoft community, so we all need to strive to make it a welcoming and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
This rule goes double for speedsofters.
Etiquette for Airsoft Guns
Beyond the basic etiquette rules of the game, there are some weapon-specific things you need to know to make sure airsoft remains fun and safe for you and everyone at the other end of your weapon.
Adhering to Airsoft FPS Limits
Airsoft fields have FPS limits for a good reason — to keep the game safe and fun for everyone. These limits control how fast BBs are fired, which helps prevent injuries and keeps things fair.
Going over these limits can cause harm, especially to exposed skin or sensitive areas like the eyes, even if you’re wearing safety airsoft gear.
Before heading to an airsoft event, make sure you check the field’s FPS rules and test your weapon to stay within the limits.
Two-Tone Airsoft Guns Vs Realistic Paint
If you’re heading to an airsoft field, it’s super important to make sure your weapon has the right paint job, especially in the UK, where the rules around airsoft guns are pretty strict.
If you’re not registered with an airsoft site or don’t have a UKARA license, you’ll need a two-tone gun. These come with a bright, colourful finish to help make it clear they’re not real firearms.
This not only keeps you on the right side of the law but also avoids any awkward or dangerous misunderstandings with the public or law enforcement.
Here at Socom Tactical, we offer a Two-Tone Service, so we can help you meet the requirements and get you ready for your game.
Simply choose the Two-Tone option on the weapon you’re interested in, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Browse Our Range of Airsoft Weapons Online
Semi-Only Really Means Semi-Only
When an airsoft field says "semi-only," it means exactly that — only semi-automatic guns (or lower) are allowed.
Trying to bend the rules by modding your gun or using trigger tricks to mimic full-auto goes against the whole point of semi-only play.
Fields enforce this rule to keep the game safe and enjoyable for all.
Unspoken Airsoft Etiquette for Yours & Others' Safety
That's most of the serious stuff out of the way, so let's get into the unspoken etiquette that'll help keep you and everyone else safe as well as ensure you don't get on other airsofters’ nerves!
Shooting to Cause Pain Makes You Very Unpopular
While shooting other people is the aim of the game, if you're seen to be shooting to specifically cause other players pain, you'll be the least popular person on the field.
Shooting to cause pain looks like specifically aiming for unprotected areas to cause bruising or other injuries.
Of course, accidental hits on unprotected areas happen (it's a hazard of the game), but if you keep doing it, it starts to look very suspicious and you might end up on the receiving end of some retaliatory hits on unprotected or sensitive areas (although we're not condoning that either...).
"Cheater Switch" or High-ROF Full-Auto Makes You a Kn*bhead
If you use a "cheater switch" or a high-ROF full-auto weapon in a skirmish, you'll probably earn the moniker of kn*bhead before lunch!
Again, airsoft is about having fun with other people who are into the same thing as you, so let's keep things sensible and try to avoid hurting people unnecessarily.
Check on the Guy You Shot at Point-Blank Range
Point-blank range shots happen, especially if you've both rounded a corner at the same time and come face to face unexpectedly.
Whether you both end up shot at close range or only you get your shot away, it's important to check on the person you shot. It's just basic manners and lets them know you didn't mean to do it.
If Someone's Struggling With Their Gun, Help Them
If you see someone having trouble with their weapon, whether they’re on your team or the other team, it’s only fair to give them a hand if you can.
Not only is it the right thing to do, but it also keeps the game running smoothly without any annoying delays.
Deliberately Shooting at "Weak Spots" Is a Low Blow
This should go without saying, but deliberately aiming for "weak spots" is the antithesis of sportsmanship! Again, accidental hits on these areas happen (quite commonly, actually), but if you're doing it on purpose, you just suck.
Weak spots include areas such as:
- Nails
- Ears
- Mouth
- Adam's apple
Don't Pee in the Field!!!
We don't care how entrenched you are hiding out in a building during a game, don't pee in the corner, on the stairs, or anywhere!
It's just gross, and while you might think it's only you and it'll dry, airsofters are kind of like dogs, and once one of us pees somewhere, someone else is likely to as well. Before you know it, the whole building will stink!
Be an adult and just hold it for a bit!
Give First-Timers, Children, & Rentals a Break!
This is another one that should go without saying, but we will anyway.
Airsoft will die out if seasoned players don't make it a fun and welcoming experience for newbies, so give first-timers, kids, and people who are renting equipment a break.
They're going to be slow, they'll make mistakes, and they might cost your team the win, but that's okay. They're learning.
Read More: 5 Common Mistakes of Airsoft Beginners
Ask the Stupid Questions at Safety Briefings
Speaking of newbies, the mandatory safety briefings before games are going to be common sense to you and to the marshal presenting it, which means some basic rules might be missed or barely implied out of habit.
As an experienced player, don't be afraid to ask the stupid questions at briefings that newbies will either be too nervous to ask or might not know need asking. The marshals will appreciate it, and there'll be less confusion or discussion during the game.
Read More: Airsoft Abbreviations & Field Terminology
Unspoken Airsoft Rules for Newbie Players
If you're new to airsoft, here are some unspoken rules that'll help make your first experience smoother and much more comfortable…
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Airsoft is no joke. It’s a physically demanding game where you’re constantly sprinting, crouching, and moving through all kinds of environments.
And let’s not forget the extra weight of your safety gear, tactical vest, and ammo packs.
It’s a workout!
All that gear traps heat and makes you sweat like crazy, which is why staying hydrated is so important.
Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water before, during, and after each game to stay cool, sharp, and ready to play your best. Dehydration can mess up your performance and even be dangerous, so don’t skimp on the water!
Read More: How to Not Overheat While Airsofting
You're a Viable Target Until You Call “Hit”
The number one rule of airsoft is to accurately call your hits. This is just letting other players know you've been hit and, therefore, are out of the game.
Until you call “hit”, you're a viable target. So, if you're doing the right thing and removing yourself from the field after being hit, people will still shoot you until you call it loud and clear.
Trust us, you don't want to be hit more than necessary, so don't be afraid to shout it out.
Don't Try to Shoot People in the Head
Headshots are often worth more XP in video games, but that doesn't translate to airsoft.
In fact, we recommend not aiming for headshots unless that's the only body part available to you.
Not only are they not worth any more points than a chest or arm shot, they're also potentially incredibly dangerous.
While no one should be on the field without appropriate eye protection or headgear, people can still be hit in the cheek, mouth, or neck, which are all incredibly painful.
Always Try to Shoot Protected Areas
In the same vein, it's always best to aim for areas of the body that are covered by protective gear (yes, we know this includes the head, smart*ss!).
Of course, this is easier said than done on fields that don't require more than minimal safety gear, but it's a good habit to get into.
Treat Enemy Teams the Same as Your Team
We're not talking about engaging in friendly fire here. This specifically relates to manners, politeness, and helpfulness.
If someone needs help on the field, give it to them without hesitation.
Similarly, if someone gets the drop on you or outplays you, commend them when appropriate or safe to do so; it's highly encouraging and good sportsmanship.
Always Pay Attention to the Marshals (& Thank Them!)
The marshalls are there to help you and keep you safe. They're very important to the integrity of airsoft, so make sure you're always paying attention to them on the field and remember to thank them at the end of the day.
A handshake doesn't go amiss either and makes them feel appreciated.
Have Fun on the Field!
Ask any airsofter, and they'll tell you that if you're not having fun playing airsoft, you're doing it wrong.
The main point of airsoft as a sport is to have fun and mess about with people who have the same interests as you. Keep that as the focus, and you’ll be fine.
Etiquette Vs Legality of Airsoft Games
Airsoft is all about having fun and respecting each other, but it’s important to remember that there are also legal rules that keep the game safe and legitimate.
Sure, the unwritten rules are what make the game fair and enjoyable. But without following the legal stuff, airsoft wouldn’t even be possible.
To play airsoft the right way, you need to know the laws around airsoft replicas.
For example, if you don’t have a valid defence, like being a member of an airsoft club like UKARA, you’ll likely need to use a brightly coloured or two-tone replica.
And don't forget safe transportation. When transporting your replicas, always keep them in a proper case. Never wave them around in public to avoid awkward or serious misunderstandings.
The Police and Crime Act 2017 has all the info you need to stay on the right side of the law!
Summary: Know the Unspoken Airsoft Rules Before You Play
If you want to fully enjoy airsoft, knowing the unspoken rules is key. By getting to grips with these guidelines, you can easily fit into the community and avoid any awkward mistakes.
Newbies who respect these unwritten rules often find that experienced players welcome them with open arms, making it easier to learn quickly and have an awesome experience right from the start.
If you want to find out more about what to expect at your first airsoft game, check out our blog post that will help you prepare for your first skirmish from what gear you'll need to what snacks to bring!
