Beginner's Guide to Airsoft: How to Start Playing & Buy Kit

In the UK, Airsoft has become so much more popular. Thankfully, there are more places to play than ever before! But what even is airsoft and how do you start playing it?

What is Airsoft?

In the most basic terms, Airsoft is a team based sport where you shoot your opponents with plastic BBs.

Objects, environments and scenarios all differ depending on where you're playing or what style of airsoft you play. At the heart of it, it’s essentially a first-person-shooter come to life. At the end of the day, you and your friends get to go home.

Let’s get you started on your airsoft journey.

Why Do People Play Airsoft?

Well, it’s not just for people who love the military and love guns, there’s so many reasons people play. A massive part of airsoft and a big reason why most people play is the social aspect of it. It’s a great environment for meeting new people and making new friends. It’s also a great excuse to get your existing friends out of the house. It’s just a great place to meet up somewhere that doesn’t involve sinking a few pints. If you’re looking for a good day out with your mates, airsoft is a perfect option.

Airsoft is also a great form of exercise as well, believe it or not. It’s a good excuse to get out of the house. If you’re like me and don’t enjoy working out, you’re usually at home on weekends. You might also be in Home Bargains. This is a good excuse to get out for the day. You can run around, move your body, and meet new people.

Also, if you’re someone that loves to customise things and take things apart and put them back together, you’ll absolutely love airsoft. Your wallet, on the other hand, might not.

Does it Hurt Getting Hit?

The simple answer is yes, but it doesn’t hurt as much as paintball. It can break the skin and cause bruises if you are shot from close range. Overall, it feels like a small sting. You do get used to it, it’s nothing too bad.

If you are worried, you can wear as much padding and protection as you want and cover up as much skin as possible. You can wear gloves, full face protection and all that good stuff. It’s not as bad as a lot of people think it’s going to be. You’ll be glad to know there are limits on how powerful guns can be. These differ from country to country. Basically, people can’t get in your face and just blast you full force.

Is it Easy to Get into Airsoft?

To start playing airsoft in the UK, typically you need to be at least 12 or 13 years old. This differs from site to site, so make sure you check with them first. Their minimum age requirement may differ, but 12 or 13 is usually the lowest that it will go down to. However, you do need to be at least 18 years old to buy an airsoft gun in the UK. There are no laws on anyone under 18 using an airsoft gun, but you need to be at least 18 to buy one. If you’re under 18, you can rent equipment at a field. Or you can ask a parent or guardian to buy you an airsoft replica. Here in the UK there are typically three different ways you can start playing:

One: Renting a Kit

The easiest way to get started is by renting a kit from a site. You don’t know if you’re going to enjoy it or not, renting is the safest option. 99% of airsoft sites do have rental packages, but it’s best to check beforehand.

Two: Buy a Two-Tone Airsoft Replica

Buy your own two-tone airsoft replica and start playing with your own equipment.

Three: Borrow a Friends Kit

If you know someone who’s got their own airsoft equipment and they’re nice enough to lend it to you, borrow theirs.

Is It Expensive?

Well, like any hobby, the answer is yes. It can be as expensive as you want it to be. There’s a bit of a running joke about how much airsofters spend on their hobby. It can be expensive if you want all the top kit, you’re particular about what to wear and what guns you shoot. At the heart of it, once you have all the gear you like, the cost of playing airsoft is fairly low. The BB’s, Gas or batteries and fees to actually play on a site are relatively cheap.

You don’t need people to go with you or to be part of a team or anything like that to get started. Obviously, it is nice if you’ve got a friend to start playing with, or if you already know someone who already plays. It can feel daunting to show up alone at an airsoft site for the first time. A great place to start is with online communities. There are plenty of communities across social media that can show you the ropes.

The best thing about airsoft is that you don’t need the most expensive kit to get you going. You can still have a fantastic time without needing all the bells and whistles. It is a game at the end of the day.

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