Airsoft vs Paintball

Paintball Fields vs Airsoft Fields

One of the biggest issues between paintball and airsoft is the gameplay style. While both games are similar to each other, there are big differences.

Paintball is almost always played in rectangular "speedball" fields. These are generally low on cover and fast on the gameplay. Speedball fields require the use of lots of paintballs. This increases the paintball field's revenue and the paintball players cost.

Paintball was not always played like this. In the 1980s when it was a much more underground sport it was played more like airsoft is widely played today.

In the United States airsoft is usually played in wooded areas with plenty of cover. Airsoft players don't wear bright orange jumpsuits -- they wear real military gear. Its not unusual to see someone wearing a ghille suit.

On this type of airsoft field gameplay is slower placed but more tactical. (Video game players -- think Ghost Recon or Rainbow Six vs Quake 3 or Halo 2.) Airsoft is more tense because you do not always know where the enemy is -- I've been shot in the back more than once.

You must move quietly with eyes and ears open. Many airsoft groups have specific scenarios, some with complex storylines. Expect to play missions such as rescuing a downed pilot or taking down a Colombian drug cartel.

Alternatively, it is not difficult to play speedball airsoft games. A quick game of capture the flag can be organized during a lunch break. There is a lot more versatility with airsoft as you are not limited to set playing fields such as in paintball.

There is no clear winner in respects to gameplay. If you prefer faster paced games, then you may enjoy paintball more. If you want to dress up in full military gear and play things out more like "Rainbow Six" airsoft is your first choice.