Airsoft

Is a team-based tactical game that uses realistic replica weapons firing 6 or 8 mm plastic BBs, simulating military combat with a focus on realism, teamwork, and scenario-based engagement. Airsoft originated in Japan in the 1970s as a legal alternative to real firearms due to strict gun laws, and quickly spread to the United States and Europe, becoming a popular practice among military enthusiasts, athletes, and fans of combat reenactment. Players use airsoft guns—accurate visual and functional replicas of real firearms—distinguishing airsoft from paintball by its emphasis on authenticity and precision. The practice involves the use of protective gear, strategic planning, role-playing scenarios, and a strong reliance on player honesty, as hits are not visibly marked and must be acknowledged voluntarily. Airsoft games vary in format and scale, from short deathmatches to extended military simulations lasting several hours or days, incorporating logistics, radio communication, command structures, and mission objectives. It has evolved into not only a recreational sport but also a training ground for tactical skills, teamwork, and resilience under pressure. Airsoft is supported by a robust subculture with its own communities, forums, festivals, and a dedicated industry producing specialized equipment and weapon replicas. In countries with developed airsoft scenes—such as Russia, the USA, Ukraine, France, and Japan—large-scale scenario-based events and international competitions attract hundreds of participants.