Airsoft Milsim

It's 3 a.m., and you're deep within army training facilities designed to shape some of the strongest soldiers on the globe. You've spent the whole day clearing out enemy positions, protecting high-profile individuals, and firing off magazine after magazine at them. You've returned to the regeneration zone for a short rest before continuing the assault in the morning. You're worn out, hungry, and possibly even chilly, depending on the weather.

You're ready to drift off when you hear the hurried clatter of shoes and bags as they make their way toward your building's entrance. 3-2-1 "Go, Go, Go!" Blank grenades rip through the night as you jump out of your sleeping bag to grab your airsoft gun and return fire as the sound of BBs breaking off the walls surrounds you. This is an Airsoft milsim event. (You can find more airsoft terminology here.)

What does it take to participate in Milsim Airsoft?

MilSim events can have pretty strict rules, but people often want more people to join so that the field is more full. So, if it looks like your uniform and gear were trying to follow the rules of the event, the event organizers will usually let you slide here and there.

The rules about guns and eye protection are usually the ones that are strictest. As an airsoft player, you should have good eye protection, so your only concern should have a airsoft gun that follows the rules, which is typical for any airsoft event. The speed and firing system of the gun will be the main points of interest. In other words, if your gun's speed matches that of a DMR, you'll probably need to make sure that it has been physically or mechanically changed to only work in semi-auto. Also, your magazines need to follow the rules for the event. No one should try to sneak in a high-cap or Flash mag when it says "mid-cap."

Try to wear a uniform that looks like theirs. If the rules say MARPAT camo and you show up in Woodland, you'll probably be on the MARPAT team because the two colour patterns are similar. But don't wear desert camo or civilian clothes.

So the bare minimum would be camo eye protection, a camo pattern that matches, and a gun and magazines that meet the rules. Just don't make this a regular thing. If you're new to MilSim and want to start, you'll need to buy gear with this in mind.

Roleplay & Immersion in MilSim

One of the defining features of MilSim is the emphasis on roleplay and immersion. Beyond shooting BBs, you're stepping into a mission-driven scenario where you're expected to act like a soldier — complete realistic objectives with comms discipline, call signs, chain of command, and sometimes even in-character behavior. Some events assign players roles such as medics, engineers, or squad leaders, each with unique responsibilities. This adds depth and realism to the experience and makes your actions feel more impactful. The more you commit to the immersive side of MilSim, the more rewarding and unforgettable the event site becomes.

Common Challenges and How to Prepare for Them

MilSim events aren’t just about tactics and gear — they also test your mental and physical endurance. You might be outdoors for 24–48 hours, dealing with fatigue, cold, hunger, or unexpected rain. Comms may fail, your gear might break, and you’ll need to adapt on the fly. Preparation is key: waterproof your essentials, break in your boots beforehand, and pack high-energy snacks. More importantly, prepare mentally — frustration and exhaustion can ruin the experience if you're not ready for them. Stay flexible, listen to your squad leader, and remember: how you respond under pressure defines your value on the field.

What Equipment will i need?

To play in a MilSim Airsoft game, you will typically need to have some basic equipment and gear. This can include:

1. An Airsoft Rifle: with the right fps
2. Protective gear: Depending on the rules of the game, you may need to wear protective eyewear and other safety gear to prevent injury from BBs.
3. Clothing: Players often wear military-style clothing, such as camouflage or BDUs (battle dress uniforms), to blend in with the environment and enhance the realism of the game.
4. Accessories: Some players may choose to use additional gear, such as holsters, tactical vests, and backpacks, to carry extra ammunition and other supplies.

It's also important to remember that MilSim games can be physically demanding, as they often involve running, crawling, and carrying Equipment over long distances. It's a good idea to be in good physical condition before participating in a MilSim game.

Kit list

Relevant camo Clothing

Good Boots

2x Replicas weapons (backup is necessary)

Combat kit (plate carrier, radio etc.)

Flashlight

Pyro and lots of BBs

Tool kit

Eye protection and face protection

Food and water (24hrs worth)

Toothpaste/toothbrush / baby wipes/toilet roll

Sleeping bag

Extra cash (just in case)

100% effort, a good attitude, and a will to win

What Equipment will i need?

To play in a military simulations Airsoft game, you will typically need to have some basic equipment and gear. This can include:

1. An Airsoft Rifle: with the right fps

2. Protective gear: Depending on the rules of the game, you may need to wear protective eyewear and other safety gear to prevent injury from BBs.

3. Clothing: Players often wear military-style clothing, such as camouflage or BDUs (battle dress uniforms), to blend in with the environment and enhance the realism of the game.

4. Accessories: Some players may choose to use additional gear, such as holsters, tactical vests, maps and backpacks, to carry extra ammunition and other supplies.

It's also important to remember that MilSim games can be physically demanding, as they often involve running, crawling, and carrying Equipment over long distances. It's a good idea to be in good physical condition before participating in a MilSim game.

Kit list

Relevant camo Clothing

Good Boots

2x Replicas weapons (backup is necessary)

Combat kit (plate carrier, radio etc.)

Flashlight

Pyro and lots of BBs

Tool kit

Eye protection and face protection

Food and water (24hrs worth)

Toothpaste/toothbrush / baby wipes/toilet roll

Sleeping bag

Extra cash (just in case)

100% effort, a good attitude, and a will to win

Why play milsim?

Milsim isn't like your typical skirmish; it's a different atmosphere and has a more organized structure. It's often a lot more intense and there aren't as many breaks. It's a lot more task and team-based and, to say the least, not for the faint of heart. It's better for more experienced players who want a bit more structure and realism in the game we all love.

If you've never been in the military or played airsoft much, the thought of going to your first milsim can be scary. There are a lot of things you need to think about that you wouldn't normally think about on a Sunday skirmish. I've seen people overpack like they're going away for months, and I've also seen people take almost nothing with them and be in a bit of a pickle over the weekend.

How do you win in airsoft milsim?

The goal of a MilSim Airsoft game is to simulate real-world military operations, so the objective of the game will depend on the specific scenario being played.

Milsim operations often involve three groups: the home army, the enemy, and a resistance movement. Multiple teams may compete against one another at times.

In some cases, the objective may be to capture or defend a specific location, while in other cases, the goal may be to complete a mission or objective.

To win a MilSim game, players must work together as a team and use strategy and tactics to accomplish the objective. This may involve using cover and concealment, communicating with team members, and coordinating attacks and defences.

In general, the team that successfully completes the objective or mission, or eliminates the other team, is declared the winner. However, some MilSim games may have other criteria for determining the winner, such as the amount of time it takes to complete the mission or the number of players on each team who are eliminated. after the event date at the very least you will have a great story to tell your mates