Airsoft can be played in various environments, each offering unique tactical challenges and gameplay experiences. Understanding different field types helps you choose the right venue for your playstyle and prepare appropriate equipment.
CQB (Close Quarters Battle) Indoor Arenas
Indoor CQB fields feature tight spaces, multiple rooms, and close-range engagements in controlled environments.
Characteristics
- Enclosed buildings with multiple rooms and corridors
- Engagement distances typically 10-50 feet
- Complex layouts with stairs, windows, and doorways
- Indoor environment protected from rain and weather (not all venues are climate controlled)
- Artificial lighting, some venues offer low-light night games
Recommended Equipment
- Compact SMGs or short rifles (CQB-optimized guns)
- High-capacity magazines for sustained fire
- Full-auto capability (where allowed)
- Lower FPS limits (typically 350 FPS or less)
- Red dot sights or reflex optics
- Lightweight gear for mobility
Gameplay Style
- Fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled action
- Quick reflexes and room-clearing tactics
- Team coordination for breaching and clearing
- Short game rounds (5-10 minutes typically)
Outdoor Fields
Outdoor fields offer open spaces, longer engagement distances, and natural or artificial cover across larger areas.
Characteristics
- Large open areas with varied terrain
- Engagement distances 50-200+ feet
- Mix of natural cover (trees, brush) and artificial structures
- Weather-dependent gameplay
- Multiple objectives spread across the field
Recommended Equipment
- Full-size rifles with good range
- Heavier BBs (0.28g-0.32g) for wind resistance
- Magnified optics or ACOGs for distance shots
- Camouflage appropriate for terrain
- Hydration systems for longer games
- Weather-appropriate gear
Gameplay Style
- Tactical movement and flanking maneuvers
- Longer game rounds (15-30+ minutes)
- Strategic positioning and team coordination
- Mix of long-range and close-quarters combat
Woodland/Forest Fields
Natural forest environments offering realistic military simulation with organic terrain features.
Characteristics
- Dense tree coverage and natural vegetation
- Uneven terrain with hills, ravines, and natural obstacles
- Limited visibility due to foliage
- Natural camouflage opportunities
- Often very large playing areas
Gameplay Style
- Stealth and concealment emphasized
- Realistic military tactics
- Ambush opportunities
- Ideal for milsim operations
Urban/Killhouse Fields
Purpose-built structures simulating urban combat environments with realistic building layouts.
Characteristics
- Multi-story buildings and structures
- Realistic urban terrain (streets, alleys, building interiors)
- Mix of indoor and outdoor combat
- Vehicle props and urban obstacles
- Training facility aesthetics
Gameplay Style
- Urban warfare tactics
- Building clearing operations
- Vertical gameplay (multiple floors)
- Mixed engagement distances
Speedsoft/Speedball Arenas
High-intensity competitive arenas designed for fast-paced tournament-style gameplay.
Characteristics
- Symmetrical layouts for balanced competition
- Inflatable or modular bunkers
- Smaller playing areas for intense action
- Bright colors and high visibility
- Designed for tournament play
Recommended Equipment
- High-performance HPA systems
- Lightweight, minimal gear
- High-capacity magazines
- Competitive-grade replicas
- Athletic clothing over tactical gear
Gameplay Style
- Extremely fast-paced
- Competitive scoring systems
- Short rounds (2-5 minutes)
- Emphasis on speed and aggressive play
Milsim (Military Simulation) Venues
Large-scale operations conducted on massive properties designed for realistic military scenarios.
Characteristics
- Very large playing areas (sometimes hundreds of acres)
- Multi-day events
- Realistic military scenarios and objectives
- Chain of command and realistic military structure
- Equipment and loadout restrictions for realism
Gameplay Style
- Long-duration operations (8-48+ hours)
- Realistic military tactics and strategy
- Communication and coordination critical
- Limited respawns or medical systems
- Mission-oriented rather than elimination-focused
Choosing the Right Field Type
Consider these factors when selecting a field:
- Experience Level: Indoor CQB is beginner-friendly, milsim requires experience
- Equipment: Match your guns and gear to the field type
- Playstyle: Fast action vs tactical simulation
- Physical Fitness: Outdoor fields require more endurance
- Budget: Milsim events typically cost more than standard field days
- Time Commitment: CQB offers quick games, milsim requires full days or weekends