NEW TO AIRSOFT?

Start Airsoft – Here’s What You Need to Know

Getting into airsoft doesn’t require a huge amount of gear or previous experience. We’ll help you choose your first airsoft gun, essential protection and the basic equipment you need for your first game.

Airsoft in a nutshell

What is airsoft?

Airsoft is a team-based hobby where players use airsoft guns that fire 6 mm BBs. Games range from casual skirmishes to more tactical events and can be played both indoors and outdoors.

What do I need for my first game?

At minimum, you’ll need proper eye protection, an airsoft gun and BBs. Depending on the gun, you’ll also need a battery or gas. Comfortable outdoor clothing is usually enough to get started.

Do I need to buy everything right away?

No. You can try airsoft with rental gear before buying your own gun and equipment.

What do you need for your first game?

You don’t need a full tactical loadout to start airsoft. Start with the essentials, then add equipment based on your gun and how you want to play.

Essentials

Eye & face protection

Eye & face protection

Proper eye protection is essential. Some fields may also require additional face or dental protection, especially for younger players. A lower face mask is a common and practical choice.

Airsoft gun

Airsoft gun

For most beginners, an electric AEG is the easiest and most versatile first airsoft gun.

BBs

BBs

Choose good-quality 6 mm BBs that suit your gun. For many standard AEGs, 0.25 g is a good starting point.

Battery & charger

Battery & charger

Most electric airsoft guns need a compatible battery and charger. These are often sold separately from the gun.

You may also need

Some additional equipment depends on your airsoft gun, magazine type and how you want to play.

Gas or CO2

Gas or CO2

Gas-powered airsoft guns require the correct gas or CO2 before they can be used.

Speedloader

Speedloader

Many mid-cap and gas magazines are filled using a speedloader, making reloading quick and easy.

Spare magazines

Spare magazines

Extra magazines are not essential in every setup, but they make playing much more convenient, especially when using mid-cap magazines.

Which airsoft gun should you choose first?

There are several types of airsoft guns, but they are not equally easy to start with. Here is a quick comparison of the most common options.

Gas-powered gun

Gas-powered gun

More realism and recoil

Gas-powered guns offer a more realistic experience, but require regular cleaning and lubrication and are more sensitive to cold temperatures. Magazine temperature can strongly affect performance in colder weather. Gas magazines also usually have more realistic capacities — for example around 30 BBs in many M4-style rifles — and are significantly more expensive than AEG magazines.

As a first airsoft gun
Possible
Ease of use
Good
Maintenance
High
Cold-weather performance
Limited
Magazine capacity
Low
Running costs
Higher
Realism
Excellent
Sniper rifle

Sniper rifle

A more specialized playstyle

Sniper rifles can be rewarding, but they are generally more demanding and less versatile as a first airsoft gun. Many stock models have similar power to standard AEGs, but require manual cocking before every shot, which can also be physically demanding for younger players. Their slower rate of fire also makes them less forgiving while learning the basics of airsoft.

As a first airsoft gun
Usually not
Ease of use
More demanding
Maintenance
Low–moderate
Cold-weather performance
Excellent
Magazine capacity
Low
Running costs
Moderate
Realism
Good

For most beginners, we recommend an electric AEG

An electric airsoft gun, or AEG, is the most common starting point in airsoft and one of the most widely owned types of airsoft guns. It is easy to prepare for a game, works reliably in a wide range of conditions and requires relatively little day-to-day maintenance. AEGs are also available at very affordable price points, making it possible to start the hobby even on a smaller budget. Their reliability is one reason why many experienced GBBR and sniper players still keep an electric gun as a backup in case their primary gun or the conditions cause problems. With widely available magazines, spare parts, upgrades and accessories, an AEG is also easy to develop as your experience and playing style evolve.

YOUR FIRST GAME

Your first airsoft game in 5 steps

Your first game is easier than it might seem. Here is what usually happens before you step onto the field.

1
STEP 1

Find a local airsoft field

Check the field's game days, age limits and rules before attending. Many fields also offer rental equipment if you want to try airsoft before buying your own gear.

2
STEP 2

Read the field rules

Power limits, required protective equipment and other rules can vary between fields. Check them before the game so you know what equipment is allowed.

3
STEP 3

Prepare your gear

Charge your battery, fill your magazines and pack your BBs, protective equipment and something to drink. Preparing at home makes your first game much easier.

4
STEP 4

Arrive early

Give yourself enough time to register, prepare your equipment and get familiar with the field before the safety and game briefing begins.

5
STEP 5

Join the game

Listen to the briefing, ask if something is unclear and start playing. You will learn most of the practical details simply by joining the games.

You don't need to know everything before your first game

Game organizers are used to new players. Listen to the safety and game briefing, and ask whenever something is unclear.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Airsoft beginner FAQ

Still have questions before your first game? Here are answers to some of the things new players ask us most often.

How old do you have to be to play airsoft in Finland?

There is no general legal minimum age for playing airsoft in Finland. Airsoft fields and event organisers can set their own age limits and may require a guardian's consent or presence for younger players. Always check the rules of the game or field you plan to attend.

Can a minor buy an airsoft gun in Finland?

An airsoft gun can only be sold or permanently transferred to someone under 18 with the consent of their guardian. The seller must be able to verify that consent reliably, so the practical process may vary between stores and purchases.

Can I try airsoft before buying my own gear?

Yes. Many airsoft fields, clubs and game organisers offer rental guns and protective equipment. Renting is a good way to try the hobby before deciding what kind of equipment you want to buy. Check availability with the organiser before attending.

Where can I find airsoft games in Finland?

Games are organised by airsoft clubs, associations, companies and other organisers around Finland. Kuulaportti is one of the easiest places to find upcoming games and events. Local clubs also publish games through their own websites, social media and community channels. Always read the event information and registration instructions before attending.

Do I need a team or friends to start airsoft?

No. You can attend many normal open and casual airsoft games on your own. Players are divided into teams at the event, so you do not need to arrive with an existing airsoft team. Some special events may have different requirements, so check the event information beforehand.

Does getting hit by an airsoft BB hurt?

You will usually feel an airsoft hit as a quick sting, and hits at closer range or on exposed skin can hurt more and may leave a temporary mark. Proper eye protection is essential at all times in the game area, and lower-face protection is strongly recommended and may be required by the field, especially for younger players.

What should I wear to my first airsoft game?

You do not need military clothing. Comfortable and durable outdoor clothes are enough for your first game. Long trousers, suitable footwear and clothing appropriate for the weather are a good starting point. Gloves can also make playing more comfortable. Bring enough water, especially for outdoor games.

How much does it cost to start airsoft?

There is no single starting price. Renting equipment is usually the cheapest way to try the hobby. If you buy your own equipment, a sensible beginner setup with an electric airsoft gun, eye protection, battery, charger and BBs will typically cost a few hundred euros. You do not need a pistol, tactical clothing or a large collection of accessories to start playing.

Do I need a pistol or secondary gun?

No. For most beginners, one reliable electric AEG is all you need. A pistol can be fun later, but the money is usually better spent first on good eye protection, a reliable primary gun, a battery and charger, BBs and any magazines you actually need.

Can I play airsoft in a forest or in my backyard?

You cannot simply choose any forest and start playing. Playing on land owned by someone else requires permission from the landowner or legal holder of the area. Playing on your own property may be possible, but BBs must not leave the property, outsiders must not be put at risk and the activity must not cause unreasonable disturbance. An organised airsoft field is usually the safest and easiest option.

How should I transport an airsoft gun to a game?

Keep the airsoft gun completely out of sight in a closed bag, case or other suitable packaging while travelling to and from a game. It should not be carried visibly in public. You should also have a genuine reason for transporting it, such as travelling between home and an airsoft field, shop or repair service.

Can I join an airsoft game if I don't speak Finnish?

Often yes, but practices vary between organisers. Many Finnish players speak English, while the main safety and game briefing may still be given in Finnish. Contact the organiser beforehand and ask whether the rules and briefing can be provided in English so that you understand all safety instructions before playing.

YOUTUBE GUIDES

Watch and learn

Learn more about airsoft with our beginner-friendly videos, available in both Finnish and English.

NEED HELP?

Still not sure what to choose?

Starting airsoft can feel like a lot at first. If you're unsure which gun, battery, protective equipment or other gear is right for you, we're happy to help you put together a setup that works for you.