A Beginner's Guide to Speedsoft

 

  What is speedsoft

Speedsoft is a competitive style of airsoft played with two teams of five, it involves sprinting, diving, sliding, shooting, and hiding.  It is played as a fast paced capture the flag style game.  The rounds are 5 minutes and single elimination but can be shorter if a team is completely defeated. Constant fire is a staple of speedsoft, shoot or be shot is a common motto.  Speedsoft is an extremely strategic sport that heavily relies on a strong team and communication.

Key Characteristics of Speedsoft

• Fast-Paced Gameplay: Matches are short, intense, and usually played in indoor close-quarters battle (CQB) arenas with rapid objectives like capturing a flag

• Minimalist Gear: Players skip heavy military tactical vests and camouflage, opting instead for lightweight athletic clothing, bright jerseys, sneakers, and full-face paintball masks for maximum mobility. 

• High-Performance Equipment: Loadouts frequently feature high-rate-of-fire custom guns or High-Pressure Air (HPA) systems that offer instant trigger response and heavy suppressive fire. 

• Paintball Influence: The sport heavily mirrors paintball’s "speedball" format, utilizing structured rules, athletic movement, sliding, and diving behind inflatable obstacles.

Who is speedsoft for

Competitors who like team-based coordination, fast indoor (CQB/close quarters battle) matches, and clear tactical roles, and those who value function, lightweight gear, and high-rate-of-fire setups over realistic military uniforms and replica gear. 

What do I need to get started

• An airsoft gun.

Speedsoft guns can vary in appearance, style, and performance. What makes a good speedsoft gun, a lightweight body, ultra-fast trigger response, and a compact layout for fast-paced, up close and personal scuffles.

• Eye protection.

There are many different types of airsoft eye pro. Similar to paintball masks Dye masks are the most common offering the most security under fire, literally. Covering your mouth as well as your eyes are a key part of speedsoft. Too many speedsoft players are missing teeth from not wearing a full face mask and instead decided to save money by just purchasing goggles and hoping for the best.

• A high capacity magazine.

High capacity magazines are a must have when laying down fire they hold 500-350 rounds and can come in clutch when a pickle.

• A hoodie.

Hoodies are a common sight at speedsoft competitions offering ease of use  and comfort. Some professional leagues require jerseys to help designate teams, but for casual matches a sweatshirt is acceptable.

• A field pass at your local airsoft range.

Field passes can range from anywhere between 200 dollars to 20, it is a basic ticket that offers entrance to the airsoft event being held or just entrance onto the field.

Traditional airsoft players sometimes criticize speedsofters for aggressive play or overshooting, but most agree speedsoft is fundamentally a high-intensity, highly athletic team sport.