Tactics for Newbies

[Grimlock]

I've noticed lately that many new players are coming into Airsoft without any prior experience. Needless to say these people get hit a lot, and it seems to me that the game is less enjoyable for them as they have a hard time keeping up with seasoned veterans, so I came up with a short tactics list that can help new players out. This will by no means instantly make you a great player (that only comes with time and experience), but it should help you compete. If anyone wishes to add anything, feel free.

1. Know your weapon(s)
Before you even think about entering the field of play, consider your weapons strengths and weaknesses. I personally own an AUG, and I instantly know that my weapon's weakness is it's long reload time, compared to the M4 and such. This is why when I reload, I look for the best cover I can. Almost every weapon I've seen has a weakness, and it is good to figure out those weaknesses before you play and find ways to counterbalance them.

2. Be aggressive, but don't be Rambo
Many new players tend to have the habit of hiding behind cover when shot at, but then never move when they are given the opportunity. If anyone gives you the chance to get to a better position, take it. It can turn the tables on your opponent and give you the advantage. On the flipside, I've seen new players that are so aggressive, they charge in as if they have nothing to lose. Learn to have patience, Airsoft is not about racking up kills, it's about using tactics to outsmart your opponent. It's ok to charge, just make sure you can do it with minimal risk to yourself.

3. Treat every life as your last life
Just because you have respawns doesn't mean you're invincible. If you treat every life as your last life, you will often be more alert and focused; and therefore will probably do better.

4. Don't do something you know you can't do
If you know you can't hit someone from a particular range, don't do it. It only gives your position away. If you need a sniper or someone with longer range, find someone to help you. That what teammates are for. Airsoft is about specialization, you won't be able to do everything.

5. Use cover effectively
A measly little bush won't work. Good cover is something you can shoot from and have little chance of being hit back. There is no such thing as "cheap" cover, the person who found that cover is being smart.

6. Don't be afraid to retreat
Being brave is one thing, but taking 10 opponents at one time, if they have the advantage, is just stupid. Don't be afraid to retreat. It could give you an advantage down the road, and who knows, your survival could make the difference between victory or defeat. It's also good to retreat when see the potential of getting surrounded.

[Texx]

I would counter number 6 by saying that you should exploit your opportunities. With some patience and dilligence, I was able to flank an entire squad of 6 players who had formed up into a skirmish line and were attacking my team. Being under excellent cover, they did not see me and left their right flank open.

When I was within range of them, a single burst took out most of their team, including their medic. The one that escaped and attempted to flank me was taken out as he did not have a good fix on where I had fired from.

I was taken out by a 7th member who had lagged behind the rest of the group, but only got me when I came out from cover to gloat over my victims and begin my victory dance.

:D

[Son of Liberty]

My squad of 6 took out 2 squads of 6-8 by effectively using cover to move up the hill the enemy squad had just come down, we formed a wedge behind the 2 squads and had my 2 SAW Gunners open up first and 2 teams of 2 Riflemen to flank while we laid it on them from behind (That came out wrong). Using Cover, concealment and your brain will deem you victorious no matter what.

Tactic Number 7 (Noob's Favorite)

Charge while firing full-auto from the hip and going through 4 hi caps in one suicide charge against a squad of veterans thinking you can take them because their AO Profile says they're over 30.

Here's a serious one,

BRING A RADIO AND USE IT! I absolutely HATE seeing new guys screaming THEY'RE OVER THERE or HELP I'M OUT OF AMMO! You'll get yourself killed. Use a radio to effectively communicate to your team/squad leader and other squads to coordinate attacks.

Use Semi-Auto. I really see no use for Full-Auto unless your a Support Gunner, but this is coming from the guy who uses an M3 Shotgun over his AEG. You should only need 2-3 shots to kill an enemy if you're new.

Not really tactics, more along the lines of tips. But hey, they help.

[Phat Al]

I heartily agree with 2 and 4, these are the biggest problems i have noticed with new players. here are a few additions:
1. Flanking an opponent nearly always guarantees a kill, or at least forces them to retreat. As such, this should always be one of your primary objectives when assaulting anyone.
2. Keep at least one team mate with you! You are many times more effective when working with at least one person than by yourself, with the possible exception of sneaking behind enemy lines. If you find yourself alone, don't just go attack and get killed, search for your team until you find some back-up
3. Cover your team mates, and make sure they cover you. I personally think this is the single biggest defining point between good teams and bad teams. The good teams cover each other, keep the enemy down, are able to move around, and take out the opposition. the bad teams wait until they see a clear shot, and then take it. then they wait for another shot, in the mean-while, their team mates are taking fire and getting killed.
Thats all I can think of for now.

[me7111]

patience can be the reason you have a victorious battle. by past experiences i have found that if you can go out and scout the enemy (maybe in a game such as capture the flag or territory) and get close enough to see how many are in a defensive position on their territory. this gives you a huge advantage to know how many are out on the offensive side trying to win the game. once i got close to do a "knife kill" and get the other to surrender. if you walk slowly towards the enemy you have a much higher capability of a surprise attack. having a good scout on your team can help alot.

[British]

a little bit of advice when it comes to rule following.
When the rules are no highcaps, then just follow it. No need to ruin it for a bunch of people by sneaking in stuff, that you aren't supposed to bring.

Oh, and never, under any circumstances, spray and pray.

Edit: I know this is kinda said with the not going rambo, but if it's one of your first few times on the field, don't play pointman, stay to the back until you learn a bit.

[M&N]

Oh, and never, under any circumstances, spray and pray.


Thats what the SAW gunner is for its alright for them to its there
job everybody has a JOB to do,
chances are if you do your job you will most likely end up winning,
If you dint do it then chances are you already lost.

[HEMORRAGE21]

One thing you need to remeber is that you are on a team. Use this to your advantage if its your first time playing and you get on a squad with some vets dont be afraid to ask them any question you have. They may laugh at you but they will help you because you are new. Also watch your team see what they do and how they react. Then considering #1 do as they do but remeber #4. Just keep calm and listen to what the more experianced players tell you. and have fun

[Disposable Soldier]

This is for tactics, so I'll throw my suggestion in.
LEAPFROGGING.....
We should all know how to do it if we already don't, and it has saved my arse many many teams, there's actually some footage of myself and someone else using the "leapfrog" tactic in one of the Stealing Freedom videos, but it's too short to make out what we are doing.
Leapfrogging is an advantage because you are always switching your position, and you can cover more ground this way much safer.
This tactic assures that when you are in a group, nobody is left behind, but not everybody is moving at once. It also assures that you have a teammate covering you at every instance that you are advancing or retreating.
Here is how it usually works: (In this example I will use two people)
Tom and Bob are ready to move. First, what Tom does is moves in the desired direction that they want to move in for about 5-10 feet, or to nearest cover, to be sure to keep distance between himself and Bob. This prevents two players being taken out in one burst because they are so close. While Tom is moving, Bob is behind him there to lay down any needed suppressive cover so Tom isn't shot. That greatly reduces the chances of Tom being shot because Bob is distracting the enemy, and also keeping their heads down. Then once Tom has reached the goal of moving ahead a bit, Bob then proceeds to do what Tom just did when he gains the opportunity, while Tom takes Bob's previous role. This can be done with many people, but I would suggest a group of 2-5 to do this. This also encourages teamwork and makes a great drill because everybody must work together for it to be accomplished. Hope this helps.

[Oscar]

The best thing a new player can do to learn tactics is to find a team that fits the way they want to play airsoft, join the team and learn their tactics and methods. A player can learn a lot on their own, but airsoft is a team sport and a player is best served joining a team that meets their expectations. A milsim team should have some sort of SOP in place that gives a new player everything they need to be a competent player.

[makkyo]

Though this fits into what has already been said, I cannot stress the need for a player to keep moving and switching up their cover. If you stay hunkered down behind one spot, you can get pinned down (almost voluntarily) and then you'll be outflanked or nailed in the head if you keep peeking around that same corner over and over again. Holding an area does not necessarily mean staying in this same exact spot and become one-dimensional. Mix it up. Keep the other team guessing at where you're going to be and you would last longer than all the other n00bs on the field.

[Big Boss]

I think another sound tactic not just for newbs but for everybody is know where you are going before you move. know what bunker you want to move to before you do it. and always be on the lookout for better cover.

[strikers_blade]

What about you guys numbering your tactics????
Since no one did it, I will go with number #8

Tactic #8: DO NOT STACK UP in a wooden environment. The more angles you offer, the harder it is for the enemy to just shoot in the pack. Hardlock (Strikers) keep telling me a story on how he, with his SAW, kept mowing down enemy troops because they were simply coming out all together, not forcing him to change his fire angle.

Tactic #9: Fire and Maneuver. the best way to reach your next waypoint or location is to make sure no one can shoot at you. If you are 2 or more, you should always have someone covering while the other one move. As said in #8, you do it in a way that IF someone would have eyes on you, they would not be able to supress YOUR cover and yourself. If you keep your enemy's head down, you will usually reach your next location/waypoint without much problem.

Tactic #10: Keep your attacking angle as wide as possible. If you are attacking, always try to do it with more guys. That way, you can "flank", even at high speed, without giving any other choices to your enemy but to relocate and try to avoid multiple assaulting angle. It is like assaulting one building from two(2) different side. the more approach you use, the harder it gets to keep you coming....unless of course, the building is filled with dozen of guys :D

[Wraith]

Here is one: Staying On Mission! If you are playing game where certain objectives must be completed, then make those objectives your #1 priority. You don't have to wipe out the enemy in most cases and doing so will only cost you time. Sometimes you need only to go around the opposition and avoid a fire fight.

[Oscar]

This can easily become a mish-mash of information. Why not compile it in an organized manner in one thread for everyone to reference? Maybe a moderator or volunteer could get involved and keep the thread updated.

[BLACK SE7EN]

This has slipped alittle, remember this is for new players. First execpt the fact that most everyone knows more than you. Then all you got to do is LISTEN AND LEARN. Find players that are willing to teach you. Remember why somehting you did worked, and how do improve on something that failed. It takes awhile to develop good combat skills. Be patient, don't be an individual, and ask questions.

[hkrazy]

SoL=FTW!!!

I stress that soooo much in our practices. If you become proficient with full auto, you will become just as proficient with full auto. Ive seen too many tactically sound players become spray and pray freaks with the advent of the selector switch. Stay on semi until the SHTF!!!

Yes, and conserve your ammo. I hate seeing good bbs go to waste.

[Big Boss]

full auto is not a waste of ammo for standard guns if you shoot in bursts of 3-5 rounds. also on most guns you can squeeze off single shots with the selector switch on full auto.

[hkrazy]

You can do the same amount of damage with well placed shots and spend all the money you would waste on bbs for upgrades. It only takes one shot for a kill.

[DemonicUnicorn2]

#11 Just because you blend in well with that thick patch of foliage doesn't mean you should hide inside of it. Don't bunker up in a spot that will be tough to get out of in a hurry. Even if you are not in a hurry, nothing is a better give of your position than a entire bush shaking because you needed to get comfortable.

[Sims]

#12 Don't ever smile without a facemask

[Disposable Soldier]

Tricky also taught me, (this works when you are taught to chew with your mouth shut) to chew a piece of gum. That will help keep your mouth shut, and if you are really conscious about getting shot in the teeth, when you enter fire, just put the gum on your front teeth. I know this sounds weird but it works... Or you can just get a mouth guard.....

[Trauma]

#11 Just because you blend in well with that thick patch of foliage doesn't mean you should hide inside of it. Don't bunker up in a spot that will be tough to get out of in a hurry. Even if you are not in a hurry, nothing is a better give of your position than a entire bush shaking because you needed to get comfortable.


I agree. It has also seemed to me that bunkers, or foxholes, or whatever you want to call them seem to be deathtraps. *UNLESS* - they are positioned in such a way that covers them from most sides, or at least minimizes flanks.


Tactic for new players # whatever number we left off on, 99.9% of fortified positions can be overcome with minimal damage through flanking. Furthermore, if a foxhole is between you and an objective, you can always go around, just keep your own flank covered. I know that it is dangerous to have a pack of wolves on your tail, but I would much rather take on an opponent with us both out in the open, than have one behind cover.

[Loki]

#13: There is a clear difference between cover and concealment. Cover can conceal you, and deflect/stop projectiles flying at you. Concealment only hides you.

[Overkill]

#14: Always listen and don't piss off your C.O. and those above you.

[Oscar]

Hey Grimlock, I think you should change this thread to "Tips for..." instead of "Tactics for..." since half the posts in the thread aren't really tactics per se.

My reply to some of the content so far...

Know Your Weapons - The better thing to know is how to use your weapons effectively. Once you have this down you can pick up any weapon and adjust automatically to its characteristics. Factors like distance, how much a mag holds and how many you have and weight should be considerations.

Be Aggressive But Don't Be Rambo - Aggressiveness comes with experience. At first you tend to freeze when you're taking fire. The more you grow as an airsoft player the more confident and collected you become. New players learn quickly that running into a firefight gets you a dirt nap. Knowing when to move and when not to is something you'll develop over time. Aggressiveness is relative to the situation.

Treat Every Life As Your Last Life - A player should be alert at all times. Again, this improves with experience. I don't think it's a matter of thinking of your game life as precious, it's a focus on the task at hand. Survival comes naturally when you're doing what needs to be done. Strive to be the best you can be and you'll find you survive a lot more. Don't make rash decisions. When you do make mistakes learn from them and move on. Everyone walks back to respawn at some point. Personal growth happens when you learn what you did wrong and alter your playing style to correct it.

Don't Do Something You Know You Can't Do - Knowing what to do and what not to do comes with experience. As for specialization, I disagree. Airsoft players can learn to fill any role and do it well. In fact, that's what makes a good team--versatile players that can do it all. Of course, you're not going to shoot at someone out of your range. It gives away your position. Use common sense and learn from your mistakes.

Use Cover Effectively - I'm in total agreement with this. If you can't fit behind it then you shouldn't be there.

Don't Be Afraid To Retreat - Good points. Retreating should be done in a controlled manner. Knowing when and when not to move comes with experience.

Bring A Radio And Use It - My general rule of thumb: If you can see the person you're trying to communicate with then you shouldn't be using a radio.

Use Semi-Auto Only - This is great for semi-auto only ops, but if you're at a full-auto op you should be using full auto. However, you shouldn't be firing full auto all the time. 1) It's hard on your weapon, 2) It's a waste of ammo. Know when to use full auto and when to use burst. It takes time to learn, but when you get burst fire down you'll never switch to semi-auto.

Flanking An Opponent Nearly Always Guarantees A Kill - This depends on the experience of the players/team you're trying to flank and whether or not they know you're flanking.

Keep At Least One Teammate With You and Cover Your Teammates And Make Sure They Cover You - If your team is working properly they're already covering each other and you're already together. *tapping temple* If you're not working together as a team (or fire teams) you're being a hinderance. If you're alone it usually means you've gotten separated from your team (respawn) or you're the only one left. You should always make your way back to your team or join up with others at respawn and continue the fight. There are other reasons you may be alone, but those have to do with being a more experienced player and trying to achieve something with the rest of your team close by.

Patience Can Be The Reason You Have A Victorious Battle - Knowing when to act and when not to act comes with experience. I know I keep saying this, but it's true. Patience is good as long as you don't get too patient (a common mistake of new players). You'll learn how to balance patience and aggressiveness. It depends on what the situation calls for and more importantly what your C.O. has assigned you to do.

First Time On The Field...Don't Play Pointman, Stay To The Back Until You Learn A Bit - Point is a role you grow into. You don't just decide you're going to be point and wing it. A point man is responsible for the safety of the team. New players are best served to take a rear position where they can watch and learn. Once a player becomes more experienced they can take on roles like point, but they should always practice before trying it at an actual event.

Dont Be Afraid To Ask Experienced Players Questions...They May Laugh - Always ask questions. It's how you learn to be a better player. Any player that laughs at you for asking a question isn't acting very mature.

Leapfrogging...2-5 People - Leapfrogging is a great tactic, but you can do it with any number of people, not just two to five. You can "limpfrog" yourself if you have to. There are a slew of ways you can leapfrog a group of people. Read up (field manuals) and learn or ask your team leader to teach you. If they don't know then maybe you're on the wrong team.

Keep Moving And Switching Cover - Again, this is dictated by the situation. Moving without a purpose can get you killed. If you're moving around just to stay behind new cover you're wasting your time and energy. Use your common sense and know when to move and when not to move. There is no "hot potato" timer that says you have to move or you die. Just be aware that staying in one spot too long makes you a target if the enemy sees you and your chances of survival can go down exponentially.

Know Where You Are Going Before You Move - If you're used to working well as a team this is a no-brainer. Everyone should know what the team is doing at all times. As an individual player (and/or a part of a team) you should be looking ahead for possible cover. I think this was the original intent of the comment.

DO NOT STACK UP In A Wooden Environment - Give this man a medal! The terrain dictates the way you and your team move. Use common sense.

Keep Your Attacking Angle As Wide As Possible - You can't dictate when you'll be fired upon, but you can dictate when you engage the enemy. Decide the best approach and execute. Again, you should be moving as a team or working in close proximity to each other. Having a wide angle isn't always possible and trying to maneuver yourself to be a wide angle to every enemy just isn't feasible.

Staying On Mission! - This goes back to the "if you're alone". Your team has an assignment. You're part of that team. If you deviate from the team you're being detrimental to the cause. Always stay focused on the task(s) assigned to you.

Always Listen And Don't P*** Off Your C.O. And Those Above You - Rank is in place to keep the team in line. More experienced players will have higher rank. These players pass the knowledge down to the lower players. When a higher ranking player gives you an order you should obey it. Airsoft isn't about what the individual player can do, but the collective efforts of a group of players.

I've noticed much of the posts are looking at things from an individual player perspective. Airsoft is a team sport, not an individual sport. An airsoft player should be on a team. A team should be teaching tactics and methods and working toward being a cohesive unit. Personal improvement comes from learning on your own, but moreso being on a good team and learning from others. Weekend skirmishes are fun, but they may not prepare you for a milsim op. Training is very important to a player and a team's growth. You shouldn't be focusing on being a lone player and improving your skill that way because airsoft is about teamwork and it takes teamwork to complete objectives. Join a team that has their stuff together and learn to be a part of something greater than yourself. Your growth as a player will come as you work with the team. It's very important you pick a team that trains because otherwise you're not going to improve much. As a solo player that's never had good training (as part of a team) you'll find yourself lacking the necessary skill it takes to complete at airsoft and you'll be walking back to respawn a lot.

Of course, I look at airsoft from a milsim perspective. If all you want to do is plink around in your back yard then maybe this isn't important to you. On the other hand, if you want to be able to accomplish something you should seek out a knowledgable team and start your learning there.

[Spec-Ops]

Great Info. Will there ever be a training event someday were the goal is to teach other player's tactics?.

The event would focus on hands on training.

[strikers_blade]

Specops, Strikers thought about it but most players at that time found it pointless.... I guess we have over trained players in the community LOL.