While many people associate airsoft with woods and open fields, indoor combat arenas are becoming more popular every year. Offering year-round play in smaller, often more accessible areas, close-quarters battles are now many people’s go-to form of airsoft.
If you’ve enjoyed getting mud on your boots and are now heading to an indoor skirmish site, you might be surprised by how different an experience it can be. Our guide breaks down what you can expect when entering the arena for the first time and some ways to keep your K/D up.
What is CQB Airsoft?
CQB stands for close-quarters battle and represents a different experience from the ‘traditional’ outdoor airsoft game modes. CQB airsoft matches often take place in buildings, such as abandoned warehouses, or in tight outdoor spaces with lots of props and debris, or a combination of the two.
As the name suggests, CQB is all about creating close engagements. These skirmishes take place in enclosed spaces with plenty of cover and blind spots, which force players to make close contact.
Because CQB games tend to be much faster than regular outdoor airsoft, they also tend to be shorter, with more separate games with breaks within a single airsoft session.
Tips for Mastering CQB
Close-quarters battles are a very different experience from a larger outdoor airsoft game. It’s not as simple as swapping long-distance accuracy for short-distance reactions; your whole mindset needs to shift.
If you’re stepping into the close-quarters arena for the first time, here are some useful bits of advice to consider:
- Pick the Right Gun – Because range isn’t an issue, you should focus on making sure you have something light and compact.
- Be Agile – Speed and reactions are so important. Use light steps to mask your position, then be fast and deliberate when you decide to strike.
- Study the Area – Just because it's fast-paced doesn’t mean there are no tactics. Make sure you know the blind spots and cover points so you know exactly where to expect your opponent.
- Communicate – In CQB, momentum can shift very quickly. Use clear, concise words to ensure everyone knows the enemy’s strategy.
- Pack Light – CQB games are shorter, so you won’t need all your usual loadout. Shed some accessories to make yourself lighter.
The Best Airsoft Weapons for CQB
The kind of gun that has success in an indoor skirmish is very different to one you’ll want for an outdoor game. Therefore, if you’re a regular outdoor airsoft player moving to an indoor game, you might want to consider something new.
While many players look for the most powerful airsoft guns for traditional games, that doesn’t mean much if you’re only 10-20 feet away from enemies. Also, many arenas have stricter FPS limits to protect players in close-quarters combat.
For CQB airsoft, the three most important things you need in your gun are:
- Lightness
- Compactness
- Accuracy
These points basically equate to this: Can you get your shot off first?
Because of the need for fast reactions, compact SMGs tend to be much more successful than assault rifles in close-quarters battles. Airsoft MP5s are very popular for CQBs and make for a great place to start your search.
Sidearms also play a huge role in CQB, offering a quick additional shot when reloading isn’t an option. Airsoft pistols can be your best friend for indoor arenas, while you can also experiment with airsoft shotguns if you want to take it up another notch.
What Other Kit Do You Need for CQB Airsoft?
As mentioned, you don’t generally need as much additional kit for CQB airsoft as you do traditional airsoft. While airsoft loadouts can be a fun part of a larger game, for these small skirmishes, you can often do yourself a favour by cutting back on extras.
Depending on the length of your game, you may find you only need to carry a few additional magazines to get through. You also shouldn’t need accessories such as hydration pouches. The more straightforward your loadout, the lighter you’ll be and the easier you’ll find it darting around corners.
One thing not to cut back on, however, is your safety gear. Because of how close you can get to enemies, even toned-down weapons can still pack a punch, so you need to make sure you’re protected all over. Also, CQB arenas can be unforgiving, often taking place indoors or on hard surfaces, and are filled with hazards, so you’ll want things like knee and elbow pads.
Overall, CQB airsoft is a very different, adrenaline-filled experience, even compared to regular airsoft. Many sites are welcoming to newcomers, so even if you don’t have all the gear yet, get in touch with your local centre and see if you can experience it for yourself.