What is CQB Airsoft

What is CQB Airsoft? A Guide to Close Quarters Battle in Airsoft

If you’re new to airsoft or just looking to explore a different style of play, CQB airsoft (Close Quarters Battle) offers a fast-paced, adrenaline-fuelled alternative to traditional outdoor skirmishes. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about CQB airsoft, including the best venues, recommended gear, ammo types, game styles, and what to expect on game day.

What is CQB Airsoft?

CQB airsoft is a form of airsoft combat that takes place in confined, indoor environments such as abandoned buildings, custom-built arenas, or converted warehouses. The focus is on tight angles, rapid engagements, and tactical room clearing rather than long-range shooting.

This play style simulates urban combat scenarios and is ideal for players who enjoy close encounters and fast decision-making.

Where Can You Play CQB Airsoft?

In the UK, CQB venues are becoming increasingly popular. Common venue types include:

• Urban Arenas: Repurposed warehouses or office buildings.
• Kill Houses: Structures designed for tactical training with plywood or concrete rooms and corridors.
• Indoor Maze Fields: Compact layouts with tight corners, low lighting, and varied cover.

Some popular UK CQB venues include:

• The Department CQB (Reading)
• The Gaol (Oakham)
• UCAP Vendetta (Hampshire)

Always check if a venue enforces specific FPS limits or requires certain safety gear.

Essential CQB Airsoft Gear

CQB loadouts are typically lighter and more compact than those used for outdoor play. Here’s what most players use:

• Primary Weapon: SMGs, short-barrelled rifles (e.g. ARP-9, MP5, Krytac PDW), or compact AEGs.
• Secondary Weapon: Gas blowback pistols are common for tight corners and quick transitions.
• Face Protection: Full face masks or mesh lower face shields are often mandatory due to the close engagement distances.
• Clothing: Lightweight gear that doesn’t hinder mobility. Elbow/knee pads and gloves are recommended.
• Tactical Torch: Helpful in low-light CQB environments for room clearing.

Ammo Types and Weight Limits in CQB

CQB venues generally enforce lower FPS limits (usually between 320-350 FPS with 0.20g BBs) to reduce the risk of injury in close combat.

Common BB weights:

• 0.20g – Most widely accepted for CQB, offers good speed and is within site limits.
• 0.25g – Offers slightly better accuracy indoors without significantly lowering velocity.
• Heavier BBs (0.28g and up) are typically not needed and may be restricted due to FPS calculations.

Always use high-quality biodegradable BBs when possible—some venues require them.

Types of CQB Airsoft Games

CQB arenas offer a wide variety of game modes to keep things dynamic and engaging. Popular game types include:

• Team Deathmatch (TDM) – Straightforward elimination games.
• Room Clearing Missions – One team defends while the other assaults and clears rooms.
• VIP Extraction – Escort a player across the map while under enemy threat.
• Search and Destroy – Locate and "defuse" a mock explosive device.
• Capture the Point/Flag – Dominate specific zones on the field.

Games are usually shorter (5–15 minutes) but intense, allowing multiple rounds per session.

Pace of Play and Number of Players

CQB airsoft is known for its high-intensity, fast-paced gameplay. You’ll need quick reflexes, strong communication, and tight teamwork to succeed.

• Player Count: Venues typically accommodate 10 to 30 players, split into 2 teams. Some sites run staggered games or smaller scenarios depending on space.
• Engagement Distance: Expect to shoot and be shot at from just a few metres away. Many sites enforce minimum engagement distances or bang rules (calling out “bang bang” instead of firing at extremely close range).

Final Thoughts: Is CQB Airsoft for You?

If you enjoy close-range tactics, quick decision-making, and intense skirmishes, CQB airsoft is well worth trying. It’s ideal for beginners due to the contained environment and short games, but it also offers seasoned players a serious challenge.

Be sure to check site rules, gear up appropriately, and most importantly—play fair and have fun.

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