Paintball is a fun and exciting war-fighting game. The game uses compressed air rifles and paint bullets, and is played as a team or individually in the field arena. If you are interested, please learn the basics of equipment, rules and playing styles for beginners in this article.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Right Equipment
Step 1. Rent equipment for beginners
Some paintball venues provide equipment for rent so you don't have to buy anything at all. Try renting equipment first, to see if you like this game or not. Consider buying equipment when you're already proficient.
- Equipment sets that can be rented usually consist of protective clothing, face masks, and hopper, which is a container for paint bullets to be inserted into the rifle.
- When you are about to enter the war zone, a paintball gun will be provided. This rifle features a hopper slot that can be inserted from the top of the rifle, safety button and trigger. Now, you are ready to play.
Step 2. Get your paintball gun ready
Paintball guns operate using compressed air to fire marble-sized paint bullets at high speed. Paintball rifles for beginners usually cost between Rp. 1,300,000, - and Rp. 1,950,000, - but advanced models can cost more than Rp. 9,100,000, -.
- Beginners are advised to use The Tippmann A5 model. Alternatively, you can try a rifle made by Kingman Spyder, such as the Spyder Pilot or Spyder Sonix. These rifles are recommended because they have good quality and affordable prices.
- Spend some time with the rifle you bought. Learn how to clean and care for your rifle. Thus, the rifle is at its best when used.
Step 3. Prepare the paint bullet
The paint in paintball bullets is non-toxic, naturally decomposed, water soluble and wrapped in a layer of gelatin. When playing individually, each person has their own color. When playing in a team, each team has its own paint color so it's easy to determine which team wins the match.
These paint bullets can usually be purchased directly on the playground. In addition, paint bullets can also be purchased at a well-stocked sports store
Step 4. Practice first before starting to compete
If you buy a paintball rifle, you will need to familiarize yourself with the movement and range of the gun. Find a place to lean back and shoot a few times to see the accuracy of your aim and the speed of the shot. Get used to it until you're good at reloading and can move comfortably with the rifle.
- Make sure the safety is not installed. Even senior players sometimes forget to take off their rifle guards. Always check your rifle's safety switch before entering the battlefield.
- If your rifle gets stuck, immediately shout "HOUR!" or “STOP!” as hard as you can so you don't get shot while repairing your rifle.
- Don't turn the gun back! This is what causes your rifle to jam and the paint bullets will fall apart.
- Use two hands to hold the rifle. One hand should be beside the trigger, the other hand holding the grip in front of the trigger but not too close to the muzzle of the rifle.
Step 5. Wear a safety mask
Wherever you play, it is required to wear proper masks and safety goggles. Without both, you are prohibited from playing. You can rent masks and goggles along with other equipment or buy your own at the store.
Most paintball masks dew quickly so it's hard to see from these masks. A number of players who often play buy anti-fog masks so that the view is not obstructed and can breathe better
Step 6. Put on the rest of the gear
When you get hit by a paintball shot by another player, the gunshot marks may leave bruises on the skin. Rental equipment only provides essential protection, such as a face mask and protective clothing or vest. Therefore, it's not a bad idea to add extra protection for yourself.
- Wear thick gloves to protect your palms. A shot that hits the palm of the hand will be very painful.
- Wear thick clothing and long sleeves/legs every time you play. Some fields have a lot of mud and bush so you should wear protective clothing.
- Men should buy an athletic cup, or buy paintball pants that have a crotch guard.
Part 2 of 3: Playing Paintball
Step 1. Find a suitable playground
Locations for playing paintball vary in size and layout. This game can be played both indoors and outdoors, depending on where you live. Usually, a field specially prepared for paintball has bunkers, tables, drums, piles of old tires, and other shelters scattered throughout the field.
If possible, the game can also be played on private land that has equipped shelters. However, novice players should look for facilities to play paintball only
Step 2. Understand the basic rules of paintball
When you want to play in the arena, you can choose the type of game you want to play. However, there are some basic rules that apply regardless of the type of game. Most games are matches between teams with a time limit. The winner is usually determined by which team shoots the most opponents. There are many other types of games which will be discussed in the next section.
- Always wear your mask. In the arena there will be a safe zone where you can take off your mask and talk to each other. The game zone is all the territory except the safe zone, and here your mask must always be worn.
- When in the game zone, remove the weapon guard. After the safety is removed and the game starts, you can now attack and shoot at your opponent.
Step 3. Leave the playing field when you have been shot
When the paint bullet hits the player and breaks, the player must leave the playing field while raising his hand so as not to be shot repeatedly by other players. If the paint bullet bounces without leaving any color on the player it shot, that player may continue playing.
Therefore, the player is partially responsible for reporting the hit or miss. It would be more fun if all the players were sporting and played according to the rules
Step 4. Aim your opponent well
Paint bullets are heavier and slower than regular bullets so they are easier to fall out of the firing line, even at short distances. You need to keep this in mind when shooting, aim a little higher than the target and get ahead of the moving target.
- The neck is a good shooting location, because it is a vital area and the bullet will not fall too far from the target.
- If your target is moving, aim ahead of the direction your target is moving. Also, imagine that your opponent's neck is shoulder-width apart because this is usually where the bullet will hit the target.
- Do not aim at the opponent's head or face. Apart from being dangerous and unsportsmanlike, this shot had no effect in determining the winner.
- Keep in mind that paint bullets don't come free, and if they are squandered they will run out quickly. Therefore, try to make your shots as accurate and effective as possible.
Step 5. Keep moving
When in the game arena, don't stay in one place for too long. Do not move erratically without direction. Choose a hiding location, then go there while keeping your body low and moving fast.
However, there are times when you need to take cover and wait. Wait for the opponent to show up and make a mistake
Step 6. Communicate with teammates
Communication is the key to team play. Coordinate team attacks, moves and strategy before starting the match and listen to your teammates on the pitch
- Have a strategy meeting with teammates before the match, and determine who will coordinate and use the signals. If someone shouts " Duck duck goose in effect !" then you know what to do.
- Be careful, shouting can leak your position to your opponent. We recommend that you use hand or body signals only to communicate with colleagues.
Step 7. Pay attention to your surroundings
Paintball matches can go on quickly so you need to make a decision quickly or you'll be stuck. Be still, and listen to the sound of branches snapping, leaves trampling, and echoes in the concrete. Breathe in through your nose so your mask doesn't cloud up. So, lay down, look around, breathe easy and keep an eye on your surroundings.
Stay alert and have fun! Paintball is more than just running and hiding in fear. Stay calm
Step 8. Beat the opponent stealthily
Try sneaking around so that you become more proficient at playing paintball. The game will be more fun if you don't just run and hide or stalk like the Terminator.
- Try to quickly move from one shelter to another. Run while bending your knees and lowering your head. Make yourself as small as possible so that it is difficult for your opponent to target.
- Stay small even while taking cover. Keep your head down and peek from behind the cover quickly. If you find a target, return to cover and prepare, then fire a few bullets at your opponent. Aim carefully and accurately.
Step 9. Don't waste bullets
You are the same as losing if you run out of bullets while competing. Depending on the size of the hopper, your number of bullets should be sufficient. However, it's a good idea to keep your bullets down and shoot only when there's a good chance.
- Don't shoot every time you hear something. Wait until your opponent is clearly visible and close enough that you can shoot without missing.
- Every now and then you will be involved in a chase while shooting. If you can take care of yourself, you have a good chance of winning this game. Try moving from side to side, and keep the gun steady and ready.
Part 3 of 3: Playing Another Match
Step 1. Capture the Flag
In this match, two teams try to take the flag from the opposing area and bring it back to the team headquarters. If a player is shot, that player is out of the game. If all the opposing players have been shot, the winning team can bring the flag home freely
Usually matches are timed. Even if all the opposing players have been shot, your team still has to bring the flag back to base. This game requires cooperation and good tactics
Step 2. Deathmatch. In this game, two teams fight to beat all opposing players. The game ends when all the players on a team lose, or the time limit has expired.
Step 3. Assault the Fort (Fort Assault)
In this game, one team each player has one life, and they have to defend the fort from the attacking team in a fairly short time. The attacking team has unlimited respawns. This means that if they get shot, they can return to the base, remove the paint, and then attack the fort again. The game ends when the attacker manages to take control of the fort or the time limit is up.
Step 4. Free-for-all (FFA). The game is similar to Deathmatch, the difference is that there are no teams here. Everyone fights against everyone. Usually, several players will ally and later betray each other. Very interesting, isn't it?
Step 5. Play by local rules
All paintball facilities have a strict set of rules and must be followed for the safety of you and your fellow players. For example, the 3 meter rule means that players are prohibited from shooting opponents at a distance of less than 3 meters because it is dangerous.
Some paintball facilities provide bonus points based on your tactics or play. Each facility usually has different types of rules and games, but the basics remain the same
Tips
- Keep your body low, don't crawl unless you have to. Crawling will make your movements limited and slow. If you crouch, you can still move quickly when shot by your opponent.
- Prone down will make you difficult to see and shoot opponents. However, you can't move.
- Don't get dehydrated. Dehydration will cause various problems so provide mineral water to drink during the game.
- When competing in an overgrown area, try to blend in with the environment. It will be very exciting if you can camouflage with the environment around you.
- sportsmanship. If you get shot by an opponent, raise your hand and walk out of the arena. Nobody likes cheaters and liars because they will spoil the fun of playing.
- Always be aware of the situation around you. Don't stay in one place for too long and keep moving from one shelter to another.
- When the playing field is filled with other players shooting each other, don't hesitate to take strategic positions. Try sneaking behind your opponent and ambush them.
- Like most sports, paintball tends to be very competitive. Some players can play very seriously, maybe even too seriously.
- If you run out of bullets, your teammates will always be willing to help. Feel free to ask for sufficient stock of bullets to complete the match at that time.
- The mask will dew quite quickly, but this is quite natural. Do not wear a balaclava or face covering when playing, as this will thicken the moisture on your mask. The masks you wear, especially rented ones, may smell bad. A balaclava or face covering will reduce this odor.
Warning
- If not played properly paintball can be very dangerous. The rate of fire of the paintball gun must be set at a pressure of 150-280 fps. Shooting paintballs at high speed would be very dangerous.
- Don't shoot a player who isn't wearing a face mask. Don't even point a gun at them, even if your rifle isn't bulleted.