What is Speedsoft in Airsoft? Beginners Guide

Mar 6th 2023

WHAT IS SPEEDSOFT?

Speedsoft is a super fast-paced style of airsoft that is played with speed and aggression. The game is all about speed, so players need to be quick on their feet and have fast reflexes.

Speedsoft is played with two opposing teams, and the objective of the game is to eliminate all of the players on the other team as quickly as possible.

The games are usually played indoors and in close quarters so the games typically last only for about 4 to 5 minutes.

Speedsoft was developed and popularized in 2016 by SpeedQB and today there are two different styles of it:

  1. SupAir Speedsoft – An indoor play style using inflatable obstacles for barricades and cover.
  2. SpeedQB – This fast-paced airsoft style can be played both indoors or outdoors and it uses terrain and wooden barricades for cover.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AIRSOFT AND SPEEDSOFT?

Compared to traditional airsoft play, speedsoft is a style of airsoft play that emphasizes speed and movement over realism and tactics.

In a speedsoft game, players will often run and jump around the battlefield, using close-quarters weapons such as pistols and submachine guns. Games are typically fast-paced and relatively short, lasting around 4 to 15 minutes and sometimes even less.

In contrast, airsoft is a tactical game that focuses on realism and teamwork. Players will typically move slowly and deliberately around the battlefield, using long-range weapons such as sniper rifles. Games can last for several hours, and players must work together to accomplish objectives such as capturing enemy territory or eliminating the other team.

While speedsoft is more fast-paced and action-packed, airsoft requires more strategy and teamwork.

SPEEDSOFT VS MILSIM

With speedsoft players often use light, compact guns and wear minimal gear in order to move quickly and easily. Milsim, on the other hand, is a more realistic style of play that focuses on tactics and teamwork.

Players typically use heavier guns and wear more realistic tactical gear in order to create a more authentic experience. Both styles of play have their own benefits, but speedsoft is generally considered to be more fast-paced and action-packed, while milsim is more strategic and realistic.

HOW TO PLAY SPEEDSOFT?

Speedsoft gameplay is very similar to a classic airsoft skirmish, there are two opposing teams with a goal to eliminate the other. The game is played with speed and aggression as its main focus with the average game lasting only around 5 minutes, so players must be quick on their feet.

Speedsoft can also be played tournament style where different teams compete against each other in a bracketed system until there is only one team left standing.

HOW IS SPEEDQB PLAYED?

SpeedQB is usually played as a tournament, where 5 player teams are put up against each other in a bracket system. The teams will face each other in a 3-round, 4-round, or 5-round tournament. The team that wins the most rounds in the tournament wins!

The gameplay is point based and each team competes for 100 points per round.

SPEEDSOFT LOADOUT

Speedsoft loadouts are typically very light, with minimal gear in order to allow players to move quickly and easily.

Speedsoft players usually don’t use camo as it’s not necessary to blend in with your surroundings. Instead, they tend to use a lot more colorful gear that they personalize to stand out on the field.

Also instead of using tactical clothing and boots speedsoft players typically can use athletic clothing and sneakers as the the playstyle focuses more on speed and movement.

Speedsoft Gun

A speedsoft-specific gun is not necessary to play, but it will give you a competitive edge.

Speedsoft players will need a very fast cycling gun in order to compete. You want a gun that can as shoot fast as possible. And for that reason, it’s not recommended to use spring-powered airsoft guns in speedsoft as they don’t shoot as fast as gas or electric airsoft guns.

SS Airsoft Custom Hi-Capa 5.1 - Pimpin' Ain't Easy | SS Airsoft

And even AEG (electric guns) will most likely need to be modified to fire even faster. So if you’re looking to get into speedsoft, you should look into getting a co2 or green gas-powered airsoft gun.

Also, you will need to use high-capacity (hi-cap) magazines as you will be shooting a lot of BBs in speedsoft and you do not want to waste any time reloading the gun!

And finally, speedsoft guns are typically very compact so they’re easy to move and maneuver with. Players usually opt for smaller guns such as pistols, SMGs, and compact rifles.

As well as moving fast, you'll also need to shoot fast. Many players opt for a hi-capa pistol, or even a custom pistol, changing the internal parts for a faster and more accurate weapon. Hi-capas are highly customisable, with standard 32 round mags that can be extended to a 50 round capacity. 

PROTECTIVE GEAR

The type of protective gear you will need for speedsoft is pretty basic, as the focus is on speed and movement.

You will need an airsoft mask, preferably a full-face mask as speedsoft can get pretty intense and you don’t want to get hit in the face with a BB! You will want something that offers you a large field of vision.

DYE i5 Goggle - Storm 2.0 – DYE Paintball

Other than that, you could consider using elbow or knee pads as speedsoft can involve a lot of diving and crawling. And you might want to consider using gloves to protect your hands.

Also, many speedsofters like to use foam gauntlets to protect their hands even further.

SPEEDSOFT LOADOUT OVERVIEW

  • Fast-shooting compact airsoft gun
  • Full face mask
  • Small chest rig
  • 2 extra mags on the chest rig setup
  • Flashlight/ laser (for disorienting competitors)
  • Gloves
  • Battle belt
  • Extra mag on the belt
  • Maybe a small admin pouch
  • High-cap sidearm

WHERE TO PLAY SPEEDSOFT?

Now that you know what speedsoft is and what you need to play, you’re probably wondering where you can play it.

Unfortunately, speedsoft isn’t as popular as other airsoft playstyles so there aren’t many dedicated airsoft fields.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a place to play speedsoft! Many regular airsoft fields are starting to hold speedsoft events. And there are many online communities where you can find games being held. 

So if you’re looking to get into speedsoft, just do a little bit of research and you should be able to find a game near you!

Is Speedsoft A Sport?

Yes, speedsoft is considered a sport by many people. The games are played competitively and there are even tournaments that you can compete in! And well it has even been featured on ESPN!

IN CONCLUSION

Speedsoft is a fast-paced and intense form of airsoft that is played with smaller guns and less gear. If you’re looking for a new challenge, it might be the perfect game style for you!