What is Milsim Paintball? – Paintball Beasts

MilSim paintball is a variation of the game that is designed to simulate military scenarios as closely as possible. The game can take place in a variety of settings, including forests, abandoned buildings, and even urban environments.

Milsim is often seen as more challenging than regular recreational paintball (recball) games, and typically attracts a more serious player base that uses MilSim paintball gear to be as authentic as possible.

In this article, we will explore what MilSim paintball is, how it differs from other variations of paintball, the competition structure, and who the game is meant for.

What is MilSim (Military Simulation) Paintball?

Military Simulation (abbreviated MilSim) refers to live-acted simulations of previous or fictionalized armed conflict scenarios performed by civilians for entertainment, sporting, or nostalgic purposes.

The participants generally use authentic military tactics, uniforms, gear, and Milsim paintball guns to compete in the simulations.

Large-scale events are typically stringent about entry and may extend for several days.  Other events may be day-long.

The experience commonly entails camping, cooking food in the field, transportation, and other military activities one would expect in an actual military operation.

MilSim can be a re-enactment of a previous historical event or a simulation where a fictionalized scenario is created with a realistic objective.

Simulations are usually shorter games than re-enactments.

Milsim focuses on creating strategies in order to win the competition’s situation – whether a re-enactment or a fictional situation.  

It does not follow a historical script for performance purposes.

Origins of Milsim Paintball

Military Simulation events aren’t new, but they’ve changed considerably over the years. Early Mil-Sims were primarily re-enactments with participants living in “character” for days on end, focusing on World War II-period battles.

Paintball guns have been adopted by MilSim players since the early 1990s when first-person shooter video games were becoming more popular.

In the early 2000s, when companies began producing high-quality Milsim paintball guns that emulated the weight and internal workings of genuine weapons, the target audience became individuals who wished to impersonate American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

You can find Milsim being played with airsoft guns, and even in video games now!

As Misim gains popularity, one can only wonder if it might even become an Olympic sport.

What Player Types is MilSim For?

MilSim paintball is for players who want to experience something closer to actual military combat without enlisting.

It is also for players who want more of a challenge than what recreational paintball offers.

MilSim games often take place in large outdoor areas and can last several hours or even days, so players need to be physically fit and prepared for the elements.  

Players may even get little sleep during the event if they last over several days.

Real military tactics are also carried out to accomplish mission objectives, so you’ll have to be receptive to learning these tactics to be successful.

Emphasis is on authenticity over just running and gunning for entertainment. This type of paintball is not for the faint of heart.

Typical Game Structure

Well in MilSim games, a lot is going on but a typical MilSim event will follow these structures:

1. Forming Teams

Teams are formed and roles are chosen based on the scenario of the event.  MilSim is usually composed of larger groups of players, the size of a squad or platoon.  Some large games can even have thousands of players.

Normally, the events include an intervention group that is trying to accomplish an objective against the opposing force.  

The opposing force is tasked with preventing the intervention group from achieving its goals.

In more complicated situations, there may also be other non-military roles like civilians, law enforcement agencies, prisoners, or insurgents.

Players may perform specific roles on their team like rifleman, medic, engineer, sniper, or support gunner.

2. Pre-Brief

Players are generally given a lengthy briefing that covers plots, mission tactics, and game rules of engagement.

Military advisors or war historians will commonly provide their expertise on the event to make sure participants are using the correct terminology, clothing, equipment, and tactics. 

This helps make the game more authentic.

3. Gameplay

Teams begin the scenario. 

Depending on the objective, the winner will either be the intervention group who accomplishes its mission, or the opposing forces that eliminate or prevent the intervention group from completing its objective in some amount of time.

Like other variations of Paintball, a player is eliminated if they are hit by the opponent team.

4. Debrief

At the conclusion of each military operation, a meeting is held with all of the operators to discuss how the game went and what adjustments may be made to improve the future development and evolution of combat situations.

The modifications implemented for future events will place the participants in an even more realistic and immersive scenario.

Recball vs. MilSim – What’s the Difference?

Recball, or recreational paintball, is the most popular form of paintball played today.

It is a fast-paced game typically played on smaller fields with shorter rounds and less complicated rules.

Players generally use a lighter paintball gun and wear less authentic military gear than in Milsim games.

Recball gameplay can be played in speedball, woodsball, or scenario formats.  There may be many other types of gameplay out there worth researching as well.

MilSim, on the other hand, is a slower-paced game that simulates military combat scenarios.

It is usually played on a larger battlefield with more complex, and even restrictive rules.

Players are often equipped with the best Milsim paintball guns, which can feature a collapsible stock, and other realistic-looking accessories to enhance the experience.

Players will often wear more protective, authentic gear to make the game more realistic. 

There can also be limitations on ammunition, with paintball loaders even restricted to Magazine Fed Only Game (MFOG) rules.  Mag-fed paintball guns have a more limited capacity compared to a 200-round hopper-fed marker.

Milsim games can last for several hours or even days, depending on the scenario.

Final Words – Wrapping it up

Milsim paintball is a great way to get involved in a competitive and strategic team sport. 

It is also a lot of fun and can be very rewarding when you use teamwork and strategy to accomplish the objectives.

If you are looking for a new challenge, pick up a Milsim paintball gun.  Milsim may be the perfect type of gameplay for you. 

I hope this article has helped you understand what this form of the game entails.

Happy Paintballing!