Open Play
The majority of the events we host are called "Open Plays." These events are held most weekends at our field through spring, summer, and fall, and approximately every 3rd weekend in winter. Open play events welcome players of all skill, investment, and dedication levels. These games are relaxed, with no uniform requirements, utilize our standard rule set, and easy to understand game modes. You can find more about the game modes HERE. Typically, during an open play, players can join 20-30 minute games, then between each game is a 5-10 minute break.
You can purchase tickets online under the event tab, or you can pay at the gate. If you are renting a large number of guns, we do recommend that you preregister since our rentals are on a first come, first serve basis. For most open plays, we also typically have a group entry discount for groups of 5 or more players.
Generally, most open play events are during the day, either Saturday or Sunday with a standard schedule of 9am gates open, 10am briefing (rule reading), 10:30am game start, 1pm lunch break, 5pm games end. We do however, host night games as well that fall under the open play category. The game modes may be different, but the general, relaxed atmosphere is the same.
simulation events
Simulation events are very different from open play events. All simulation events follow a fictional storyline invented for the purpose of that particular game. Objectives and themes in the game will aid in the story. Unlike open play events, where players will play a 20-30 minute game then come off the field for a break, the gameplay does not stop other than for scheduled meal breaks. All objectives are "rolling," so they will continue with gameplay even after completion.
Most simulation events will have specific rank structures for team leaders. The highest rank is typically a Commanding Officer (CO) and their Executive Officer (XO) who is second rank and will take over for the CO should something happen to them in the storyline. There is also often squad leaders assigned by the CO and/or XO. If you are not a ranking member, we highly recommend that you try to listen and learn from the ranking players.
Some of the simulation events that are hosted at DarkFire Airsoft may also be co-hosted or planned by other event hosts such as local teams, professional organizers, or other fields.
Mini-sims
Mini-simulation events (minisims/microsims) are smaller, entry level simulation events. There is still a storyline, but the game can still be enjoyed without knowing the previous plots or even focusing too intently on the story. We still recommend paying attention to the story and we ask that even if you are not interested in it, to play along to avoid affecting the immersion of other players.
For newer players who have not yet participated in a simulation event, minisims are the recommended starting point. These minisims are purpose built to be an effective in-between from open plays to milsim events. They are more serious and regimented than open plays, yet more relaxed and easier to understand than a full milsim event. These are generally one day events, sometimes with an attached open play the following day, but rarely are they a full weekend.
We have many minisim storylines that we host at our field. Some storylines such as our flagship "Cerberus" story, has both minisim and milsim events. The minisim events continue with the storyline, but are an easier entry point for newer players.
Mil-sims
Military simulation events or "milsims" for short, are simulation events that follow specific rule sets such as uniform requirements, possible gear regulations, and more in depth knowledge of the event before joining. Anyone can join, but you must understand what you are signing up for before showing up. Using our flagship event "Operation Cerberus" as an example, there are 3 factions. One is based on green uniforms, one requires tan based uniforms, and the 3rd (the Cerberus team) is made up of preselected staff members who wear black. Players are NOT allowed to wear black because of that. Not all milsim are built the same. Some have more strict uniform and gear requirements, others do not. All are welcome to join these events, but you should read ALL available resources regarding that event. We post as much information as we can in the event page on our website and social media, but if you have questions about a specific event, do not hesitate to contact us.
Milsim events are often multiple days. They may start at 10:30am like an open play, but often will go into the night and resume the next day. Generally, there is onsite camping available for these events, but verify this in the specific event page as some events (such as winter events) might not have this available.
You do not HAVE to focus on the storyline for a milsim event, however you will likely not know what is going on or why. We recommend that you pay attention to the details to have the most amount of fun possible since the objectives are built around the story. There may be role-players in the game that you can interact with to achieve missions, gain advantages, information, and more. There is often props in these events such as fake bombs, computers, information packets, and more. All of these props are integrated into the storyline and can help or hurt your team. Paying attention to the story can help you determine what to do with a prop after finding it.