Your Guide to Scenario Paintball

As paintball grows in popularity, more and more casual players are becoming interested in Scenario Paintball. Scenario Paintball games are larger (from 200-5000 players), they last longer, they advance a storyline, and you win by completing missions and finding props. Though scenario games are generally more fun than normal ones, they are also harder to prepare for and can seem intimidating to the new paintballer. You will be fine if you use common sense and are eager to learn from those more experienced than you.

What You Need To Bring

1. Money- So you can buy paint, food, and so you will be prepared for any emergencies.

2. Your gear- Gun, mask, Co2 or HPA, pods, camouflage... need I say more?

3. Water- Bring at least a cooler of water because you need to keep drinking throughout the scenario or you will get dehydrated. Gatorade (or other sports drinks) is good but if you bring Gatorade you still need to drink water (about a 1:1 ratio is good).

4. Your toolkit- Murphy's law is that "What can go wrong will go wrong;" nowhere else is this law more true than at a scenario game. Often you or someone you know will have last minute problems once you arrive. If you didn't bring a toolkit you're out of luck, but if you are prepared you should be able to identify the problem and fix it within thirty minutes.

5. Towels- Bring these because you and your gear will get dirty you will feel a lot better after cleaning everything. Towels are also great for cleaning your mask and can also be used as a makeshift workbench.

6. Extra clothing- Bring extra clothing according to the length of the scenario. If its a 1 day thing bring one extra set of clothing so when you go back home you won't stain your car. Any longer and bring however many sets of clothing you think are necessary

7. Paint- Only if the field is Bring Your Own Paint (BYOP), most fields are Field Paint Only (FPO).

8. Squeegee and Barrel Swab- For cleaning breaks in your barrel.

What You Might Want To Bring

-You may or may not want to bring this stuff, depends on your playing style.

1. Paint and Smoke Grenades- Paint grenades are often useful at scenarios, while you may or may not use them it may be worth it just to have one just in case. In larger games, smoke grenades can also be pretty useful for retreats/assaults or whatever else.

2. Radio- If you want to get one go ahead, I honestly don't think its necessary if you go alone, but if you go with someone else or with a team then having a pair (or more) would be nice. You can often find someone who will let you join their group so not having a radio is no big deal.

3. Camping Supplies- Whether or not you should bring camping supplies is dependent mainly on the length of the scenario and whether or not you are close enough to go back to your home (or hotel). If the game goes on throughout the night it is better to camp out, as that way you won't have to leave early.

What To Expect

1. Fun- Expect to have tons of fun as you try to complete missions and help your team win. In my opinion paintball is much more fun when you're playing on a unified team for a common goal.

2. Friendly, helpful people- Expect to meet people who are willing to help you learn the ropes of scenario paintball and make you proud to be a member of this sport. While you will meet the occasional loser, many of the people you meet will help you in any way they can.

Tips

-Anything that might help you have a better scenario experience.

1. Listen to and obey the rules- Obey all the rules the refs tell you, don't wipe, and don't shoot once someone calls themselves out.

2. Chrono your gun- Chrono your gun to a little under the fields limit, don't shoot hot, shooting hot can crack someone's mask, break a finger, and get you ejected from the field. Shooting hot does not add any range or accuracy at all!

3. Safety First- Don't take off your mask until your in the dead box, keep your barrel condom or barrel plug in when off the field, don't point your gun at anything you don't intend to shoot, keep your safety on until on the field, don't shoot at anyone without a mask, and if you feel tired there is no shame in calling yourself out to get a drink and take a break.

4. Watch Your Gear- While most players wouldn't think of stealing your gear, others wouldn't think twice, so always have someone you know and trust watching it or lock anything you don't need in your car.

If you follow this advice I know you will have an experience you will never forget!