What does CQB mean and what do you need for it? Conquer

What does CQB mean?

The acronym CQB stands for Close Quarters Battle, which can be translated as "combat at close range." Under the term CQB, we can imagine modern combat in urban environments or buildings. Such combat tends to be very dynamic and dangerous, as threats can literally be around every corner. That’s why there are many different techniques and tactics designed to improve instincts in CQB.

In the world of airsoft, CQB has mainly translated into games played in abandoned buildings, old factory complexes, and other structures, as well as matches held in small enclosed arenas that often simulate killhouses.

CQB in airsoft is unique especially because of its fast-paced nature, which often leads to confusion between two terms: CQB and speedsoft.

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IS CQB THE SAME AS SPEEDSOFT?

CQB is definitely not the same as speedsoft. While CQB refers to the environment in which airsoft is played, speedsoft refers to a playstyle. The opposite of CQB might be Recon or “Woodland,” which means combat in open nature, where tactics change completely.

The proper opposite of speedsoft is Milsim, and both approaches come with completely different CQB strategies.

While speedsoft players treat CQB more like a sport and are not afraid to take risks — often with success, since opponents may not be prepared to respond to fast pushes through doorways — milsim players approach it cautiously, consider every step, and rely heavily on their teammates.

The main difference lies in how "hits" are perceived. In speedsoft, trading (eliminating each other at the same time) is common, while milsim players try to simulate a more realistic, cautious scenario with minimal casualties.

Both approaches have value and something to offer. In either case, proper training in CQB techniques is essential, even though the specific techniques differ.

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What gear should I buy for CQB?

Since CQB mainly involves close-range combat, your top priority should be proper protection against painful hits.

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Head protection is essential

Protecting the head, especially the eyes and teeth, is fundamental. Wearing eye protection is a must — no need to emphasize that.

For CQB, we recommend goggles that resemble ski goggles, as they offer full face protection. Be sure your goggles meet one of the following certifications:
CE EN166 and its variants, US MIL SPEC MIL-PRF-31013, ANSI Z87.1+, Clause 3.5.1.1

The teeth are the next most important area to protect. A regular scarf over your mouth is not enough, and the "I won’t open my mouth during combat" strategy is unreliable. A budget-friendly choice is the Stalker mask (around 300 CZK), or a higher-end Cygnus mask, which also functions as a neck scarf or balaclava.

If you're not aiming for a military look, consider full-face masks, which protect the cheeks, eyes, and teeth. We highly recommend investing in thermal lenses, which fog up less than cheaper single-pane versions. Learn more in the mask category.

Finally, any helmet that can absorb multiple hits will serve you well. You can mount headphones such as COMTACs on your helmet to protect your ears. Hearing protection with sound dampening is STRONGLY recommended if pyrotechnics are allowed during CQB.

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How to set up a tactical vest for CQB

Once your head is protected, it's time to focus on chest protection, since the chest is the second most common hit area after the head.

A good vest not only protects you but also provides quick access to magazines, grenades, a sidearm, or even a snack. That’s why we recommend smaller vests like the JPC, which allow better mobility.

Setting up a vest isn’t difficult. The key is to properly attach your pouches using MOLLE or Laser Cut webbing — make sure to thread every loop, not just the first and last. This ensures a tight fit that won’t come loose during fast movement. More on this topic in our article: "What is the MOLLE system and how to use it?"

Essential pouches like magazine pouches should always be front and center for fast reloads. We recommend open-top FAST pouches for quick access. Less-used pouches (like IFAKs, utility pouches, grenade pouches, or PMR radio pouches) can be placed on the sides.

      

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A tactical belt / battle belt is a great addition

Battle belts are very handy when you run out of room on your vest and need to carry more gear. You can mount pistol mag pouches or a dump pouch, which is great for quickly stashing empty magazines without dropping them.

If you don’t have gear for a tactical belt yet, you can do without it.

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How should I build my CQB weapon?

CQB generally follows strict muzzle energy limits, around 1.0–1.4J. There's no need to upgrade your airsoft replica for maximum power, like you would for forest games where range matters more.

You can enjoy CQB even with a stock gun, but if you want to invest in upgrades, we recommend focusing on trigger response and a good flashlight. A top-tier upgrade would be a high-quality brushless motor.

     

If you’re buying a new CQB-ready weapon, I wouldn’t choose anything other than the PRIME from Specna Arms. Great response, speed, and programmable binary trigger make it unbeatable. – Honza

As for weapon length, go for short handguards. This makes you more mobile and more effective around building corners. Long rifles like DMRs are more suited for outdoor woodland games.

A red dot sight is very useful in CQB. Just make sure to add a protective lens cover, as red dots can easily be shot out.

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Why do you need a flashlight in close quarters combat?

Flashlights are useful even during the day, not just at night. In CQB, a flashlight can help you illuminate dark corners where enemies might be hiding — and there are plenty in abandoned buildings.

Another big advantage is temporary blinding. Flashing a strobe light into an opponent’s eyes in a hallway can blind them momentarily, giving you a tactical edge. Just keep in mind, your flashlight lens can get shot out.

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Lasers are great CQB tools

Laser pointers are useful tools for indicating direction, such as pointing out enemy positions or showing teammates which window you’re covering.

You can also use lasers to aim and shoot with precision.
However, please be aware of the eye damage risk — never shine lasers directly into someone’s eyes. Use lasers responsibly.

More information is available in the laser product category.

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Is it a good idea to use tracer BBs?

Tracer BBs are very helpful in CQB because they let you see exactly where you're shooting and whether you hit the target.

To use tracer BBs, you’ll first need a tracer unit (tracer suppressor).

Professional speedsoft tournaments often require tracer BBs to make hits clearly visible.