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ARMA 3

ARMA 3

The ultimate military sandbox. Complete guide to ARMA 3 server hosting, scripting, and extensive mod integration.

Overview

Release Date: September 12, 2013 (2.00+ updates)

Platform: PC (Steam), Linux servers

Engine: Real Virtuality Engine 4

Status: Mature & Highly Modded

Max Players: 128+ dedicated servers

System Requirements

Minimum

  • OS: Windows Vista 32/64-bit
  • CPU: Intel Dual 2.8Ghz
  • RAM: 4GB (8GB+ recommended)
  • Storage: 90GB SSD/HDD
  • Connection: 30Mbps upload

Recommended (Server)

  • OS: Linux (Ubuntu 20.04 LTS preferred)
  • CPU: Intel Xeon / Ryzen Server
  • RAM: 16GB+
  • Storage: 120GB+ SSD
  • Connection: 100Mbps+ upload

Installation Guide

1

Download Dedicated Server

Use SteamCMD to download ARMA 3 dedicated server files

2

Configure Server Config

Create server.cfg in mission directory with server settings

3

Install BattlEye

Enable BattlEye anti-cheat client for multiplayer

4

Launch Server

Start arma3server.exe or use control panel

Server Configuration

// server.cfg example
hostname = "My ARMA 3 Server";
password = "";
adminPassword = "AdminPass123";
maxPlayers = 128;
autosaveOnMissionStart = 1;
battleEye = 1;
verifySignatures = 0;

Common Bugs & Issues

BattlEye Authentication Fails

Players banned or cannot connect due to BattlEye. Check BattlEye client version.

Mission Won't Load

Script errors or missing dependencies. Check .rpt log files for details.

Mod Signature Errors

Mods not signed or signature verification enabled. Disable verifySignatures.

High Frame Rate Drop

Performance degrades over session. Likely memory leak from mission script.

Troubleshooting

Server Crashes on Mission Load

  • Check server.rpt file in logs folder for error details
  • Verify all required mods are loaded
  • Check mission compatibility with current ARMA version
  • Try simpler mission first

Players Disconnecting

  • Check bandwidth capacity (each player needs ~2-4Mbps)
  • Reduce AI unit count in mission
  • Update ARMA 3 to latest patch
  • Increase server tickrate gradually

Performance Optimization

Mission Optimization

  • Remove unnecessary AI groups
  • Use locality correctly in scripts
  • Minimize script execution frequency
  • Profile mission with built-in profiler

Server Settings

  • Set tickTime 0.02 (50 units/sec)
  • Configure serverCommandPassword
  • Implement kick-for-idle system
  • Use dedicated server on Windows or Linux

Modding & SQF Scripting

ARMA 3 has the largest mod community with 10000+ mods available. Full SQF scripting language support.

Popular Mod Groups

ACE3, RHS, CBA, CUP, Enhanced Movement, Zeus

Mission Creation

Full 3D editor, SQF scripting, extensive functions library

Advanced Troubleshooting

BattlEye Authentication & File Signatures

// Check BattlEye status in logs
14:23:45 BattlEye Client: Version 1.451
14:23:46 BattlEye Server: Invalid mod signature

// Verify mod integrity
_mods = ["@modname", "@othermod"];
_hash = configHash (configFile >> "CfgWeapons");

// Game validation command (Steam console)
steam cmd: app_update 233780 validate
  • BE Kicked on Connect: Verify BattlEye is updated, disable local antivirus interference, clear cache
  • Invalid Mod Signatures: Regenerate .bisignkey, ensure mods are loaded in correct order
  • Unverified State: Delete arma3.pbo, validate Steam cache, restart with -noSound if needed
  • Whitelist Bypass: Check if exploits patched in latest branch, consult BattlEye forums

SQF Script Execution & Error Tracing

// Comprehensive error handling
try { _result = call _myFunction; }
catch { systemChat str _exception; };

// Debug verbose output
diag_log format ["Script: %1 executed at %2", _var, time];

// Array bounds check
if (count _array > _index) then { _val = _array select _index; };

// Measure execution time
_start = diag_tickTime;
// ... code ...
diag_log format ["Execution took %1ms", (diag_tickTime - _start) * 1000];
  • Type Mismatch Errors: Validate return types, use isNil for null checks, cast appropriately
  • Infinite Loops: Set maximum iterations, use diag_fps monitoring, implement watchdog threads
  • Variable Scope Issues: Use _local variables in functions, check global contamination
  • Slice Errors: Verify select indices, handle arrays with fewer elements than expected

Mission Loading Failures & Corruption Detection

// Server log shows issues like:
14:45:12 Loading mission: MyMission.pbo
14:45:13 Class CfgAmmo not found
14:45:14 Mission init failed

// Extract and validate PBO
PBOConsole.exe -extract source.pbo .\extracted\

// Fix missing config class
class CfgWeapons {
  class myWeapon: rifle_base { ... };
};
  • PBO Extraction Fails: Use official pboConsole tool, verify file not in use
  • Config Class Missing: Check CfgVehicles/CfgWeapons inheritance, ensure parent exists
  • Corrupted Mission.sqm: Reconstruct from backup, use mission editor to validate syntax
  • Version Incompatibility: Test on same engine version, use retrograde branch if necessary

Mod Conflicts & Dependency Resolution

// Check mod load order in launcher or:
// Arma 3 Launcher → Mods tab → Verify order bottom-to-top

// Detect conflicting items
_conflicts = configClasses (configFile >> "CfgVehicles") select
{ getNumber (_x >> "side") == 3 }; // Check side not defined

// Verify ACE/CBA versions compatible
// ACE requires: CBA 3.15.0+
  • CBA Version Mismatch: Ensure CBA loaded first, check compatibility matrix
  • Duplicate Content: Use Workshop versions only, delete local copies that duplicate
  • RHS vs CUP Conflicts: Don't load both simultaneously, choose one weapon set
  • Script Content Override: Monitor diag_log for config load order warnings

Server Performance & Network Optimization

// Monitor server.rpt for:
14:30:00 FPS: 30, Object Count: 4523
14:30:00 Network bandwidth: 1.2Mbps

// Reduce entity count
{deleteVehicle _x} forEach vehicles;

// Optimize draw distance parameters
setViewDistance 1500; // defaults to 2000+
setObjectViewDistance [1200, 200];

// Monitor AI load
{deleteGroup _x} forEach allGroups select { count units _x == 0 };
  • Frame Rate Drops: Reduce draw distance, despawn distant AI, check script loops
  • Network Lag: Enable network traffic monitoring, reduce sync frequency for animals
  • AI Performance: Reduce group formations, use simpleObject for static decorations
  • Memory Leaks: Monitor memory growth in server.rpt, delete unused cargos/attachments

Pro tip: Always use Latest/Stable branch when available. Monitor server.rpt religiously. Maintain separate mod lists for testing various combinations.

Developer Resources

SQF Scripting Language

Complete reference with 4500+ engine commands and functions

3D Mission Editor

Full-featured in-engine editing with placement, scripting, and debugging tools

PBO Packaging

Mission packaging format with signature verification support

FAQ

How many mods can a server handle?

ARMA 3 can handle 100+ mods, but initial load time increases significantly. Most servers use 50-75 mods.

What's the difference between dedicated and hosted?

Dedicated servers offer better control, customization, and performance. Hosted services are convenient but limited in configuration.