ARMA Reforger
Premier military simulation engine with Enforce Script. Comprehensive server hosting and configuration guide.
Overview
Release Date: January 26, 2023
Platform: PC (Steam), PlayStation, Xbox
Engine: Enforce Script + Custom Tech
Focus: Tactical Military Simulation
Max Players: 128+ (configurable)
System Requirements
Minimum
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit
- CPU: Intel i7-8700K / Ryzen 5 3600
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 100GB SSD
- Connection: 50Mbps upload
Recommended
- OS: Windows 10/11 64-bit
- CPU: Intel i9-10900K / Ryzen 9 3900X
- RAM: 16GB+
- Storage: 150GB NVMe SSD
- Connection: 100Mbps+ upload
Installation Guide
Download Game Files
Download ARMA Reforger from Steam (100GB+). Dedicated server SDK optional.
Configure Server Files
Create mission.json and server.json in mission directory
Setup Firewall & Ports
Open UDP 2001-2002 for game, TCP 2003-2004 for query
Launch & Monitor
Execute ArmaReforgerServer.exe and monitor server console
Server Configuration
Common Bugs & Issues
Mission Loading Fails
Mission.json syntax errors or missing map files. Check log file for detailed errors.
Players Desync
Network synchronization issues. Reduce player count and check bandwidth.
Enforce Script Errors
Custom script compilation failures. Validate scripts in mission editor first.
Memory Leaks
Long session RAM spikes. Implement automatic restarts every 6-8 hours.
Troubleshooting
Server Won't Start
- Check mission file path and spelling
- Verify JSON syntax in configuration files
- Check Windows Event Viewer for startup errors
- Ensure port 2001-2002 not in use
High Ping/Lag
- Reduce AI unit count in mission editor
- Lower physics update rate
- Check server CPU and RAM usage
- Update to latest server patch
Performance Optimization
Mission Tweaks
- Limit AI spawns per mission
- Use LOD (Level of Detail) properly
- Pre-compile scripts before mission launch
- Optimize terrain rendering distance
Hardware Setup
- Dedicated CPU core per mission thread
- Fast NVMe for mission file access
- 16GB+ RAM for stability
- Monitor CPU temperature
Modding & Script Customization
ARMA Reforger uses Enforce Script for extensive mission customization.
Mission Editor Features
Full 3D mission editor with entity placement and script debugging
Custom Scenarios
Create unique gameplay experiences with Enforce Script
Advanced Troubleshooting
Mission File Corruption & PBO Validation
class Header { gameType = "DM"; minPlayers = 1; maxPlayers = 64; };
// Check XML integrity
xmldoc mission = new XmlDocument("mission.xml");
if (!mission.HasAttribute("version")) Log("Invalid mission header");
// Proper entity initialization order
class Entities { class Item0 { ... }; class Item1 { ... }; };
- Failed Mission Load: Extract PBO, validate XML syntax, check all entity references exist
- Phantom Entities: Clear entity dependencies, remove deleted layers from .sqs scripts
- Serialization Errors: Ensure all objects have valid classnames in CfgWeapons/CfgVehicles
- Layer Sync Issues: Regenerate layer cache, verify all child entities belong to valid parents
Enforce Script Error Tracing & Stack Analysis
Print("Script init for mission");
void OnInit() {
Print(GetDayTime()); // Check execution order
try { /* risky operation */ }
catch { Print("Script error caught"); }
}
// Array bounds checking
if (index < 0 || index >= array.Count())
Print(string.Format("Index out of bounds: %1", index));
- Parse Errors: Check braces matching, verify semicolon placement, validate function signatures
- Runtime Exceptions: Enable Debug build, use try-catch blocks, add verbose logging
- Variable Scope Issues: Check visibility modifiers (protected/private), verify inheritance chain
- Event Handler Crashes: Validate callback parameters, ensure target entity still exists during trigger
Player Desynchronization & Replication Issues
GetOwner().SetWorldTransform(newTransform);
// Check network ownership
if (GetGame().IsServer()) {
array<Man> players = GetGame().GetPlayers();
foreach (Man player : players)
Print("Player " + player.GetIdentity().GetName() + " sync enabled");
}
// Bandwidth monitoring
Print(GetGame().GetBackendApi().GetServerInfo().GetNetworkStatistics());
- Position Lag: Reduce entity update frequency, use distance-based culling
- Animation Desync: Sync animation state transitions explicitly, avoid client-side prediction
- Object Conflicts: Check entity locking state, enforce server-authoritative transforms
- Bandwidth Saturation: Monitor tick rate, reduce precision of float transmissions
Memory Leaks & Resource Cleanup
void OnMissionFinished() {
foreach (Man man : GetGame().GetPlayers())
man.GetInventory().Clear();
// Force garbage collection
}
// Thread management
WorkingThread thread = GetGame().GetWorkingThread(10);
if (thread) thread.Quit();
- CEventHandlers Not Released: Unsubscribe from events in OnDestroy()
- Entity References Lingering: Clear inventory/attachments, delete children before parent
- Thread Starvation: Monitor active thread count, yield using Yield()
- Memory Growth Over Time: Profile with server monitor, identify accumulating object counts
Server Performance Optimization
"mission": "MyMission",
"maxPlayers": 32,
"gameType": "DM",
"regionName": "EU",
"gameProperties": {
"disableNavmesh": 0,
"aiLimit": 100,
"lightingQuality": 1
}
- Low TPS: Reduce AI count, simplify terrain LOD, disable unused weather effects
- CPU Bottleneck: Profile with RenderDoc, identify expensive script loops
- Network Jitter: Adjust mission tick rate, use message batching
- Mission Restart Lag: Preload resources, cache compiled scripts
Pro tip: Always use mission template validation. Enable detailed logging in server.cfg. Use workshop for version control and distribution.
Developer Resources
Enforce Script Documentation
Complete API reference for game systems and event handling
Mission Editor Tools
In-engine editing tools with real-time preview and debugging
Mod Support
Workshop integration for community content distribution
FAQ
Can I use ARMA 3 content in Reforger?
No, Reforger uses native content only. Some assets are similar but incompatible.
How do I rotate missions automatically?
Use missionRotation setting in server.json or configure mission pool for rotation.