Arma 3 Server Hosting with Mods: A Comprehensive Guide for Devs

Welcome, Devs! Are you looking for a way to host your Arma 3 server with mods? Look no further. This guide will take you step-by-step through the process of hosting an Arma 3 server with mods, as well as some FAQs and tips to help you along the way.

What is Arma 3?

Arma 3 is a tactical military shooter game developed by Bohemia Interactive. Players engage in various modes, from single-player scenarios and campaigns to multiplayer battles with up to 128 players.

The game features a vast open-world environment, and players can customize their gameplay experience with mods. However, hosting a server with mods can be a bit challenging. That’s where this guide comes in!

Choosing a Server Host

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of hosting an Arma 3 server with mods, you need to choose a server host. There are many providers out there, but not all are created equal.

When choosing a server host, make sure they offer the following:

Some popular server hosts for Arma 3 include GameServers, HostHavoc, and Survival Servers, among others.

Installing Your Arma 3 Server

Once you’ve chosen a server host, it’s time to install your Arma 3 server. Most server hosts offer one-click installs, but you can also do it manually.

Here’s how to install your Arma 3 server manually:

Step 1: Download SteamCMD

SteamCMD is a command-line utility that allows you to install and update Steam games on your server. You can download it from the Steam website.

Step 2: Create a New Folder

Create a new folder where you want to install your Arma 3 server. Name it something memorable, like “Arma3Server”.

Step 3: Install Arma 3 Server Files

Open SteamCMD and enter the following commands:

login anonymous

force_install_dir C:\path\to\your\folder

app_update 233780 validate

This will download and install the Arma 3 server files to your folder.

Step 4: Configure Your Server

Now that your Arma 3 server is installed, it’s time to configure it. You can do this by editing the server.cfg file in your server’s root directory.

Here are some basic server.cfg settings:

Step 5: Launch Your Server

Once you’ve configured your server, it’s time to launch it. You can do this by running the following command:

arma3server.exe -config=server.cfg

This will launch your Arma 3 server!

Installing Mods

Now that your server is up and running, it’s time to install some mods. Mods can enhance your gameplay experience and add new features to your server.

Here’s how to install mods:

Step 1: Find Mods

You can find mods on the Steam Workshop, as well as other websites like Armaholic and GitHub.

Step 2: Subscribe to Mods

Once you’ve found a mod you want to install, subscribe to it on the Steam Workshop. This will download the mod to your computer.

Step 3: Upload Mods to Server

Upload the mod to your server by copying the mod folder to your server’s root directory.

Step 4: Activate Mods

Activate the mod by adding it to your server.cfg file. Add the following line:

mods[] = {“@modfoldername”};

Make sure to replace “modfoldername” with the actual name of your mod folder.

Step 5: Restart Your Server

Restart your server to activate the mod.

FAQs

Q: How much RAM do I need to host an Arma 3 server?

A: This depends on the number of players and the complexity of the mods you’re using. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 1 GB of RAM per 10 players.

Q: Can I host an Arma 3 server on my own computer?

A: Yes, but it’s not recommended. Hosting an Arma 3 server requires a lot of resources, and running it on your own computer can slow down your system and potentially cause issues.

Q: Can I change the mission on my server?

A: Yes, you can change the mission by editing the mission cycle in your server.cfg file.

Q: How do I update my Arma 3 server?

A: You can update your Arma 3 server using SteamCMD. Simply run the following command:

app_update 233780 validate

Tips for Hosting an Arma 3 Server with Mods

Here are some tips to help you host an Arma 3 server with mods:

1. Choose your mods wisely

Make sure the mods you choose are compatible with each other and won’t cause issues on your server. Test them out thoroughly before adding them to your server.

2. Monitor your server

Keep an eye on your server to make sure it’s running smoothly. Make adjustments to your server.cfg file as needed.

3. Have good customer support

Make sure your server host has good customer support to help you out if you run into any issues.

4. Engage with your players

Interact with your players and take their feedback into consideration. This will help you create a better, more enjoyable gameplay experience for everyone.

5. Have fun!

Remember to have fun while hosting your Arma 3 server with mods. It’s a great way to connect with other players and create your own unique gameplay experience.