Host Arma 3 Dedicated Server: A Comprehensive Guide for Dev

Hey there Dev! Are you planning to host your own Arma 3 dedicated server? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to host an Arma 3 dedicated server. We’ll walk you through the process and provide you with all the information you need to get started. Let’s dive in!

What is an Arma 3 Dedicated Server?

If you’re new to Arma 3, you may be wondering what a dedicated server is. A dedicated server is a computer that is used solely to host a game. In the case of Arma 3, a dedicated server is used to host multiplayer games. This means that players can connect to the server from all over the world and play together in a single game environment.

Why would you want to host your own Arma 3 dedicated server? There are a few reasons. First, hosting your own server gives you complete control over the game environment. You can set the rules, control who has access to the server, and even create your own custom maps and scenarios. Second, hosting your own server can be cheaper than renting a server from a hosting company. Finally, hosting your own server can be a fun and rewarding experience!

System Requirements

Before we dive into the hosting process, let’s talk about the system requirements for hosting an Arma 3 dedicated server. Here are the minimum requirements:

Component	Minimum Requirement
CPU	Intel Dual-Core 2.4 GHz or AMD Dual-Core Athlon 2.5 GHz
RAM	4 GB
Hard Drive	20 GB of free space
Operating System	Windows 7 SP1 (64bit) or Windows Server 2012

Note: These are the minimum requirements. If you plan to host a large number of players, we recommend that you use a more powerful system.

Step-by-Step Guide to Host an Arma 3 Dedicated Server

Step 1: Download and Install Arma 3 Dedicated Server

The first step in hosting an Arma 3 dedicated server is to download and install the server software. You can download the software from the official Arma 3 website. Once you have downloaded the software, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.

Step 2: Configure the Server Settings

Once you have installed the server software, you’ll need to configure the server settings. This includes setting the server name, password, and other settings. Here are the steps:

1. Open the folder where you installed the server software.
2. Open the “profiles” folder.
3. Create a new folder with the name of your server.
4. Open the new folder and create a new text file called “server.cfg”.
5. Edit the “server.cfg” file using a text editor such as Notepad. Here are some of the settings you should configure:

Setting	Description
hostname	The name of your server
password	The password for your server
maxPlayers	The maximum number of players allowed on your server
motdInterval	The time interval for the message of the day

Once you have configured the settings, save the “server.cfg” file and close the text editor.

Step 3: Port Forwarding

Next, you’ll need to configure your router to allow incoming connections to your server. This is known as port forwarding. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open your router’s configuration page.
2. Locate the “Port Forwarding” or “Virtual Server” section.
3. Create a new port forwarding rule for port 2302 (UDP).
4. Set the internal IP address to the address of the computer running the server.
5. Save the changes.

Once you have port forwarding set up, your server should be accessible from the internet.

Step 4: Start the Server

Now that you have configured the server settings and port forwarding, it’s time to start the server. Here’s how to do it:

1. Run the “arma3server.exe” file in the server software directory.
2. The server should start up and display a console window.
3. The console window will display the status of the server and any errors that occur.
4. Once the server is up and running, players should be able to connect to it using the server name and password you set up earlier.

FAQ

How do I add mods to my Arma 3 dedicated server?

To add mods to your Arma 3 dedicated server, you’ll need to follow these steps:

1. Create a folder in the “mpmissions” folder with the name of your mod.
2. Place your mod files in the new folder.
3. Edit the “server.cfg” file and add the following line: “mods[]={mod_folder_name};”
4. Save the “server.cfg” file and start the server.

How do I configure the server for different game modes?

To configure the server for different game modes, you’ll need to edit the “server.cfg” file. Here are the settings you should modify:

1. gameType: This setting controls the game mode. Set it to one of the following: Coop, DM, TDM, CTF, S&D, or LastMan.
2. missionName: This setting specifies the name of the mission file to load. Make sure the mission file matches the game mode.

How do I set up admin privileges on my Arma 3 dedicated server?

To set up admin privileges on your Arma 3 dedicated server, you’ll need to create a new file called “admins.cfg”. In this file, you’ll list the Steam IDs of the players who should have admin privileges. Here’s an example:

admin_0 = "1234567890"admin_1 = "0987654321"

Save the “admins.cfg” file in the same folder as the “server.cfg” file. Then, edit the “server.cfg” file and add the following line:

admins[]={admin_0,admin_1};

This will give the players with the corresponding Steam IDs admin privileges on the server.

Conclusion

Hosting an Arma 3 dedicated server may seem daunting at first, but with this guide, you should be able to get started with ease. Remember, hosting your own server gives you complete control over the game environment and can be a fun and rewarding experience. Have fun!