Welcome, Dev! In this article, we will guide you through the process of hosting a server in Arma 3. Whether you’re a seasoned player looking to start your own community or a newcomer wanting to play with friends, hosting your own server is the way to go. We’ve broken down the process into 20 easy-to-follow steps, so let’s get started!
Step 1: Choose a Server Provider
The first step in hosting a server is choosing a server provider. There are many providers available, each with their own pros and cons. Some popular options include:
Provider |
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|---|
Survival Servers |
– Easy to use – Affordable |
– Limited customization options |
GameServers.com |
– Wide selection of games – 24/7 customer support |
– More expensive than other options |
Nitrado |
– Very customizable – Supports many games |
– Can be confusing for beginners |
Do your research and choose the provider that best fits your needs and budget.
Step 2: Choose Your Server Location
Next, you’ll need to choose where you want your server to be hosted. Many providers have servers located all around the world, so you can choose a location that’s close to you or your intended player base. Keep in mind that the closer the server is to the players, the lower the ping will be.
Step 3: Purchase Your Server
Once you’ve chosen your provider and location, it’s time to purchase your server. You’ll need to choose the game (Arma 3), the number of players you want to support, and the length of time you want to rent the server (usually in increments of one month). Some providers offer discounts if you purchase multiple months at once.
Step 4: Install Arma 3
Before you can start configuring your server, you’ll need to install Arma 3 on your server. This can usually be done through your server provider’s control panel or via FTP.
Step 5: Install SteamCMD
To manage your Arma 3 server, you’ll need to install SteamCMD (Steam Console Client). You can download and install SteamCMD from the official Steam website.
Step 5.1: Download SteamCMD
Go to the official Steam website and download the SteamCMD installer.
Step 5.2: Install SteamCMD
Run the SteamCMD installer and follow the prompts to install it on your server.
Step 6: Configure Your Server Settings
Now that you have Arma 3 and SteamCMD installed, it’s time to configure your server settings. This is done through the server.cfg file, which can be found in the Arma 3 directory on your server. This file controls various aspects of your server, such as difficulty level, allowed mods, and more.
Step 6.1: Open server.cfg
Using a text editor, open the server.cfg file located in the Arma 3 directory on your server.
Step 6.2: Configure Your Server Settings
Make the necessary changes to the server.cfg file to configure your server settings. You can refer to the Arma 3 documentation for more information on what each setting does.
Step 6.3: Save and Close server.cfg
Once you’ve made your changes, save and close the server.cfg file.
Step 7: Set Up Your Mods
Arma 3 supports mods, which can add new content and features to the game. To use mods on your server, you’ll need to set them up.
Step 7.1: Upload Your Mods
Using FTP, upload the mods you want to use to the Arma 3 directory on your server.
Step 7.2: Configure Your Mods
In your server.cfg file, add the following line for each mod you want to use:
mod=@modname
Replace “modname” with the name of the mod.
Step 8: Set Up Your Admins
You’ll want to have at least one admin for your server who can manage it and enforce rules. To set up admins, you’ll need to edit the admins.cfg file, which can be found in the Arma 3 directory on your server.
Step 8.1: Open admins.cfg
Using a text editor, open the admins.cfg file located in the Arma 3 directory on your server.
Step 8.2: Add Your Admins
Add the Steam IDs of your admins to the admins.cfg file. Each Steam ID should be on its own line, like this:
adminsteamid1
adminsteamid2
adminsteamid3
Step 8.3: Save and Close admins.cfg
Once you’ve added your admins, save and close the admins.cfg file.
Step 9: Start Your Server
Now that you’ve configured your server, it’s time to start it up. This can be done through your server provider’s control panel or via SteamCMD.
Step 9.1: Start Your Server via Control Panel
If your server provider has a control panel, you can usually start your server by clicking a “Start” button.
Step 9.2: Start Your Server via SteamCMD
If you’re using SteamCMD, open a command prompt or terminal and navigate to the directory where SteamCMD is installed. Then, enter the following command:
./steamcmd.sh +login anonymous +force_install_dir /path/to/arma3server +app_update 233780 validate +quit
Replace “/path/to/arma3server” with the path to your Arma 3 server directory.
Step 10: Troubleshooting Common Issues
While hosting a server in Arma 3 is relatively straightforward, you may run into some issues along the way. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
Issue 1: Server Not Starting
If your server isn’t starting up, make sure you’ve installed Arma 3 and SteamCMD correctly, and that your server.cfg file is configured properly.
Issue 2: Mods Not Working
If your mods aren’t working, make sure you’ve uploaded them to your server and added them to your server.cfg file correctly.
Issue 3: Admins Not Working
If your admins aren’t working, make sure you’ve added their Steam IDs to the admins.cfg file correctly.
FAQ
Q: Can I customize the server beyond the server.cfg file?
A: Yes, you can use various scripts and plugins to further customize your server.
Q: How many players can my server support?
A: The number of players your server can support depends on the provider and package you’ve chosen. Be sure to read the fine print before purchasing.
Q: Can I play on my own server?
A: Yes, you can play on your own server as long as you have a second computer or another device to run the game on.
Q: Can I switch server providers?
A: Yes, you can switch server providers at any time, but you’ll need to transfer your server files and settings to the new provider.
Q: Do I need to have Arma 3 installed on my own computer to host a server?
A: No, you can host a server without having Arma 3 installed on your own computer.
That’s it, Dev! You now know how to host your own server in Arma 3. Good luck and have fun!