How to Host Arma 3 Dedicated Server: A Comprehensive Guide for Dev

Dear Dev, hosting an Arma 3 dedicated server can be an overwhelming task, especially if you are new to the game or server hosting. But fear not! This guide will take you through the step-by-step process of setting up and running your own Arma 3 dedicated server.

Requirements

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s go through the requirements you’ll need to meet before hosting your Arma 3 dedicated server:

1. Arma 3 Game

You’ll need to have a copy of the Arma 3 game installed on your computer in order to host a server. You can purchase the game through Steam or from a retail store.

2. Operating System

Your computer should be running either Windows or Linux operating systems. We’ll be walking through the process on Windows, but the steps are similar on Linux.

3. Dedicated Server Files

You’ll need to download the Arma 3 Dedicated Server files from Steam. Open the Steam client and navigate to Library → Tools, and then search for “Arma 3 Server”. Select it and download it.

4. Router Configuration

You’ll need to configure your router to allow incoming traffic on the ports that Arma 3 uses. We’ll go through the specific ports later in this guide.

Setting Up the Server

Now that we have all the necessary items checked off, let’s set up the server.

1. Install Arma 3 Dedicated Server Files

Once the server files have finished downloading, open the folder and run the “arma3server.exe” file. This will start the installation process. Follow the prompts and select the appropriate options for your server.

2. Configure Server Settings

Before we start the server, we need to configure the settings. Open the “server.cfg” file located in the “Arma 3 Server” folder.

Basic Server Settings

Here are some basic server settings you’ll want to configure:

Setting	Value
hostname	Your server’s name
password	Your server’s password (if any)
maxPlayers	The maximum number of players allowed on your server

There are many other settings you can configure, but these are the basics. You can find a full list of settings in the “server.cfg” file.

Advanced Server Settings

If you want to get more advanced, here are some other settings you can configure:

Setting	Value
motdInterval	The interval at which the message of the day is displayed (in seconds)
voteThreshold	The percentage of votes required to pass a poll
disableVoN	Disables voice over network

Again, there are many other settings you can configure. You can find a full list in the “server.cfg” file.

3. Port Forwarding

Now that we have our server settings configured, we need to set up port forwarding on our router. The ports you’ll need to forward are:

Port	Protocol
2302	UDP
2303	UDP
2304	UDP

The specific steps for port forwarding vary depending on your router. You can find instructions for your router by searching online.

4. Start the Server

Finally, we’re ready to start the server. Open the “start_server.bat” file located in the “Arma 3 Server” folder. This will start the server with the settings we configured earlier.

FAQ

1. Can I run the server without a dedicated machine?

Yes, you can run the server on your personal computer, but keep in mind that the server will be using resources and may affect your computer’s performance.

2. How do I connect to my own server?

Open Arma 3 and navigate to the “Remote” tab. Add your server’s IP address and port number, and then connect to it.

3. How do I add mods to my server?

You can add mods to your server by adding them to the “mods” folder located in the “Arma 3 Server” folder. Make sure the mod is compatible with the version of Arma 3 you are running.

4. How do I update my server?

To update your server, you’ll need to download the latest Arma 3 Dedicated Server files from Steam and replace the old files with the new ones.

5. Can I change the map on my server?

Yes, you can change the map by configuring the server settings in the “server.cfg” file.

Conclusion

Hosting an Arma 3 dedicated server may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and steps, it’s a relatively simple process. We hope this guide has helped you get started on your own server hosting journey. Enjoy your new server!