How to Set Up an Arma Reforger Server

Arma Reforger's large-scale military operations need dedicated servers capable of handling 64-128 players with vehicles, AI, and Game Master scenarios running simultaneously. This guide covers setup, scenario configuration, and the unique challenges of mil-sim server hosting.

What You'll Need

• Arma Reforger on Steam — Required for connecting and testing.
• A hosting plan — Managed hosting (strongly recommended) starts at $10-15/month. Arma Reforger needs serious hardware for 64+ player operations.
• A scenario chosen — Conflict (PvP), Game Master (admin-driven), or Workshop scenarios.
• Your unit's requirements — Player count, mod list, and event schedule.

Step 1: Choose Your Hosting Approach

Managed Hosting (Recommended)

Arma Reforger's Enfusion engine is demanding. Managed hosts like G-Portal (official partner), Nitrado, and Sparked Host offer:

• Official game support — G-Portal and Nitrado are official Bohemia Interactive partners
• Powerful hardware — 64-128 player operations need strong CPUs
• DDoS protection — Essential for publicly listed mil-sim servers
• Mod support — Workshop integration for community content

Self-Hosted

Arma Reforger Dedicated Server is available via Steam. You need a powerful machine — 8GB+ RAM and a modern multi-core CPU. Forward port 2001 (UDP) for game traffic.

Step 2: Set Up on a Managed Host

1. Purchase a plan — 4-6GB RAM for 32 players, 8-12GB for 64-128 players.
2. Select Arma Reforger as your game.
3. Choose a server location — Latency matters significantly for mil-sim gameplay.
4. Access the control panel and open the server configuration.
5. Start the server and verify it appears in the Reforger server browser.

Step 3: Configure server.json

The main configuration file for Arma Reforger:

{
  "dedicatedServerId": "",
  "region": "",
  "gameHostBindAddress": "0.0.0.0",
  "gameHostBindPort": 2001,
  "gameHostRegisterBindAddress": "",
  "gameHostRegisterPort": 2001,
  "adminPassword": "YourAdminPassword",
  "game": {
    "name": "My Arma Reforger Server",
    "password": "",
    "scenarioId": "{ECC61978EDCC2B5A}Missions/23_Campaign.conf",
    "maxPlayers": 64,
    "visible": true,
    "crossPlatform": false,
    "supportedPlatforms": ["PLATFORM_PC"],
    "gameProperties": {
      "serverMaxViewDistance": 2500,
      "serverMinGrassDistance": 50,
      "networkViewDistance": 1000,
      "disableThirdPerson": false,
      "fastValidation": true,
      "VONDisableUI": false,
      "VONDisableDirectSpeechUI": false
    }
  }
}

Step 4: Choose and Configure Scenarios

Arma Reforger uses scenarios instead of traditional game modes:

Built-in Scenarios

| Scenario | Description | Recommended Players | |---|---|---| | Conflict | Large-scale PvP with capture points | 32-128 | | Game Master | Admin-driven cooperative scenarios | 8-64 | | Combat Ops | AI cooperative missions | 4-32 |

Scenario IDs

Set the scenarioId in server.json:

Conflict:    {ECC61978EDCC2B5A}Missions/23_Campaign.conf
Game Master: {59AD59368755F41A}Missions/21_GM_Eden.conf

Step 5: Set Up Game Master Mode

Game Master is Arma Reforger's standout feature for mil-sim communities:

1. Set a Game Master scenario in your server config.
2. Assign the Game Master role to designated admins.
3. In-game, Game Masters can:
   • Spawn and control AI units
   • Set objectives and waypoints
   • Control weather and time of day
   • Place assets and vehicles
   • Manage the mission flow in real-time

Performance note: Game Master scenarios with many AI units are CPU-intensive. Budget extra resources if your unit runs large GM operations.

Step 6: Install Mods

Add Workshop mods to your server config:

{
  "game": {
    "mods": [
      {
        "modId": "591AF5BDA9F7CE8B",
        "name": "ExampleMod"
      }
    ]
  }
}

Players automatically download required mods when connecting. Popular mods include new factions, weapons, vehicles, and total conversion scenarios.

Step 7: Server Administration

Admin Commands

Connect to the server and use the admin password to access admin tools:

• Kick/Ban — Through the server admin panel
• Restart — Via hosting control panel or RCON
• Performance monitoring — Watch player count and server FPS

Event-Based Hosting

Most Arma communities operate on a scheduled event model:

• Set specific operation times (e.g., Saturday evenings)
• Pre-load the scenario and mods before the event
• Have Game Masters prepare briefings and AI placements
• Run a quick server restart before the operation starts

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Players can't find the server:

• Verify visible: true in server.json.
• Check that the game port is accessible.
• Ensure crossPlatform settings match your players' platforms.

Poor performance during operations:

• Reduce serverMaxViewDistance to lower CPU load.
• Limit AI unit count in Game Master scenarios.
• Ensure adequate RAM — 64 player operations need 8GB+.

Mods not loading:

• Verify mod IDs are correct in the config.
• Check that all players have the required mods.
• Some mods require specific load orders.

Next Steps

• Create a unit website with operation schedules and after-action reports.
• Set up a Discord with role-based channels for different squads.
• Plan training sessions for new members using Game Master.
• Record operations — Arma Reforger footage makes great community content.

Arma Reforger hosting requires reliable performance. G-Portal as the official partner and Nitrado with their 25+ years of experience are top choices for serious mil-sim communities.