# How to Install an Arma 3 Server

How to Install an Arma 3 Server – Step-by-step guide for your Arma3 on NexoraHost.

**Quick answer:** Set up your server step by step – check requirements, install files, configure ports and start the service.

This guide shows you step by step how to set up an Arma 3 Dedicated Server – both on Windows and Linux. Arma 3 is known for its high CPU usage, so the right configuration is crucial.

## Requirements

    - **Operating system:** Windows 10/11 (64-bit) or Windows Server 2019/2022; Linux (Ubuntu 20.04/22.04, Debian 11/12)
- **CPU:** 4 cores with high clock speed (3.5 GHz+), strong single-core performance crucial
- **RAM:** At least 8 GB, 16 GB recommended (especially with mods)
- **Storage:** 50 GB free SSD storage (100 GB+ with mods)
- **Network:** UDP ports 2302-2306 must be open
- **Steam account:** A Steam account with Arma 3 is required for the download

## Linux or Windows?

Windows is often recommended for Arma 3 servers as it runs more stable and has fewer compatibility issues with mods. Linux is more resource-efficient and free, but can cause problems with some mods. Many community servers use Windows Server.

## Step 1: Install SteamCMD and download the server

### Windows

    - Create two folders:
        `C:\SteamCMD
C:\arma3server`
    
- Download SteamCMD from the official Valve website and extract it to `C:\SteamCMD`
- Run `steamcmd.exe`. In the SteamCMD window enter:
        `login YourSteamUsername
force_install_dir "C:\arma3server"
app_update 233780 validate
quit`
    

### Linux

    - Create a new user for the server (security):
        `sudo useradd -m -s /bin/bash steam
sudo passwd steam
su - steam`
    
- Install SteamCMD:
        `mkdir ~/steamcmd && cd ~/steamcmd
wget http://media.steampowered.com/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz
tar -xvzf steamcmd_linux.tar.gz`
    
- Run SteamCMD and download the server:
        `./steamcmd.sh
login YourSteamUsername
force_install_dir ./arma3/
app_update 233780 validate
exit`
    

## Step 2: Create server.cfg

Create the file **server.cfg** in the server's main directory with the following content:

`// GENERAL
hostname = "My Arma 3 Server";     // Name in the server list
password = "";                      // Player password (empty for public)
passwordAdmin = "MyAdminPassword";  // Admin password
maxPlayers = 32;                    // Maximum number of players

// SECURITY
verifySignatures = 2;               // 2 = strict mod verification
battleye = 1;                       // 1 = BattlEye enabled

// VOTING
voteMissionPlayers = 1;             // 1 = players can vote missions

// MISSIONS
class Missions {
    class MyMission {
        template = "MyMission.Altis";
        difficulty = "Veteran";
    };
};`

## Step 3: Create basic.cfg

This file controls network performance. Create **basic.cfg** in the same folder:

`language = "English";
adapter = -1;
3D_Performance = 1.000000;
Resolution_W = 800;
Resolution_H = 600;
Resolution_Bpp = 32;

MinBandwidth = 131072;
MaxBandwidth = 104857600;
MaxMsgSend = 256;
MaxSizeGuaranteed = 512;
MaxSizeNonguaranteed = 256;
MinErrorToSendNear = 0.029999999;
MinErrorToSend = 0.003;
MaxCustomFileSize = 0;
Windowed = 0;
serverLongitude = 10;
serverLatitude = 51;`

## Step 4: Start the server

### Windows – Create startup file

Create a `start.bat` in the server folder:

`@echo off
set PORT=2302
set CONFIG=server.cfg
set BASIC=basic.cfg
set PROFILE=serverProfile

arma3server_x64.exe ^
 -port=%PORT% ^
 -config=%CONFIG% ^
 -cfg=%BASIC% ^
 -name=%PROFILE% ^
 -profiles="C:\arma3server\profiles" ^
 -autoInit
pause`

### Linux – Start command

`cd ~/arma3
./arma3server -name=server -config=server.cfg -cfg=basic.cfg -port=2302`

## Step 5: Open firewall ports

The following UDP ports must be open:

    - **UDP 2302** – Game port (main connection)
- **UDP 2303** – Steam Query
- **UDP 2304** – Voice
- **UDP 2305-2306** – Additional ports

### Windows Firewall (PowerShell as Administrator)

`New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Arma 3 Server" -Direction Inbound -Protocol UDP -LocalPort 2302-2306 -Action Allow`

### Linux (UFW)

`sudo ufw allow 2302:2306/udp`

Then forward the ports in your router to your server's local IP address.

## Step 6: Set up mods (optional)

    - Download mods from the Steam Workshop
- Copy the mod folders (starting with @) into your server directory
- Copy the `.bikey` files of the mods into the `keys/` folder
- Modify your `start.bat` to load the mods:
        `"-mod=@cba_a3;@ace;@rhsafrf"`
    

## Step 7: Join the server

    - Launch Arma 3 on your PC
- Go to the server browser
- Filter by "Internet" or use "Direct Connect"
- Enter your server IP and port (e.g. 123.123.123.123:2302)
- Enter the server password (if set)

## Hardware recommendations

    
        Players
        RAM
        CPU
    

    
        1-10
        8 GB
        4 cores at 3.5 GHz+
    

    
        10-32
        12-16 GB
        4-6 cores at 4.0 GHz+
    

    
        32-64
        16-24 GB
        6 cores at 4.5 GHz+
    

    
        64+ (with mods and AI)
        24 GB+
        6-8 cores at 4.8 GHz+
    

## Common problems

    - **Server not showing in the list:** Check port 2303 (Steam Query) and firewall
- **Connection problems:** Check if you're behind CGNAT – then public access is not possible
- **Mod mismatch:** `verifySignatures = 2` checks mod signatures – all players need the same mods
- **Server crashes:** Check if DirectX and all VC++ Redistributables are installed
- **High CPU load:** Reduce AI count in missions or use headless clients