Basic Server Setup

Learn how to install and configure your Arma Reforger server for the first time

Setting up your Arma Reforger server is the foundation for hosting immersive military simulation experiences. This comprehensive guide walks you through installation, configuration, and initial testing.

This guide assumes you have a basic understanding of game server management. For complete beginners, start with our Introduction to Game Servers guide.

System Requirements

Before setting up your server, ensure you meet the minimum requirements:

Minimum Requirements

Component	Specification
OS	Windows 10 (64-bit) or Linux Ubuntu 18.04+
CPU	Intel Core i5-4460 or AMD FX-6300
RAM	8 GB
GPU	NVIDIA GTX 960 or AMD RX 570
Storage	20 GB free space
Network	Broadband internet connection

Arma Reforger is CPU-intensive. Performance scales significantly with processor quality and RAM capacity.

Step 1: Server Installation

Using XGamingServer (Recommended)

1. Access Your Server

   Log into your XGamingServer control panel and select your Arma Reforger server instance

2. Verify Installation

   The server files should be automatically downloaded and configured. Check the File Manager to confirm the installation

3. Initial Boot

   Use the Console tab to start your server for the first time and verify it loads without errors

Manual Installation (Advanced Users)

For those self-hosting, you can install using SteamCMD:

Linux

# Download and install SteamCMD
wget https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz
tar -xvzf steamcmd_linux.tar.gz

# Install Arma Reforger server
./steamcmd.sh +force_install_dir ./arma-reforger_server/ +login anonymous +app_update 1874900 +quit

Step 2: Basic Server Configuration

Server Settings File

Navigate to your server’s configuration directory and create/edit the server.cfg file:

# Server Identity
hostname="My Arma Reforger Server"
password=""  # Leave empty for public server

# Player Limits
maxPlayers=20

# Mission Configuration  
mission="DefaultMission"
missionTimeout=600

# Network Settings
port=2302
queryPort=2303

# Performance Settings
maxDesyncTime=60
maxPacketLoss=50

# Logging
logLevel=2
logFile="server.log"

# Security
verifySignatures=2
kickDuplicate=1

Server Identity Options

• hostname: Server name displayed in browser (max 64 characters)
• password: Server password for private servers (leave empty for public)
• admin: Admin password for server management

Mission Settings

• mission: Name of the mission file to load
• missionTimeout: Time limit for missions in seconds
• template: Mission template to use for dynamic missions

Network Configuration

• port: Main server port (default: 2302)
• queryPort: Query port for server browsers (default: 2303)
• maxDesyncTime: Maximum allowed desync before kick
• maxPacketLoss: Maximum packet loss percentage before kick

Port Configuration

Ensure the following ports are open and accessible:

Port	Protocol	Purpose
2302	UDP	Main game traffic
2303	UDP	Server queries
2304-2306	UDP	Additional traffic (if needed)

1. Configure Firewall

   Open the required ports in your firewall or router

2. Verify Port Accessibility

   Use online port checkers to confirm ports are reachable

3. Test Connection

   Attempt to connect from a different network to verify accessibility

Step 3: Mission Setup

Default Mission Configuration

Create a basic mission to get started:

1. Access Mission Editor

   Launch Arma Reforger and open the Mission Editor from the main menu

2. Select Map

   Choose from available maps:

   • Everon: Large island map with varied terrain
   • Arland: Smaller map ideal for focused scenarios
3. Place Essential Elements

   Add the following to your mission:

   • Player spawn points (where players start)
   • Objectives (capture points, destroy targets, etc.)
   • Vehicles and equipment (transport, weapons, supplies)
   • AI units (enemies, friendlies, civilians)
4. Save and Export

   Save your mission and export it to the server’s missions folder

Mission File Structure

Your missions should be organized as follows:

/missions/
├── YourMission.enf          # Main mission file
├── YourMission/             # Mission folder
│   ├── scripts/             # Custom scripts
│   ├── prefabs/             # Custom objects
│   └── textures/            # Custom textures

Step 4: Advanced Configuration

Performance Optimization

Edit server settings for optimal performance:

# Advanced Performance Settings
maxFPS=50
minFPS=20
memoryPointLimit=1000000

# AI Settings  
aiSkill=0.8
aiAccuracy=0.6
aiShake=0.5

# Vehicle Settings
maxVehicles=50
vehicleRespawnTime=300

# Cleanup Settings
deadBodyRemovalTime=600
wreckRemovalTime=1800

Security Configuration

Implement security measures:

# Anti-cheat Settings
verifySignatures=2  # Strict signature verification
kickDuplicate=1     # Kick duplicate UIDs
maxPing=300         # Maximum allowed ping

# Admin Settings
adminPassword="YourSecureAdminPassword"
enableAdmin=1

# Logging for Security
logLevel=3          # Detailed logging
auditLog=1          # Enable audit logging

Never use default or weak admin passwords. Use a strong, unique password for server administration.

Step 5: Testing Your Server

Initial Server Test

1. Start Server

   Use the console to start your server and monitor startup messages

2. Check Server Status

   Verify the server appears in the in-game browser or use external server browsers

3. Test Connection

   Connect from the game client and verify you can:

   • Join the server successfully
   • Spawn without errors
   • Move around the map
   • Access basic game functions
4. Load Testing

   If possible, have multiple people connect simultaneously to test stability

Common Startup Issues

Server Not Starting

Symptoms: Server fails to boot or crashes immediately

Common Causes:

• Missing or corrupted game files
• Invalid configuration syntax
• Insufficient system resources
• Port conflicts with other services

Solutions:

1. Verify game files through Steam or reinstall
2. Check server.cfg for syntax errors
3. Ensure adequate RAM and CPU resources
4. Check for port conflicts using netstat command

Cannot Connect to Server

Symptoms: Server starts but players cannot connect

Common Causes:

• Firewall blocking connections
• Incorrect IP or port configuration
• Server overloaded or crashed
• Network routing issues

Solutions:

1. Verify firewall and port forwarding settings
2. Double-check IP address and port numbers
3. Monitor server resources and stability
4. Test connection from different networks

Mission Loading Errors

Symptoms: Server starts but missions fail to load

Common Causes:

• Missing mission files
• Corrupted mission data
• Incompatible mods or addons
• Insufficient permissions

Solutions:

1. Verify mission files are complete and in correct location
2. Try loading different missions to isolate issues
3. Remove recently added mods to test compatibility
4. Check file and folder permissions

Step 6: Basic Administration

Admin Commands

Connect to your server and use these essential admin commands:

# Player Management
#shutdown 5          # Shutdown server in 5 minutes
#kick PlayerName     # Kick a player
#ban PlayerName      # Ban a player

# Mission Control
#mission MissionName # Load specific mission
#restart            # Restart current mission

# Server Information
#players            # List connected players
#status             # Show server status
#uptime             # Display server uptime

Log Monitoring

Monitor your server logs for:

• Connection Events: Player joins, leaves, timeouts
• Error Messages: Script errors, missing files, network issues
• Performance Metrics: FPS, memory usage, network traffic
• Security Events: Failed admin attempts, suspicious activity

Next Steps

With your basic server setup complete, consider these next steps:

Create Custom Missions

Design engaging scenarios for your players

Performance Tuning

Optimize your server for better performance

Community Management

Build and manage your player community

Advanced Scripting

Add custom functionality with Enforce Script

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This guide provides the foundation for your Arma Reforger server. As you become more comfortable with server management, explore advanced topics like custom scripting, persistent worlds, and complex mission design.

Need assistance with server setup? Join our Discord community for real-time support from our team and fellow server administrators.