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How to Host an Arma Reforger Server: Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on by William Zheng

Want to bring your friends together for epic campaigns in Arma Reforger, but not sure how to set up your own server? You’re not alone—hosting a dedicated server is the key to creating custom matches and building a unique community, yet many find the process confusing.

In this article, you’ll discover everything you need to know to host your own Arma Reforger server. We’ll walk through clear, step-by-step instructions, practical tips, and common troubleshooting insights to get you started quickly and smoothly.

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How to Host an Arma Reforger Server: A Complete Guide

Hosting your own Arma Reforger server is an excellent way to personalize your multiplayer experience and build a community with friends or like-minded players. Whether you want to run large public battles or host small, private sessions, understanding the setup process is your first step toward seamless gameplay. In this guide, we’ll take you step by step through everything you need to know to get your Arma Reforger server up and running smoothly.

What Does Hosting an Arma Reforger Server Involve?

Hosting an Arma Reforger server means creating a dedicated game environment that either you or other players can join. You have full control over game settings, custom content, and who can access your sessions. The server can run continuously, making it ideal for persistent missions or communities that play across time zones.

There are two main ways to host:
– Local Hosting: Running a server from your PC, good for small groups and private games.
– Dedicated/Remote Hosting: Using a separate device or third-party provider to run your server 24/7, suitable for larger groups or public communities.

Step-by-Step: Hosting Your Own Arma Reforger Server

Let’s break down the process into easy, actionable steps.

1. Decide on Hosting Method

First, decide if you want to host locally or set up a dedicated server.

  • Local Hosting is simple and good for a quick setup with friends, but limited by your PC’s performance and internet connection.
  • Dedicated Hosting requires more setup but provides a stable experience and is best for larger or always-online servers.

2. Prepare Your Hardware and Internet Connection

For smooth operation, ensure your hardware and connection meet these minimums:

  • CPU: Quad-core 3.0GHz or better
  • RAM: 8 GB minimum (16 GB recommended)
  • Storage: SSD preferred, at least 10 GB free
  • Internet: Wired Ethernet with at least 10 Mbps upload and download. Avoid Wi-Fi for hosting if possible.

3. Install SteamCMD (For Dedicated Server Setup)

SteamCMD is a command-line tool for installing and updating Steam games, ideal for headless (no monitor) dedicated servers.

To install SteamCMD:

  1. Download SteamCMD from the official Steam website.
  2. Extract the files to a folder on your server PC.
  3. Run steamcmd.exe to launch the tool.

4. Download the Arma Reforger Dedicated Server Files

Within SteamCMD, load up the necessary server files:

  1. Log in to SteamCMD using an anonymous login:
    login anonymous
  2. Set your install directory:
    force_install_dir ./arma_reforger_server/
  3. Download the dedicated server:
    app_update 1874880 validate
  4. Once complete, exit SteamCMD.

5. Create and Edit Your Server Configuration

The main configuration is handled via a config.json file in the server’s folder.

To configure:

  • Locate or create config.json.
  • Set key values, including:
  • Server Name (how it appears in the server list)
  • Admin Password
  • Player Slots (maximum players)
  • Game Mode and Map
  • Mods/Addons (if you want custom content)
  • Port Numbers (default is 2001, but can be changed)

Example excerpt:

{
  "name": "YourServerName",
  "password": "",
  "adminPassword": "yourStrongAdminPassword",
  "maxPlayers": 32,
  "scenarioId": "yourChosenScenario",
  "gamePort": 2001
}

Be careful to keep the syntax correct; a missing comma can prevent your server from launching.

6. Open Required Ports on Your Router/Firewall

Players will need to connect to your server over the internet, so you must open relevant ports in your router/firewall. The common ports are:

  • UDP 2001-2004 (game communication)
  • UDP 17777 (Steam query/communication)

Refer to your router’s documentation for specific instructions on port forwarding.


Beginner's Guide to a BisectHosting Arma Reforger Server - host arma reforger server

7. Launch the Server

  • For Windows, run the ArmaReforgerServer.exe (double-click or via command line).
  • For Linux, use Mono or any supported method to execute the server.
  • Monitor the console window for errors or confirmations.

8. Server Management and Moderation

Once the server is running:

  • You can join your own server using Arma Reforger’s server browser.
  • To become an admin in-game, type /admin [your_admin_password] in the chat.
  • Monitor server performance, player behavior, and tweak settings as necessary.

Benefits of Hosting Your Own Server

Why go through these steps? Hosting your own Arma Reforger server comes with key advantages:

  • Total Control: Set the rules, mods, and who joins your game.
  • Custom Experiences: Run custom missions, add mods, and tweak the experience to your liking.
  • Community Building: Grow a circle of players and foster teamwork.
  • Stable Gameplay: Reduce lag and ensure a persistent environment.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Even experienced hosts encounter issues. Here’s how to tackle some common problems:

  • Performance: Hosting can be demanding on your system. Close unnecessary apps and consider a dedicated machine for best results.
  • Port Forwarding Issues: If friends can’t connect, double-check your port forwarding and firewall rules.
  • Updates: Game and server files are updated regularly. Check for updates often using SteamCMD.
  • Mod Management: Too many mods can cause instability. Test with one mod at a time before adding more.

Practical Tips for a Great Hosting Experience

  • Choose a Strong Admin Password: Prevent unwanted access by using a secure password.
  • Announce Server Restarts: If you’re running public sessions, inform players before scheduled restarts.
  • Regular Backups: Back up your config files and mission progress to protect against crashes.
  • Monitor Server Load: Use system monitoring tools to watch memory and CPU usage.
  • Engage Your Community: Use in-game chat, voice, or Discord to connect with your players.

Cost Considerations

Hosting locally means you use your own electricity, bandwidth, and hardware. Costs can be low for small, occasional sessions.

For dedicated hosting, providers commonly offer these features:

  • Monthly Fees: Typically $10-$40 per month, depending on slot count and performance.
  • Custom Locations: Select a server near your group for lower latency.
  • Optional Add-Ons: Pay extra for advanced DDoS protection, SSD storage, or higher bandwidth.

Compare services based on uptime, support, and features, not just price.

Best Practices for Secure and Fun Server Hosting

  • Keep Software Updated: Always update the server and Arma Reforger to the latest version.
  • Enable Server Logging: Track player activity to address griefing or cheating.
  • Whitelist or Blacklist: For private communities, manage who can or cannot join using whitelist files.
  • Promote Good Behavior: Cultivate a positive environment by setting and enforcing clear rules.

A Simple Overview: Hosting for Friends

If your aim is a quick session with friends:

  1. Launch Arma Reforger.
  2. Host a game directly via in-game menu.
  3. Share your IP address and any password with your friends.
  4. Ensure your firewall/router allows traffic on the default port (UDP 2001).

This is straightforward, but won’t support larger, always-online communities.

Final Thoughts

Setting up an Arma Reforger server is a rewarding process that lets you create a unique, community-driven multiplayer environment. By following these steps and considering best practices, you ensure a smooth gaming experience for both yourself and your players. Whether you’re hosting small sessions or building a large community, thoughtful server management makes all the difference.

Ready to get started? Gather your squad, fine-tune those server settings, and dive into immersive, personalized Arma Reforger action!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the difference between local and dedicated server hosting?
A local server runs on your personal computer and is ideal for quick sessions with friends, but it’s limited by your PC’s power and home internet. Dedicated servers use either a separate physical machine or a rented host, providing better performance, uptime, and broader access.

How many players can I host on my Arma Reforger server?
You can set the maximum player limit in your config.json file. Performance will depend on your hardware and internet speed. Typical servers comfortably host 16-32 players, but with stronger hardware, you can support even more.

Do I need to port forward for my friends to join?
Yes. You must forward specific UDP ports (default is 2001) on your router for external players to connect to your server. Without proper port forwarding, your server will only be visible to players on your local network.

Can I add mods to my Arma Reforger server?
Absolutely! Mods can be enabled via the config.json file or through server management tools provided by hosting services. Always test mods thoroughly for conflicts and keep your mod list manageable to maintain server stability.

How much does it cost to rent an Arma Reforger server?
Rental costs vary based on slot count, hardware quality, and provider location. Expect monthly fees between $10 and $40 on average. Extras like premium support or high-performance options may increase your monthly bill.

With this guide in hand, you’re equipped and ready to host your own immersive Arma Reforger adventures. Happy hosting!

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