Arma 3 Setup

Host your Arma 3 milsim server with HeadlessClient support, mission management, and mod synchronization. This guide covers setup, persistence frameworks (Exile/Epoch), and performance optimization for large-scale operations.

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Choose Your Plan

Plan	Best For	Player Capacity
Starter	Training ops, small co-op, optional single HC	~10-20 players
Pro	Survival mods (Exile/Epoch), database provisioning	~30-50 players
Premium	Battalion-sized milsim, heavy AI, multiple HCs	~60-80 players

Tip

When to upgrade: If server FPS dips below 40 during operations or HeadlessClient CPU usage exceeds 80%, consider moving to a higher tier.

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Quick Start

1. Create your server

   Go to panel.mambahost.com → Create Server → Arma 3

2. Choose your plan and deploy

   Select your plan and region — deployment completes in about 2 minutes

3. Retrieve your credentials

   Find SFTP and RCON info in the console output

4. Configure backups and schedules

   Enable automated backups and set scheduler jobs for restarts and mission rotations

5. Upload missions and connect

   Upload your mission PBOs and connect to test your server

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Upload Missions & Mods

1. Upload mission files to /mpmissions

2. Upload mods to /steamapps/workshop/content/107410 or /mods

3. Reference mods in startup using -mod=@ace;@rhs;@cba_a3

4. Add Workshop collection IDs in the panel for automatic mod sync on restart

5. Update signature keys — keep .bikey files in /keys updated when adding mods

Caution

Signature kicks happen when .bikey files don’t match mods. Update keys whenever you add or update mods, and remove outdated keys.

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HeadlessClient Setup

HeadlessClients (HCs) offload AI processing from the main server.

1. Enable HC slots (available on Pro+ plans)

2. Configure your server config:

   headlessClients[]={"127.0.0.1"};
   localClient[]={"127.0.0.1"};

3. Set HC password to match your server password

4. Monitor HC connectivity and schedule tasks to restart dropped HCs

Note

Keep AI counts manageable and offload heavy AI logic to HeadlessClients for better performance during large operations.

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Persistence Frameworks

Exile / Epoch / Altis Life

1. Request MySQL credentials from support

2. Configure database DSNs in your mod configs

3. Import the framework’s SQL schema

4. Schedule regular database dumps before wipes for backup

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Performance Tuning

Key Settings in basic.cfg

MaxMsgSend=1024;
MinBandwidth=131072;
MaxBandwidth=10000000000;

Optimization Tips

Recommendation	Why
Set view distances per role	2-4 km infantry, 6-12 km air
Offload AI to HeadlessClients	Reduces main server load
Schedule weekly restarts	Clears memory and prevents drift
Create pre-op backups	Quick rollback if missions break

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Server Configuration

Key Config Files

File	Purpose
server.cfg	Server name, passwords, admin settings
basic.cfg	Network and bandwidth configuration
beserver.cfg	BattlEye anti-cheat settings

Admin Access

Create separate panel/RCON accounts for different roles:

• Zeus operators
• Server admins
• Mission developers

Tip

Log Zeus and admin actions via Discord webhooks or SQL tables for auditing and accountability.

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Common Issues

Problem	Solution
Mission fails to load	Ensure clients and server have identical mod lists and requiredAddons references
HC won’t connect	Verify firewall allows loopback, HC password matches, and loopback = true
Desync/warping	Lower view distance, reduce ambient AI, tune basic.cfg bandwidth values
Signature kicks	Update .bikey files when mods change; remove outdated keys
Database issues (Exile/Epoch)	Check MySQL credentials, enforce indexes, schedule dumps before wipes

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Helpful Links

Version Mismatch Fix update and version errors

Connection Issues Troubleshoot connection problems

Server Won't Start Fix crash loops

Panel Guide Learn panel features

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Need Help?

• Support: support@mambahost.com
• Discord: Join our server