How to Setup an Arma 3 Server on Windows Server

Introduction

In this guide, you will learn how to launch and run a base Arma 3 server with some extra tools on a Windows Server. ARMA 3 is a popular open-world, military-style FPS.

Prerequisites

Before installing the Arma 3 server, you will need to install some dependencies.

Installing SteamCMD And Root Server Files

First, download SteamCMD from the official Valve wiki.

Step 1. Extract SteamCMD to a folder of your choice.

Step 2. Launch SteamCMD.exe and wait while it performs first-time updates and setups.

Step 3. Log in with the Steam account that has Arma 3 in its library, by typing:

login <username>

Remember to replace <username> with your Steam login. If you have Steam Guard enabled, then you may be asked for an authentication code; just do what you would when logging into the Steam client.

Step 4. Set the installation directory by typing:

force_install_dir <path>

Replace <path> with your preferred server location. For example force_install_dir E:/arma3ds/.

Step 5. Install the server files by typing:

app_update 233780 validate

Step 5 (Extra). If you want to update your server files automatically when an update is released, type the following instead:

app_update 233780

Step 6. Exit SteamCMD by typing:

exit

Note that Arma 3 server files are quite large and may take extended periods to download.

Extracting And Installing TADST

Step 1. Extract TADST from the downloaded zip.

Step 2. Copy/Move TADST.exe to your server root files you downloaded earlier.

Step 3 (Optional). Make a shortcut  TADST.exe in the root folder and copy it to your desktop for ease of access.

Step 4. Run TADST.exe to create setup folders.

Step 5. Click “Server File” and choose arma3server.exe which one you installed earlier.

Step 6. Set up your server however you like, leave the port's default for the sake of following this guide, turn on BattlEye for cheat protection, choose your mission file, etc. Remember to save the profile by clicking Save at the bottom.

Installing BattlEye Extended Controls

Step 1. Extract BEC.zip to a temporary folder for configuration.

Step 2. Open the Config folder and edit the files to your liking; most settings can be left at the default.

Step 3. Critical: Copy the directory path of the BattlEye folder in your server files and paste it into the BePath = D:\Server_1\BattlEye, of course, replacing the D:\Server_1\BattlEye part.

Step 4. Give the server a test run to do initial setups and such. Do this by running TADST.exe and clicking LAUNCH.

Configuring BattlEye And Server

Step 1. After completing a test run, the server is now ready for configuration. Find BEServer.cfg located in:

Arma3ds/TADST/default/battleye

Step 2. Make any personal configuration changes.

Running The Server (Simplified Version)

Step 1. After installing the server root files, create a shortcut of the arma3server.exe and place it on your desktop.

Step 2. Right-click the shortcut and edit the launch parameters like so: "D:\example\example\arma3example\arma3server.exe" "-profiles=D:\example\example\arma3example\A3Master" -port=2302 -config=arma_server.cfg -world=empty

Step 3. Now create an arma_server.cfg file by creating a text document, which will contain all your configuration. Example configuration on this Pastebin.

Step 4. To run your server, double-click the shortcut you’ve created!

Required Ports

Remember to open the ports required by Arma 3’s dedicated server.

Incoming:

Outgoing:

Useful Information

File Locations:

Conclusion

Overall, Arma 3 servers are very complex and customizable. Thank you for reading, and enjoy your server!