{"name":"Arma 3: Getting Started","title":"Arma 3: Getting Started","type":"topic","url":"https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Arma_3:_Getting_Started","revid":378437,"updated":"2026-04-08T13:33:05Z","aliases":["Arma 3 Getting Started"],"markdown":"Buying Arma 3Starting with the gamePlaying in Single PlayerPlaying in MultiplayerFinding players\n\n### Buying Arma 3\n\n**Arma 3** is a [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/) platform exclusive game and can be bought on the [Arma 3 Steam page](https://store.steampowered.com/app/107410/Arma_3/).\n\n#### Editions\n\nArma 3 has some Editions and bundles to purchase. Bundles are always cheaper than purchasing products separately.\n\n- **Arma 3 Gold Edition** ([Steam page](https://store.steampowered.com/app/107410/Arma_3/)) contains the base game, Apex, Contact, the Karts DLC, and art (soundtrack, digital artworks, maps, tactical guide).\n- **Arma 3 Platinum Edition** ([Steam page](https://store.steampowered.com/app/107410/Arma_3/)) contains the base game, every expansions and every DLCs by Bohemia Interactive, and art.\n\n**Edition Details**\n\n> [!WARNING]\n> Note that no Creator DLCs (CDLCs) are included in these editions!\n\n| Content | [Gold Edition](https://store.steampowered.com/app/107410/Arma_3/) | [Platinum Edition](https://store.steampowered.com/app/107410/Arma_3/) |\n|---|---|---|\n| **[Arma 3](https://store.steampowered.com/app/107410/Arma_3/)** | ✓ | ✓ |\n| **[Soundtrack](https://store.steampowered.com/app/249860/Arma_3_Soundtrack/)** (\"Bonus\" directory) | ✓ | ✓ |\n| **BI 25th Anniversary** (Steam soundtrack) | ✓ | ✓ |\n| **Digital Artworks** | ✓ | ✓ |\n| **Maps** | ✓ | ✓ |\n| **Tactical Guide** | ✓ | ✓ |\n| [Karts](https://store.steampowered.com/app/288520/Arma_3_Karts/) | ✓ | ✓ |\n| [Helicopters](https://store.steampowered.com/app/304380/Arma_3_Helicopters/) |  | ✓ |\n| [Marksmen](https://store.steampowered.com/app/332350/Arma_3_Marksmen/) |  | ✓ |\n| **[Apex](https://store.steampowered.com/app/395180/Arma_3_Apex/)** | ✓ | ✓ |\n| [Laws of War](https://store.steampowered.com/app/571710/Arma_3_Laws_of_War/) |  | ✓ |\n| [Jets](https://store.steampowered.com/app/601670/Arma_3_Jets/) |  | ✓ |\n| [Tac-Ops](https://store.steampowered.com/app/744950/Arma_3_TacOps_Mission_Pack/) |  | ✓ |\n| [Tanks](https://store.steampowered.com/app/798390/Arma_3_Tanks/) |  | ✓ |\n| **[Contact](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1021790/Arma_3_Contact/)** | ✓ | ✓ |\n\n#### Buying DLCs\n\nYou may wonder if you need to buy DLCs. You do not *need* anything to enjoy playing Arma 3 (but the base game), but depending on which experience you are after the common recommendations change:\n\n- For a **Singleplayer** experience, the base campaign, Arma 3 Laws of War and in an other style Arma 3 Contact singleplayer campaigns are considered among the best singleplayer moments. If you can afford it too, see also the Arma 3 Tac-Ops Mission Pack for a combat experience from multiple points of view.\n- For a **Multiplayer** experience, it is recommended to at least own Arma 3 Apex to be able to play with its assets and have access to the Tanoa terrain. The cooperation campaign is good to play through too.\n- Every asset such as weapons and vehicles provided by Bohemia Interactive are free to test in Arsenal (TUTORIALS > VIRTUAL ARSENAL). If you wonder if the DLC is worth your money, it is possible to try it for free.\n\n> [!NOTE]\n> - For a list of Arma 3 available DLCs and extensions, see Arma 3, Arma 3 DLCs & Expansions.\n> - For information about DLC assets restrictions, see Arma 3: DLC Restrictions.\n\n> [!IMPORTANT]\n> Creator DLCs (CDLCs) are not always available to test for free and their assets are never included into the base game. You must purchase them or install the compatibility Mod for it (if exists) before using them.\n\n### Starting With the Game\n\nYou bought the game, downloaded it, installed it, configured it via the launcher, started it: now what?\nIf you are not familiar with the Arma series, a usual recommendation is to access the main menu and select Tutorial, you can find choices such as:\n\n- Read the **[Game Manual](https://arma3.com/assets/pdf/arma3_manual.pdf)**\n- Read the **[Default Keyboard Layout Cheatsheet](http://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/107410/manuals/Arma_3_keylayout_ENG.pdf)** (printable and foldable)\n- Head on the **Game Options** and change key bindings, languages and difficulty\n  - See Arma 3: Performance Optimisation for more information on the settings\n- Read the in-game **Field Manual** (**TUTORIAL > FIELD MANUAL**)\n- Watch **Community Guide** videos ([Steam page](https://store.steampowered.com/app/544940/2/14/) / [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfUcrRpCM_fLrk4KKLkQKrlTBh7txPaO3))\n- Read and watch Dslyecxi's Tactical Guides [(direct link to TTP3)](https://ttp3.dslyecxi.com/)\n\nthen…\n\n### Playing in Single Player\n\n#### In-Game Training\n\n- Play the **VR Training** missions to understand the principles\n- Play the **Showcases** to apply these principles in real action\n- Play the **[Bootcamp](https://arma3.com/bootcamp) campaign**\n- Practice weapons and vehicles in the **Virtual Arsenal**\n- Discover the available Terrains in Eden Editor\n\n#### Fighting\n\n- Play the Single Player campaign \"The East Wind\" to learn to work in a team\n- Play the other Single Player content, according to your DLC list:\n  - Arma 3 Tac-Ops Mission Pack\n  - Arma 3 Laws of War's campaign\n  - Arma 3 Contact's campaign\n\n### Playing in Multiplayer\n\n> [!NOTE]\n> Playing in Multiplayer is *way* different from Single Player; an AI can be *predicted*, its skill *altered*, its behaviour *planned*,\n> whereas an experienced human being *will* keep you on your toes and make you change tactics… under the threat of imminent death!\n\n- If you own Arma 3 Apex, play its Multiplayer campaign \"Apex Protocol\" with experienced friends\n- Hours of practice will help you:\n  - Find the kind of game you like, among the various Multiplayer game types\n  - Getting different experiences no training can bring (situational awareness, reflexes, specific cases)\n- If possible, try to play on multiple servers with friends or an [Arma 3 Unit](https://units.arma3.com/)!\n\n#### Joining a Modded Server\n\nA non-official server may require mods to play. The game itself cannot download the mods and will only tell you what is missing.\nJoining a server from the Launcher can download the required mods *before* launching the game; see more information at Arma 3: Launcher - Servers.\n\n### Steam Workshop 101\n\nArma 3 does support [Steam Workshop](https://steamcommunity.com/app/107410/workshop/). You can find mods (a.k.a addons) that add some assets, features and experiences that don't exist in vanilla (addon-free) Arma 3, or user-made scenarios providing another game experience.\n\nTo add and install Workshop items, follow these steps:\n\n#### Download and Play a Scenario\n\n1. Open the [Arma 3 Steam Workshop](http://steamcommunity.com/workshop/browse/?appid=107410) and select the **Scenario** tag.\n1. Find a scenario you like.\n1. Click subscribe on to subscribe to a scenario. It will automatically download when the game is started.\n1. Open the game and navigate to **SINGLEPLAYER > SCENARIOS**. If the mission has a **Multiplayer/Co-Op** tag on the workshop, you have to go to **MULTIPLAYER > QUICK PLAY > HOST SERVER** to see it.\n1. The subscribed mission will be downloaded and found under the Steam Subscribed Content.\n\n#### Download and Activate a Mod\n\n1. Open the [Arma 3 Steam Workshop](http://steamcommunity.com/workshop/browse/?appid=107410) and select the **Mod** tag.\n1. Find a mod you like.\n1. Click subscribe on to subscribe to a mod.\n1. Start Arma 3 from your Steam Library, that will open Arma 3: Launcher.\n1. Subscribed mods will be downloaded automatically.\n1. Click the **MODS** tab.\n1. Downloaded mods are automatically loaded. If you need to unload a mod, click the checkbox.\n1. Press **PLAY** to launch Arma 3 with selected mods.\n\n> [!NOTE]\n> These tutorials and others (publishing to the workshop) can also be found on the Arma 3 website: [Arma 3 Workshop 101](https://arma3.com/workshop101).\n\n### Finding Players, Communities and Help\n\n#### Official communication channels\n\n- [Arma 3 Official Forums](https://forums.bohemia.net/forums/forum/107-arma-3-main/)\n- [Arma 3 Official Discord](https://discord.gg/arma)\n  - `#looking_for_game` channel if you are looking for players\n  - `#looking_for_squad` channel if you are looking for squads\n  - `#communities_arma` channel if you are looking for communities\n  - `#singleplayer` channel for… Single Player content advices and discussion\n  - `#scripting` channel for help in scripting, as well as Arma 3 Scripting Commands\n  - `#community_wiki` channel where discussions about articles on this wiki happen\n  - And for **all your other questions**, `#ask_questions_here` is the channel to be!\n\n#### Common Game Modes Servers\n\n- [Exile Discord](https://discord.gg/FMkqWpF)\n- [Epoch Discord](https://discord.gg/UyhtEBh)\n- [Antistasi Discord](https://discord.gg/NJR6tGS)\n- [Arma RPG Life Discord](https://discord.gg/ajGUDSH)\n- [King Of The Hill / Wasteland Discord](https://discord.gg/wskoth)\n\n#### See Also\n\n- [Reddit Arma 3 Wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/arma/wiki/index)\n- [Reddit Arma 3 tips & performance tweaks](https://www.reddit.com/r/arma/comments/30cbdb/welcome_to_arma_iii_heres_how_you_can_get_started/)\n- [Arma 3 Workshop 101](https://arma3.com/workshop101)","sections":[{"heading":null,"level":1,"markdown":"Buying Arma 3Starting with the gamePlaying in Single PlayerPlaying in MultiplayerFinding players"},{"heading":"Buying Arma 3","level":3,"markdown":"**Arma 3** is a [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/) platform exclusive game and can be bought on the [Arma 3 Steam page](https://store.steampowered.com/app/107410/Arma_3/)."},{"heading":"Editions","level":4,"markdown":"Arma 3 has some Editions and bundles to purchase. Bundles are always cheaper than purchasing products separately.\n\n- **Arma 3 Gold Edition** ([Steam page](https://store.steampowered.com/app/107410/Arma_3/)) contains the base game, Apex, Contact, the Karts DLC, and art (soundtrack, digital artworks, maps, tactical guide).\n- **Arma 3 Platinum Edition** ([Steam page](https://store.steampowered.com/app/107410/Arma_3/)) contains the base game, every expansions and every DLCs by Bohemia Interactive, and art.\n\n**Edition Details**\n\n> [!WARNING]\n> Note that no Creator DLCs (CDLCs) are included in these editions!\n\n| Content | [Gold Edition](https://store.steampowered.com/app/107410/Arma_3/) | [Platinum Edition](https://store.steampowered.com/app/107410/Arma_3/) |\n|---|---|---|\n| **[Arma 3](https://store.steampowered.com/app/107410/Arma_3/)** | ✓ | ✓ |\n| **[Soundtrack](https://store.steampowered.com/app/249860/Arma_3_Soundtrack/)** (\"Bonus\" directory) | ✓ | ✓ |\n| **BI 25th Anniversary** (Steam soundtrack) | ✓ | ✓ |\n| **Digital Artworks** | ✓ | ✓ |\n| **Maps** | ✓ | ✓ |\n| **Tactical Guide** | ✓ | ✓ |\n| [Karts](https://store.steampowered.com/app/288520/Arma_3_Karts/) | ✓ | ✓ |\n| [Helicopters](https://store.steampowered.com/app/304380/Arma_3_Helicopters/) |  | ✓ |\n| [Marksmen](https://store.steampowered.com/app/332350/Arma_3_Marksmen/) |  | ✓ |\n| **[Apex](https://store.steampowered.com/app/395180/Arma_3_Apex/)** | ✓ | ✓ |\n| [Laws of War](https://store.steampowered.com/app/571710/Arma_3_Laws_of_War/) |  | ✓ |\n| [Jets](https://store.steampowered.com/app/601670/Arma_3_Jets/) |  | ✓ |\n| [Tac-Ops](https://store.steampowered.com/app/744950/Arma_3_TacOps_Mission_Pack/) |  | ✓ |\n| [Tanks](https://store.steampowered.com/app/798390/Arma_3_Tanks/) |  | ✓ |\n| **[Contact](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1021790/Arma_3_Contact/)** | ✓ | ✓ |"},{"heading":"Buying DLCs","level":4,"markdown":"You may wonder if you need to buy DLCs. You do not *need* anything to enjoy playing Arma 3 (but the base game), but depending on which experience you are after the common recommendations change:\n\n- For a **Singleplayer** experience, the base campaign, Arma 3 Laws of War and in an other style Arma 3 Contact singleplayer campaigns are considered among the best singleplayer moments. If you can afford it too, see also the Arma 3 Tac-Ops Mission Pack for a combat experience from multiple points of view.\n- For a **Multiplayer** experience, it is recommended to at least own Arma 3 Apex to be able to play with its assets and have access to the Tanoa terrain. The cooperation campaign is good to play through too.\n- Every asset such as weapons and vehicles provided by Bohemia Interactive are free to test in Arsenal (TUTORIALS > VIRTUAL ARSENAL). If you wonder if the DLC is worth your money, it is possible to try it for free.\n\n> [!NOTE]\n> - For a list of Arma 3 available DLCs and extensions, see Arma 3, Arma 3 DLCs & Expansions.\n> - For information about DLC assets restrictions, see Arma 3: DLC Restrictions.\n\n> [!IMPORTANT]\n> Creator DLCs (CDLCs) are not always available to test for free and their assets are never included into the base game. You must purchase them or install the compatibility Mod for it (if exists) before using them."},{"heading":"Starting With the Game","level":3,"markdown":"You bought the game, downloaded it, installed it, configured it via the launcher, started it: now what?\nIf you are not familiar with the Arma series, a usual recommendation is to access the main menu and select Tutorial, you can find choices such as:\n\n- Read the **[Game Manual](https://arma3.com/assets/pdf/arma3_manual.pdf)**\n- Read the **[Default Keyboard Layout Cheatsheet](http://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/107410/manuals/Arma_3_keylayout_ENG.pdf)** (printable and foldable)\n- Head on the **Game Options** and change key bindings, languages and difficulty\n  - See Arma 3: Performance Optimisation for more information on the settings\n- Read the in-game **Field Manual** (**TUTORIAL > FIELD MANUAL**)\n- Watch **Community Guide** videos ([Steam page](https://store.steampowered.com/app/544940/2/14/) / [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfUcrRpCM_fLrk4KKLkQKrlTBh7txPaO3))\n- Read and watch Dslyecxi's Tactical Guides [(direct link to TTP3)](https://ttp3.dslyecxi.com/)\n\nthen…"},{"heading":"Playing in Single Player","level":3,"markdown":""},{"heading":"In-Game Training","level":4,"markdown":"- Play the **VR Training** missions to understand the principles\n- Play the **Showcases** to apply these principles in real action\n- Play the **[Bootcamp](https://arma3.com/bootcamp) campaign**\n- Practice weapons and vehicles in the **Virtual Arsenal**\n- Discover the available Terrains in Eden Editor"},{"heading":"Fighting","level":4,"markdown":"- Play the Single Player campaign \"The East Wind\" to learn to work in a team\n- Play the other Single Player content, according to your DLC list:\n  - Arma 3 Tac-Ops Mission Pack\n  - Arma 3 Laws of War's campaign\n  - Arma 3 Contact's campaign"},{"heading":"Playing in Multiplayer","level":3,"markdown":"> [!NOTE]\n> Playing in Multiplayer is *way* different from Single Player; an AI can be *predicted*, its skill *altered*, its behaviour *planned*,\n> whereas an experienced human being *will* keep you on your toes and make you change tactics… under the threat of imminent death!\n\n- If you own Arma 3 Apex, play its Multiplayer campaign \"Apex Protocol\" with experienced friends\n- Hours of practice will help you:\n  - Find the kind of game you like, among the various Multiplayer game types\n  - Getting different experiences no training can bring (situational awareness, reflexes, specific cases)\n- If possible, try to play on multiple servers with friends or an [Arma 3 Unit](https://units.arma3.com/)!"},{"heading":"Joining a Modded Server","level":4,"markdown":"A non-official server may require mods to play. The game itself cannot download the mods and will only tell you what is missing.\nJoining a server from the Launcher can download the required mods *before* launching the game; see more information at Arma 3: Launcher - Servers."},{"heading":"Steam Workshop 101","level":3,"markdown":"Arma 3 does support [Steam Workshop](https://steamcommunity.com/app/107410/workshop/). You can find mods (a.k.a addons) that add some assets, features and experiences that don't exist in vanilla (addon-free) Arma 3, or user-made scenarios providing another game experience.\n\nTo add and install Workshop items, follow these steps:"},{"heading":"Download and Play a Scenario","level":4,"markdown":"1. Open the [Arma 3 Steam Workshop](http://steamcommunity.com/workshop/browse/?appid=107410) and select the **Scenario** tag.\n1. Find a scenario you like.\n1. Click subscribe on to subscribe to a scenario. It will automatically download when the game is started.\n1. Open the game and navigate to **SINGLEPLAYER > SCENARIOS**. If the mission has a **Multiplayer/Co-Op** tag on the workshop, you have to go to **MULTIPLAYER > QUICK PLAY > HOST SERVER** to see it.\n1. The subscribed mission will be downloaded and found under the Steam Subscribed Content."},{"heading":"Download and Activate a Mod","level":4,"markdown":"1. Open the [Arma 3 Steam Workshop](http://steamcommunity.com/workshop/browse/?appid=107410) and select the **Mod** tag.\n1. Find a mod you like.\n1. Click subscribe on to subscribe to a mod.\n1. Start Arma 3 from your Steam Library, that will open Arma 3: Launcher.\n1. Subscribed mods will be downloaded automatically.\n1. Click the **MODS** tab.\n1. Downloaded mods are automatically loaded. If you need to unload a mod, click the checkbox.\n1. Press **PLAY** to launch Arma 3 with selected mods.\n\n> [!NOTE]\n> These tutorials and others (publishing to the workshop) can also be found on the Arma 3 website: [Arma 3 Workshop 101](https://arma3.com/workshop101)."},{"heading":"Finding Players, Communities and Help","level":3,"markdown":""},{"heading":"Official communication channels","level":4,"markdown":"- [Arma 3 Official Forums](https://forums.bohemia.net/forums/forum/107-arma-3-main/)\n- [Arma 3 Official Discord](https://discord.gg/arma)\n  - `#looking_for_game` channel if you are looking for players\n  - `#looking_for_squad` channel if you are looking for squads\n  - `#communities_arma` channel if you are looking for communities\n  - `#singleplayer` channel for… Single Player content advices and discussion\n  - `#scripting` channel for help in scripting, as well as Arma 3 Scripting Commands\n  - `#community_wiki` channel where discussions about articles on this wiki happen\n  - And for **all your other questions**, `#ask_questions_here` is the channel to be!"},{"heading":"Common Game Modes Servers","level":4,"markdown":"- [Exile Discord](https://discord.gg/FMkqWpF)\n- [Epoch Discord](https://discord.gg/UyhtEBh)\n- [Antistasi Discord](https://discord.gg/NJR6tGS)\n- [Arma RPG Life Discord](https://discord.gg/ajGUDSH)\n- [King Of The Hill / Wasteland Discord](https://discord.gg/wskoth)"},{"heading":"See Also","level":4,"markdown":"- [Reddit Arma 3 Wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/arma/wiki/index)\n- [Reddit Arma 3 tips & performance tweaks](https://www.reddit.com/r/arma/comments/30cbdb/welcome_to_arma_iii_heres_how_you_can_get_started/)\n- [Arma 3 Workshop 101](https://arma3.com/workshop101)"}],"categories":["Arma 3","Hints & Tips"],"groups":["Game and Troubleshooting"]}