---
name: "Startup Parameters Config File"
type: topic
source: https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Startup_Parameters_Config_File
revid: 364391
updated: 2024-05-13T10:51:55Z
---

# Startup Parameters Config File

The startup parameters config file can be used to put startup parameters in, instead of specifying them in a shortcut/commandline.

> [!IMPORTANT]
> Low level parameters are NOT supported:
>
> .par file does not (and will not) support some low level parameters, namely:
>
> - -cpuCount
> - -malloc
> - -exThreads
> - -maxMem
> - -profiles (confirmed on Arma 3 version 1.66.139586, options does not work from parameter file)
> - -debug
>
> The reason is those need to be initialized before any file operations are done.

### Usage

**-par** [startup parameter](../topics/Startup_Parameters.md) allows to specify the file.
Whether using [Plain Text Format](../topics/Startup_Parameters_Config_File.md#plain-text-format) or [.par Format](../topics/Startup_Parameters_Config_File.md#par-format), **the file is preprocessed before parsing**, allowing C++ style comments and `#define`s to be used.

> [!NOTE]
> Before Arma 2: Operation Arrowhead v1.60.86060, only the `.par` format was supported.

#### Windows

**-par** won't work being passed by cmd as variable to quotes; a specific format must be applied:

```bat
setlocal enableDelayedExpansion enableExtensions

set v=!v! "-profiles=!cd!\acc"
set v=!v! "-par=D:\par\startupParameters.txt"

start "" "D:\arma3\arma3.exe" !v!    &rem need "start" for closing cmd window;
timeout /t 1                        &rem need for keeping game window (starting from logo) foreground after cmd window close;
```

### Plain Text Format

- The file extension must be anything **but** `.par`, otherwise the [.par Format](../topics/Startup_Parameters_Config_File.md#par-format) syntax will be assumed.
- The file can be located either inside or outside of the game folder for organizational purposes.
- The file must have one command line option per line.

#### Location

Location can be defined with -par=parameterFileName startup parameter.

#### Format

Whitespace is ignored.

```cpp
-startupParameter
-startupParameter2=value1;value2
MissionFileToOpenInTheEditor
```

#### Examples

##### Simple Example

```cpp
-nosplash
-skipIntro
-world=none
-mod=Expansion;Expansion\beta;Expansion\beta\Expansion;@cwr2
"C:\arma2\Users\USERNAME\missions\MissionName.Desert_E\mission.sqm"
```

##### Host and Client

The following example allows you to launch two instances of the game with common startup parameters. One for hosting from Eden and another one as a client to test for [locality](../topics/Multiplayer_Scripting.md) issues.

**base.txt**

```cpp
-mod="!Workshop\@Mod1;!Workshop\@Mod2"
-skipIntro
-noSplash
-filePatching
-noSound
-noLand
```

**host.txt**

```cpp
#include "base.txt"
"C:\Users\USERNAME\Documents\Arma 3\missions\BIKI.VR"
```

**client.txt**

```cpp
#include "base.txt"
-name=ClientTest
```

### .par Format

> [!WARNING]
> The `.PAR` file extension is apparently no longer read correctly on a dedicated server.

#### Location

At game directory's root.

#### Naming

| Arma 2 | Arma 2: Operation Arrowhead | Take On Helicopters |
|---|---|---|
| `ArmA2.par` | `ArmA2OA.par` | `TakeOnH.par` |

#### Format

```cpp
class Arg
{
    startupParameter="-startupParameter"
    startupParameter2="-startupParameter2=value1;value2"
};
```

#### Example

```cpp
class Arg
{
    nosplash="-nosplash";
    skipIntro="-skipIntro";
    world="-world=none";
    mod="-mod=Expansion;Expansion\beta;Expansion\beta\Expansion;@cwr2";
};
```

### External links

- *Feature is discussed here by Suma* (dead link)

<sub>Source: [BI Community Wiki — Startup Parameters Config File](https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Startup_Parameters_Config_File) (revision 364391).</sub>