{"name":"Arma 3: Steam Branches","title":"Arma 3: Steam Branches","type":"topic","url":"https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Arma_3:_Steam_Branches","revid":378890,"updated":"2026-08-11T13:47:05Z","aliases":["Arma 3 Steam Branches"],"markdown":"### Overview\n\nArma 3 is distributed as several branches on Steam.\n\nThese branches are accessible by opening the application *Properties* in Steam client. In the *BETAS* tab, you'll find a drop-down menu with publicly available branches. Some branches require an access code to be input before appearing the list. Those codes are shared via channels such as [Twitter](https://twitter.com/Arma3official) and [the forums](https://forums.bistudio.com/) when appropriate. You may need to restart the Steam client to see recently created branches.\n\nAfter selecting a branch, Steam client will begin downloading the differences in data. It can be recommended to do a local file verification afterwards to be sure the correct update was downloaded. Note that Steam client does not allow you to maintain multiple parallel branches on your hard drive. Our Game Updater tool does allow this for certain branches.\n\n### Branches\n\n#### [Arma 3](http://store.steampowered.com/app/107410/)\n\nThis application (appID 107410) exists for Windows, with [experimental port betas](http://dev.arma3.com/ports) for Mac.\n\n| Branch Name | Branch Code | Access Code | Description |\n|---|---|---|---|\n| Main Branch | `public` | N/A | Primary and default build |\n| Development Branch | `development` | N/A | a.k.a. [Dev-Branch](http://dev.arma3.com/dev-branch) build |\n| RC Branch | `rc` | Shared on [Dev Hub](https://dev.arma3.com/) during active RC tests | [Release Candidate build test](https://dev.arma3.com/rc-branch) of imminent updates |\n| Profiling Branch | `profiling` | N/A | Special [performance + profiling build](https://forums.bohemia.net/forums/topic/160288-arma-3-stable-server-198-performance-binary-feedback/) / alternative download of needed binaries possible from [Google Drive](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15p9j7C2nHUt6NoVfChX4YFuqzFXzblJh). See [Arma 3 Profiling Branch](https://dev.arma3.com/profiling-branch) for an in-depth explanation. |\n| Legacy Branch | `legacy` | `Arma3LegacyXYZ`<br>Where *XYZ* is the version, e.g. *150* | Old build comparison of the second-last main build |\n| Legacy Mac Branch | `legacymac` | `Arma3LegacyMacXYZ`<br>Where *XYZ* is the version, e.g. *150* | Old Mac build comparison of the second-last Mac main build |\n| Legacy Ports Branch | `legacyports` | `Arma3LegacyPorts` | Old build compatibility for Mac client ports |\n| Legacy Hardware Branch | `legacyhardware` | `Arma3LegacyHardware` | Last build with [32-bit and Windows 7 / 8 compatibility](https://dev.arma3.com/32-bit) |\n| Creator DLC RC Branch | `creatordlcrc` | `Arma3CreatorDLCRC`<br>Only available during active RC tests | [Release Candidate build test](http://www.arma3.com/dlc/creator#public-testing) for Creator DLC |\n\n#### Arma 3 Server\n\nThis application (appID 233780) exists for Windows and Linux.\n\n| Branch Name | Branch Code | Access Code | Description |\n|---|---|---|---|\n| Main Branch | `public` | N/A | Primary and default build |\n| Contact Branch | `contact` | N/A | Default build with Contact expansion server data and A3C signature key - note that this data is not fully compatible with multiplayer and should only be loaded for advanced use cases |\n| Creator DLC Branch | `creatordlc` | N/A | Default build with Creator DLC server data and signature keys |\n| RC Branch | `rc` | Shared on [Dev Hub](https://dev.arma3.com/) during active RC tests | [Release Candidate build test](https://dev.arma3.com/rc-branch) of imminent updates |\n| Profiling Branch | `profiling` | N/A | Special [performance + profiling build](https://forums.bohemia.net/forums/topic/160288-arma-3-stable-server-198-performance-binary-feedback/) / alternative download of needed binaries possible from [Google Drive](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15p9j7C2nHUt6NoVfChX4YFuqzFXzblJh). See [Arma 3 Profiling Branch](https://dev.arma3.com/profiling-branch) for an in-depth explanation. |\n| Legacy Branch | `legacy` | `Arma3LegacyXYZ`<br>Where *XYZ* is the version, e.g. *150* | Old build comparison of the second-last main build |\n| Legacy Contact Branch | `legacycontact` | `Arma3LegacyXYZ`<br>Where *XYZ* is the version, e.g. *150* | Old build comparison of the second-last main build with Contact expansion server data |\n| Legacy Ports Branch | `legacyports` | `Arma3LegacyPorts` | Old build compatibility for Mac client ports |\n| Legacy Hardware Branch | `legacyhardware` | `Arma3LegacyHardware` | Last build with [32-bit and Windows 7 / 8 compatibility](https://dev.arma3.com/32-bit) |\n| Creator DLC RC Branch | `creatordlcrc` | `Arma3CreatorDLCRC`<br>Only available during active RC tests | [Release Candidate build test](http://www.arma3.com/dlc/creator#public-testing) for Creator DLC |\n\n#### [Arma 3 Tools](http://store.steampowered.com/app/233800/)\n\nThis application (appID 233800) exists for Windows.\n\n| Branch Name | Branch Code | Access Code | Description |\n|---|---|---|---|\n| Main Branch | `public` | N/A | Primary and default build |\n| Development Branch | `development` | N/A | [Dev-Branch](https://forums.bistudio.com/topic/169362-tools-development-branch-changelog/) build |\n| Legacy Branch | `legacy` | `Arma3ToolsLegacyXYZ`<br>Where *XYZ* is the version, e.g. *1024* | Old build comparison of the second-last main build |\n\n#### [Arma 3 Samples](http://store.steampowered.com/app/390500/)\n\nThis application (appID 390500) exists for Windows.\n\n| Branch Name | Branch Code | Access Code | Description |\n|---|---|---|---|\n| Main Branch | `public` | N/A | Primary and default build |\n| Development Branch | `development` | N/A | [Dev-Branch](https://forums.bistudio.com/topic/169362-tools-development-branch-changelog/) build |\n| Legacy Branch | `legacy` | `Arma3SamplesLegacyXYZ`<br>Where *XYZ* is the version, e.g. *1024* | Old build comparison of the second-last main build |\n\n### SteamCMD\n\nTo install different branches via SteamCMD follow these steps:\n\n- Do the following with steamcmd according to [Valve's official documentation](https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/SteamCMD):\n  - Download steamcmd\n  - Install steamcmd\n  - Launch steamcmd\n  - Log in to your account\n  - Set an install location\n\n> [!IMPORTANT]\n> The account has to be in possession of Arma 3 in order to download the playable branches. Server files can be downloaded even without an account.\n\n- To download the dev branch for example, enter the following into the steamcmd window:\n\n```\napp_update 107410 -beta development validate\n```\n\n- If the branch is password protected (for example a legacy branch) enter the access code as follows:\n\n```\napp_update 107410 -beta legacyports -betapassword Arma3LegacyPorts validate\n```\n\n- The game is now being downloaded\n- Once finished, log out with\n\n```\nquit\n```","sections":[{"heading":"Overview","level":3,"markdown":"Arma 3 is distributed as several branches on Steam.\n\nThese branches are accessible by opening the application *Properties* in Steam client. In the *BETAS* tab, you'll find a drop-down menu with publicly available branches. Some branches require an access code to be input before appearing the list. Those codes are shared via channels such as [Twitter](https://twitter.com/Arma3official) and [the forums](https://forums.bistudio.com/) when appropriate. You may need to restart the Steam client to see recently created branches.\n\nAfter selecting a branch, Steam client will begin downloading the differences in data. It can be recommended to do a local file verification afterwards to be sure the correct update was downloaded. Note that Steam client does not allow you to maintain multiple parallel branches on your hard drive. Our Game Updater tool does allow this for certain branches."},{"heading":"Branches","level":3,"markdown":""},{"heading":"[Arma 3](http://store.steampowered.com/app/107410/)","level":4,"markdown":"This application (appID 107410) exists for Windows, with [experimental port betas](http://dev.arma3.com/ports) for Mac.\n\n| Branch Name | Branch Code | Access Code | Description |\n|---|---|---|---|\n| Main Branch | `public` | N/A | Primary and default build |\n| Development Branch | `development` | N/A | a.k.a. [Dev-Branch](http://dev.arma3.com/dev-branch) build |\n| RC Branch | `rc` | Shared on [Dev Hub](https://dev.arma3.com/) during active RC tests | [Release Candidate build test](https://dev.arma3.com/rc-branch) of imminent updates |\n| Profiling Branch | `profiling` | N/A | Special [performance + profiling build](https://forums.bohemia.net/forums/topic/160288-arma-3-stable-server-198-performance-binary-feedback/) / alternative download of needed binaries possible from [Google Drive](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15p9j7C2nHUt6NoVfChX4YFuqzFXzblJh). See [Arma 3 Profiling Branch](https://dev.arma3.com/profiling-branch) for an in-depth explanation. |\n| Legacy Branch | `legacy` | `Arma3LegacyXYZ`<br>Where *XYZ* is the version, e.g. *150* | Old build comparison of the second-last main build |\n| Legacy Mac Branch | `legacymac` | `Arma3LegacyMacXYZ`<br>Where *XYZ* is the version, e.g. *150* | Old Mac build comparison of the second-last Mac main build |\n| Legacy Ports Branch | `legacyports` | `Arma3LegacyPorts` | Old build compatibility for Mac client ports |\n| Legacy Hardware Branch | `legacyhardware` | `Arma3LegacyHardware` | Last build with [32-bit and Windows 7 / 8 compatibility](https://dev.arma3.com/32-bit) |\n| Creator DLC RC Branch | `creatordlcrc` | `Arma3CreatorDLCRC`<br>Only available during active RC tests | [Release Candidate build test](http://www.arma3.com/dlc/creator#public-testing) for Creator DLC |"},{"heading":"Arma 3 Server","level":4,"markdown":"This application (appID 233780) exists for Windows and Linux.\n\n| Branch Name | Branch Code | Access Code | Description |\n|---|---|---|---|\n| Main Branch | `public` | N/A | Primary and default build |\n| Contact Branch | `contact` | N/A | Default build with Contact expansion server data and A3C signature key - note that this data is not fully compatible with multiplayer and should only be loaded for advanced use cases |\n| Creator DLC Branch | `creatordlc` | N/A | Default build with Creator DLC server data and signature keys |\n| RC Branch | `rc` | Shared on [Dev Hub](https://dev.arma3.com/) during active RC tests | [Release Candidate build test](https://dev.arma3.com/rc-branch) of imminent updates |\n| Profiling Branch | `profiling` | N/A | Special [performance + profiling build](https://forums.bohemia.net/forums/topic/160288-arma-3-stable-server-198-performance-binary-feedback/) / alternative download of needed binaries possible from [Google Drive](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15p9j7C2nHUt6NoVfChX4YFuqzFXzblJh). See [Arma 3 Profiling Branch](https://dev.arma3.com/profiling-branch) for an in-depth explanation. |\n| Legacy Branch | `legacy` | `Arma3LegacyXYZ`<br>Where *XYZ* is the version, e.g. *150* | Old build comparison of the second-last main build |\n| Legacy Contact Branch | `legacycontact` | `Arma3LegacyXYZ`<br>Where *XYZ* is the version, e.g. *150* | Old build comparison of the second-last main build with Contact expansion server data |\n| Legacy Ports Branch | `legacyports` | `Arma3LegacyPorts` | Old build compatibility for Mac client ports |\n| Legacy Hardware Branch | `legacyhardware` | `Arma3LegacyHardware` | Last build with [32-bit and Windows 7 / 8 compatibility](https://dev.arma3.com/32-bit) |\n| Creator DLC RC Branch | `creatordlcrc` | `Arma3CreatorDLCRC`<br>Only available during active RC tests | [Release Candidate build test](http://www.arma3.com/dlc/creator#public-testing) for Creator DLC |"},{"heading":"[Arma 3 Tools](http://store.steampowered.com/app/233800/)","level":4,"markdown":"This application (appID 233800) exists for Windows.\n\n| Branch Name | Branch Code | Access Code | Description |\n|---|---|---|---|\n| Main Branch | `public` | N/A | Primary and default build |\n| Development Branch | `development` | N/A | [Dev-Branch](https://forums.bistudio.com/topic/169362-tools-development-branch-changelog/) build |\n| Legacy Branch | `legacy` | `Arma3ToolsLegacyXYZ`<br>Where *XYZ* is the version, e.g. *1024* | Old build comparison of the second-last main build |"},{"heading":"[Arma 3 Samples](http://store.steampowered.com/app/390500/)","level":4,"markdown":"This application (appID 390500) exists for Windows.\n\n| Branch Name | Branch Code | Access Code | Description |\n|---|---|---|---|\n| Main Branch | `public` | N/A | Primary and default build |\n| Development Branch | `development` | N/A | [Dev-Branch](https://forums.bistudio.com/topic/169362-tools-development-branch-changelog/) build |\n| Legacy Branch | `legacy` | `Arma3SamplesLegacyXYZ`<br>Where *XYZ* is the version, e.g. *1024* | Old build comparison of the second-last main build |"},{"heading":"SteamCMD","level":3,"markdown":"To install different branches via SteamCMD follow these steps:\n\n- Do the following with steamcmd according to [Valve's official documentation](https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/SteamCMD):\n  - Download steamcmd\n  - Install steamcmd\n  - Launch steamcmd\n  - Log in to your account\n  - Set an install location\n\n> [!IMPORTANT]\n> The account has to be in possession of Arma 3 in order to download the playable branches. Server files can be downloaded even without an account.\n\n- To download the dev branch for example, enter the following into the steamcmd window:\n\n```\napp_update 107410 -beta development validate\n```\n\n- If the branch is password protected (for example a legacy branch) enter the access code as follows:\n\n```\napp_update 107410 -beta legacyports -betapassword Arma3LegacyPorts validate\n```\n\n- The game is now being downloaded\n- Once finished, log out with\n\n```\nquit\n```"}],"categories":["Arma 3"],"groups":["Game and Troubleshooting"]}