Arma 3 Server Optimisation Guide

Why optimisation matters ⚙️

Arma 3 is one of the most demanding sandbox games ever made. Between complex ballistics, huge maps, and thousands of AI units, even powerful servers can struggle if left untuned.

A few smart changes to your settings, hardware use, and mission setup can make your server feel infinitely smoother, without losing immersion or realism.

Step 1: Check your hardware 💻

Arma 3 relies heavily on CPU speed and single-thread performance, not just cores.

✅ Recommended specs:

• CPU: 4.0 GHz+ clock speed (Intel i7 or Ryzen 7 preferred)
• RAM: 16–32 GB DDR4
• Storage: SSD or NVMe for faster mission loading
• Connection: 20 Mbps+ upload for stable multiplayer

💡 Tip: Run the server on a dedicated host like ChipHead to avoid performance drops from local background processes.

Step 2: Use headless clients 🧠

A headless client moves AI calculations from the main server to a separate process, freeing resources for player sync.

How to enable:

1. Launch a second Arma 3 instance as a headless client.
2. Add it in your mission’s .sqm file or through the editor.
3. Use scripts like HCLoadBalance.sqf to distribute AI automatically.

🎯 Result: Massive performance gains in AI-heavy missions or dynamic campaigns.

Step 3: Optimise your server.cfg ⚙️

Your server.cfg file controls network, tickrate, and mission handling.
Here’s a solid starting point:

MinBandwidth = 131072;
MaxBandwidth = 20971520;
MaxMsgSend = 128;
MaxSizeGuaranteed = 512;
MaxSizeNonguaranteed = 256;
MinErrorToSend = 0.001;
MinErrorToSendNear = 0.01;
MaxCustomFileSize = 1600000;

🧠 Pro tip: Avoid copying random configs from forums, fine-tune based on your connection and player count.

Step 4: Clean up mission scripts 🧩

Poorly written scripts and excessive triggers can cripple your FPS.

• Disable unnecessary loops or “always-on” checks.
• Replace global triggers with local ones.
• Limit persistent particle or sound effects.
• Test missions with the performance monitor (#monitor 5) to spot frame spikes.

💡 Tip: Keep AI counts below 100 active units per headless client for best stability.

Step 5: Control AI behaviour 👥

AI logic eats CPU faster than anything else.

• Use AI caching (disable simulation for distant groups).
• Turn off unnecessary features like Pathfinding when idle.
• Reduce view and engagement distances for AI in large battles.

🧱 Pro tip: Mods like VCOM AI or LAMBS Danger FSM improve realism but increase load, test performance before deploying on live servers.

Step 6: Manage mods efficiently 🧩

Mod bloat kills performance faster than bullets.

• Keep essential mods only (CBA_A3, ACE3, RHS, etc.).
• Remove duplicate dependencies.
• Match mod versions across server and clients.
• Use modline launchers or Arma3Sync to manage load order.

🧠 Tip: Schedule server restarts every 6–12 hours to clear mod memory build-up.

Step 7: Tune network and tickrate 🌐

Arma’s performance often depends on server tickrate.

• For 20 players or less → 30–40 FPS is fine.
• For large events → target 45 FPS+ using headless clients and AI offloading.
• Set MinErrorToSend low for smoother movement.

🎯 Pro tip: A stable tickrate is more important than a high one, avoid fluctuating frame updates between missions.

Step 8: Regular maintenance and restarts 🔄

Long uptime leads to memory leaks.

• Restart automatically every 6–8 hours.
• Purge temp files and old logs weekly.
• Verify game files after every major update.
• Back up config and mission data before testing new mods.

💾 Bonus: Keep a clean “baseline” config you can roll back to after updates.

Step 9: Monitor performance in real time 📊

Use admin tools and built-in commands to keep an eye on server health.

• #monitor 1 → Shows FPS and bandwidth.
• diag_fps → Displays current frame rate.
• diag_activeSQFScripts → Lists heavy script loads.

🧠 Tip: If FPS dips when players join, check desync or script spam from mission events.

Final thoughts 💭

Optimising an Arma 3 server isn’t about cutting corners, it’s about balance. With tuned scripts, clean mod setups, and smart AI management, you’ll keep your battlefield smooth and immersive.

If you’re hosting through ChipHead, your server already runs on performance-tuned hardware with automated restarts and mod syncing, perfect for massive operations without lag.

Stay sharp, keep it clean, and let the mission flow. 🎯