Complete Arma Reforger Dedicated Server Setup Guide 2025

Setting up an Arma Reforger dedicated server can seem daunting, but with this comprehensive guide, you'll have your server running in no time. Whether you're hosting for friends or building a community, this guide covers everything you need to know.

What You'll Need

Before starting your Arma Reforger server setup, ensure you have:

• Windows PC or Linux server with adequate resources
• Arma Reforger dedicated server files from Steam
• Port forwarding access on your router
• Static IP or dynamic DNS service (recommended)
• Basic config.json knowledge (or use our JSON Config Tool)

System Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 or AMD FX-6300
• RAM: 8 GB
• Storage: 15 GB free space
• Network: 10 Mbps upload speed
• OS: Windows Server 2016+ or Linux (Ubuntu 20.04+)

Recommended for 64 Players

• CPU: Intel Core i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
• RAM: 16 GB
• Storage: 30 GB SSD
• Network: 50 Mbps upload speed

Step 1: Download Server Files

On Windows:

1. Open Steam and go to Library
2. Switch to Tools view
3. Search for "Arma Reforger Server"
4. Right-click and select Install
5. Choose installation directory
6. Wait for download to complete (approximately 10 GB)

On Linux:

# Install SteamCMD
sudo apt update
sudo apt install steamcmd

# Download Arma Reforger Server
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir /home/steam/arma-reforger +app_update 1874900 validate +quit

Step 2: Create Your Config.json

The config.json file is the heart of your Arma Reforger server configuration. Instead of manually writing JSON, use our Free JSON Config Tool to generate a perfect configuration.

Essential Config.json Settings:

Network Configuration:

• bindAddress: Usually "0.0.0.0" (all interfaces)
• bindPort: Default is 2001
• publicAddress: Your server's public IP
• publicPort: Same as bindPort (usually 2001)

Game Settings:

• name: Your server name (appears in browser)
• password: Leave empty for public server
• scenarioId: Which mission/scenario to run
• maxPlayers: 2-64 players
• visible: true (to appear in server browser)

Example Basic Config:

{
  "bindAddress": "0.0.0.0",
  "bindPort": 2001,
  "publicAddress": "",
  "publicPort": 2001,
  "game": {
    "name": "My Arma Reforger Server",
    "password": "",
    "scenarioId": "{ECC61978EDCC2B5A}Missions/23_Campaign.conf",
    "maxPlayers": 32,
    "visible": true
  }
}

Pro Tip: Use our JSON Config Generator to avoid syntax errors!

Step 3: Configure Port Forwarding

Your router must forward these ports to your server:

Port Forwarding Steps:

1. Access your router admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1)
2. Find "Port Forwarding" or "Virtual Server" section
3. Create new rule for UDP/TCP port 2001
4. Point to your server's local IP address
5. Save and restart router

Can't port forward? Consider using a hosting provider like XGamingServer for hassle-free setup.

Step 4: Launch Your Server

Windows Launch:

1. Navigate to server installation folder
2. Create a new .bat file with:

@echo off
ArmaReforgerServer.exe -config config.json -profile ServerProfile
pause

3. Double-click the batch file to start server

Linux Launch:

cd /home/steam/arma-reforger
./ArmaReforgerServer -config config.json -profile ServerProfile

Important Startup Parameters:

• -config <file>: Specifies config file path
• -profile <name>: Server profile folder name
• -maxFPS <number>: Limit server FPS (default 30)
• -logStats <seconds>: Performance logging interval
• -adminPassword <pass>: Admin password (RCON)

Full Example:

./ArmaReforgerServer -config config.json -profile MyServer -maxFPS 30 -adminPassword yourAdminPass123

Step 5: Test Your Server

1. Check server console for any errors
2. Open Arma Reforger client on another PC
3. Go to Server Browser
4. Search for your server name
5. Join and test gameplay

Common Issues:

Server Not Appearing in Browser:

• Check port forwarding is correct
• Verify visible: true in config.json
• Ensure firewall allows ports 2001
• Confirm publicAddress is set correctly

Players Can't Connect:

• Double-check public IP address
• Test with local IP first (same network)
• Verify no VPN is interfering
• Check if ISP blocks server hosting

Server Crashes on Start:

• Validate config.json syntax (use our validator)
• Check server files integrity
• Review crash logs in ServerProfile folder
• Ensure sufficient RAM available

Step 6: Add Mods (Optional)

Mods enhance gameplay but require careful configuration:

1. Subscribe to mods in Arma Reforger Workshop
2. Find Mod IDs from Workshop URLs
3. Add to config.json in mods array
4. Restart server to load mods

{
  "game": {
    "name": "My Modded Server",
    "mods": [
      {
        "modId": "5BF3D490C26F1ADB",
        "name": "Enhanced Movement"
      }
    ]
  }
}

Mod Tips:

• Test mods locally before adding to server
• Check PS5 compatibility if using cross-platform
• Keep mod list under 20 for best performance
• Use our Config Tool for mod management

Step 7: Server Optimization

Performance Settings:

In config.json:

{
  "game": {
    "gameProperties": {
      "serverMaxViewDistance": 2500,
      "serverMinGrassDistance": 50,
      "networkViewDistance": 2000
    }
  }
}

Startup Parameters:

• -maxFPS 30: Limits server FPS (saves CPU)
• -nothreads 4: Number of CPU threads to use
• -cpuCount 4: Number of CPU cores

Bandwidth Optimization:

• Reduce networkViewDistance for lower bandwidth
• Limit player count during peak hours
• Use compression in network settings

Step 8: Enable RCON Access

RCON allows remote server administration:

{
  "game": {
    "passwordAdmin": "yourStrongAdminPassword123"
  }
}

RCON Tools:

• Use BattleMetrics for web-based RCON
• Download RCON clients for desktop access
• Set strong passwords (12+ characters)

Server Maintenance Tips

Daily Tasks:

• Check player count and performance
• Review chat logs for issues
• Monitor CPU and RAM usage
• Backup server files

Weekly Tasks:

• Update server files via Steam
• Review and update mod list
• Check for Bohemia Interactive updates
• Test new features in staging

Monthly Tasks:

• Full server file backup
• Performance audit and optimization
• Review player feedback
• Update config.json as needed

PlayStation 5 Cross-Platform Setup

To enable PS5 players:

{
  "game": {
    "crossPlatform": true,
    "supportedPlatforms": ["PLATFORM_PC", "PLATFORM_XBL"]
  }
}

PS5 Requirements:

• All mods must support cross-platform
• BattlEye must be enabled
• Strict NAT settings required

Read More: PS5 Cross-Platform Configuration Guide

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Server Won't Start

Check:

1. Config.json syntax (validate here)
2. Port availability (no conflicts)
3. Server files integrity
4. Sufficient system resources

Solution: Review server logs in ServerProfile/logs/ folder

High Latency

Causes:

• Insufficient upload bandwidth
• Too many players for hardware
• Excessive view distances
• Unoptimized mods

Solution: Follow Server Optimization Guide

Frequent Crashes

Common Causes:

• Mod conflicts
• RAM exhaustion
• Corrupted server files
• Invalid config.json settings

Solution: Remove mods one-by-one to identify culprit

Next Steps

Now that your Arma Reforger dedicated server is running:

1. Customize your config with our JSON Config Tool
2. Validate your config.json with our JSON Validator
3. Add mods for enhanced gameplay
4. Optimize performance for your player count
5. Join our Discord for community support

Helpful Resources

• Official Arma Reforger Wiki
• JSON Config Generator
• Config.json Validator
• Server Optimization Guide
• Troubleshooting Guide

Need Help?

If you're stuck or need assistance:

• Use our tools: Config Generator | Validator
• Join Discord: Community Support
• Hosting provider: XGamingServer

Last Updated: November 2025

Ready to create your perfect server configuration? Try our free JSON Config Tool - no coding required!