Arma Reforger Server Mod Installation & Management Guide

Mods transform your Arma Reforger server from vanilla to an experience tailored to your community. This comprehensive guide covers everything from finding mods in the Workshop to troubleshooting complex mod conflicts.

Understanding Arma Reforger Mods

Mods (modifications) are community-created content that add features, fix bugs, or change gameplay mechanics. Arma Reforger's Workshop makes it easy to distribute and manage mods for both servers and clients.

Types of Mods

Gameplay Mods:

• New weapons and vehicles
• Balance tweaks and adjustments
• New scenarios and missions
• AI behavior modifications

Content Mods:

• Custom maps and terrain
• New factions and uniforms
• Sound and texture replacements
• Building and asset additions

Quality of Life Mods:

• UI improvements
• Server management tools
• Admin utilities
• Performance optimizations

Script Mods:

• Advanced game mechanics
• Custom game modes
• Backend systems
• Anti-cheat tools

Finding Mods in the Workshop

The official Arma Reforger Workshop is hosted on the Arma Platform website.

Browsing the Workshop

1. Visit the Workshop: https://reforger.armaplatform.com/workshop
2. Search by category:
   • Featured
   • Most Popular
   • Recently Updated
   • Highest Rated
3. Filter by type:
   • Game
   • Prefabs
   • Scenarios
   • Worlds

Evaluating Mod Quality

Before installing any mod, check these factors:

✅ Quality Indicators:

• High rating (4+ stars)
• Many subscribers (500+)
• Recent updates (within 3 months)
• Active author responses in comments
• Detailed description with screenshots
• Compatibility information
• Server-side support confirmed

❌ Warning Signs:

• No description or screenshots
• Last updated 6+ months ago
• Many negative comments
• No version information
• Unclear mod dependencies
• Poor English/unclear instructions

Recommended Starter Mods

Essential Server Mods:

1. Enhanced Movement - Improves player controls
2. Radio Communication - ACRE-style radio system
3. Logistics Expansion - Additional supply options
4. FOB System - Forward operating base mechanics
5. Vehicle Expansion - More vehicles and variants

Popular Gameplay Mods:

• Authentic Injuries - Realistic medical system
• Advanced Fatigue - Stamina improvements
• Weather Control - Dynamic weather system
• AI Enhancement - Smarter AI behavior

Getting Mod IDs

Every Workshop mod has a unique ID required for server configuration.

Method 1: From Workshop URL

The mod ID is in the Workshop page URL:

https://reforger.armaplatform.com/workshop/MOD_ID_HERE
                                          ^^^^^^^^^^^
                                          This is the mod ID

Example:

https://reforger.armaplatform.com/workshop/5A5EA5882E11E9F0
                                          ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Mod ID: 5A5EA5882E11E9F0

Method 2: From Workbench

If you're a mod author or testing locally:

1. Open Arma Reforger Workbench
2. Navigate to your mod folder
3. Open .gproj file
4. Find guid field - this is your mod ID

Method 3: From Game Client

1. Subscribe to mod in Workshop
2. Launch Arma Reforger client
3. Go to Mods menu
4. Right-click mod → "Copy mod ID"

Adding Mods to Config.json

Once you have mod IDs, adding them to your server config is straightforward.

Basic Mod Configuration

Add mods to the mods array in your config.json:

{
  "bindPort": 2001,
  "publicPort": 2001,
  "game": {
    "name": "My Modded Server",
    "scenarioId": "{ECC61978EDCC2B5A}Missions/23_Campaign.conf",
    "maxPlayers": 32,
    "mods": [
      {
        "modId": "5A5EA5882E11E9F0",
        "name": "Enhanced Movement"
      },
      {
        "modId": "6B6FA6993F22F0A1",
        "name": "Radio Communication"
      }
    ]
  }
}

Important: The name field is optional but recommended for documentation.

Mod Configuration Options

{
  "mods": [
    {
      "modId": "5A5EA5882E11E9F0",
      "name": "Enhanced Movement",
      "version": "1.2.0"  // Optional: specific version
    }
  ]
}

Multiple Mods Example

{
  "game": {
    "mods": [
      {
        "modId": "5A5EA5882E11E9F0",
        "name": "Enhanced Movement"
      },
      {
        "modId": "6B6FA6993F22F0A1",
        "name": "Radio Communication"
      },
      {
        "modId": "7C7GB7AA4G33G1B2",
        "name": "Logistics Expansion"
      },
      {
        "modId": "8D8HC8BB5H44H2C3",
        "name": "FOB System"
      }
    ]
  }
}

Pro Tip: Use our JSON Config Generator to manage mods with a visual interface!

Automatic Workshop Downloading

Arma Reforger servers automatically download mods from the Workshop when configured properly.

How It Works

1. Server reads mod IDs from config.json
2. Connects to Workshop backend
3. Downloads mod files to ServerProfile/Addons/
4. Validates mod integrity
5. Loads mods on startup

Download Process

On first launch with new mods:

[INFO] Loading configuration from config.json
[INFO] Downloading mod: Enhanced Movement (5A5EA5882E11E9F0)
[INFO] Mod downloaded: 45.2 MB
[INFO] Validating mod integrity...
[INFO] Mod loaded successfully

Download location: ServerProfile/Addons/

Download Troubleshooting

Mod fails to download:

1. Verify mod ID is correct
2. Check mod is public (not private/unlisted)
3. Ensure server has internet access
4. Check Workshop API status
5. Try downloading manually

Slow download speeds:

• Workshop uses CDN, speeds vary by region
• Large mods (500MB+) may take 10-15 minutes
• Multiple mod downloads happen sequentially

Manual Mod Installation

Sometimes automatic downloading fails, requiring manual installation.

Step 1: Download Mod Locally

1. Subscribe to mod in Arma Reforger client
2. Launch game to trigger download
3. Find mod folder:
   • Windows: %LOCALAPPDATA%\Arma Reforger\addons\
   • Linux: ~/.local/share/bohemia/ArmaReforger/addons/

Step 2: Transfer to Server

Copy the mod folder to your server:

Server location: ServerProfile/Addons/MOD_ID_HERE/

Example:

ServerProfile/
  Addons/
    5A5EA5882E11E9F0/  ← Enhanced Movement mod
      Addons/
      Configs/
      meta.conf
      gproj

Step 3: Verify Installation

1. Check mod folder exists in correct location
2. Verify meta.conf file is present
3. Restart server
4. Check logs for successful mod loading

Manual Installation Example (Linux)

# Download mod locally first, then:
scp -r ~/.local/share/bohemia/ArmaReforger/addons/5A5EA5882E11E9F0 \
  user@server:/path/to/ServerProfile/Addons/

Testing Mods

Always test mods before deploying to your live server.

Testing Process

1. Local test server: Test on personal PC first
2. Single mod test: Add one mod at a time
3. Client connection test: Connect with game client
4. Performance check: Monitor FPS and RAM usage
5. Compatibility test: Test with other mods enabled
6. Multi-player test: Test with 2-3 players

Test Checklist

Before deploying to live server:

• ✅ Mod loads without errors
• ✅ Server starts successfully
• ✅ Clients can connect
• ✅ Mod features work as expected
• ✅ No performance degradation
• ✅ No conflicts with existing mods
• ✅ Log shows no errors or warnings

Test Server Configuration

Create a separate test server config:

{
  "bindPort": 2002,  // Different port
  "publicPort": 2002,
  "game": {
    "name": "[TEST] Mod Testing Server",
    "visible": false,  // Hide from browser
    "maxPlayers": 4,   // Small player count
    "mods": [
      {
        "modId": "NEW_MOD_ID_HERE",
        "name": "Testing New Mod"
      }
    ]
  }
}

Mod Load Order

Mod load order determines which mod's changes take priority when conflicts occur.

How Load Order Works

Mods are loaded in the order they appear in config.json:

{
  "mods": [
    { "modId": "AAA..." },  // Loads first (lowest priority)
    { "modId": "BBB..." },  // Loads second
    { "modId": "CCC..." }   // Loads last (highest priority)
  ]
}

Last mod wins: If two mods modify the same file, the last mod's version is used.

Recommended Load Order

1. Core/Framework Mods (load first):

• Game balance frameworks
• API/library mods
• Core system overhauls

2. Content Mods (load second):

• New weapons/vehicles
• Map additions
• Faction mods

3. Gameplay Tweaks (load third):

• Balance adjustments
• Minor gameplay changes

4. UI/Visual Mods (load last):

• HUD modifications
• Texture replacements
• Visual effects

Example Proper Load Order

{
  "mods": [
    { "modId": "...", "name": "Core Game Framework" },
    { "modId": "...", "name": "New Faction Pack" },
    { "modId": "...", "name": "Vehicle Expansion" },
    { "modId": "...", "name": "Weapon Balance Tweak" },
    { "modId": "...", "name": "UI Enhancement" }
  ]
}

Troubleshooting Mod Conflicts

Mod conflicts occur when multiple mods modify the same game files or systems.

Common Conflict Symptoms

Server won't start:

• Check logs for "Failed to load mod" errors
• Try removing last added mod
• Test mods individually

Crashes during gameplay:

• Monitor logs for script errors
• Check for incompatible mod combinations
• Update all mods to latest versions

Missing features:

• Check load order (later mods override earlier ones)
• Verify mod dependencies are installed
• Ensure mod supports server-side use

Performance issues:

• Some mods are resource-intensive
• Multiple AI mods can compound issues
• Large content packs may cause RAM issues

Conflict Resolution Process

Step 1: Identify culprit:

# Binary search approach:
# Test with half the mods disabled
# Repeat until you find the problematic mod

Step 2: Check compatibility:

• Read mod descriptions for known conflicts
• Check Workshop comments for issues
• Search community forums

Step 3: Adjust load order:

• Try loading conflicting mods in different order
• Place framework mods before content mods

Step 4: Contact authors:

• Report conflict in Workshop comments
• Provide log files showing errors
• Ask about compatibility patches

Using Logs for Debugging

Windows log location:

ServerProfile/logs/console_TIMESTAMP.log

Linux log location:

ServerProfile/logs/console_TIMESTAMP.log

Search for errors:

# Linux/Mac
grep "ERROR" ServerProfile/logs/console_*.log

# Windows PowerShell
Select-String -Path "ServerProfile\logs\console_*.log" -Pattern "ERROR"

PS5 Cross-Platform Compatibility

Not all mods work on PlayStation 5 due to platform restrictions.

PS5 Mod Limitations

❌ Won't work on PS5:

• Mods using external DLLs
• Complex script-heavy mods
• Custom UI frameworks
• Third-party integrations
• Very large mods (>500MB)

✅ Usually work on PS5:

• Simple weapon/vehicle additions
• Map modifications
• Sound replacements
• Balance tweaks
• Minor gameplay adjustments

Checking PS5 Compatibility

Before adding a mod to cross-platform server:

1. Check mod Workshop page for "Console Compatible" tag
2. Read description for PS5 support mention
3. Check comments for PS5 player feedback
4. Test on PS5 client before adding to live server

Cross-Platform Testing

{
  "game": {
    "crossPlatform": true,
    "mods": [
      {
        "modId": "CONSOLE_COMPATIBLE_MOD_ID",
        "name": "Console-Compatible Mod"
      }
    ]
  }
}

Testing process:

1. Enable cross-platform in config
2. Add ONE mod at a time
3. Test with PS5 client connection
4. Verify mod features work on PS5
5. Check for disconnects or errors

Full guide: PS5 Cross-Platform Setup

Performance Considerations

Mods impact server performance differently based on their complexity.

Performance Impact by Mod Type

Low impact (1-5% FPS):

• Texture replacements
• Sound mods
• UI modifications
• Small balance tweaks

Medium impact (5-10% FPS):

• New weapons/vehicles
• Map additions
• Simple gameplay mechanics

High impact (10-20% FPS):

• AI behavior mods
• Large map overhauls
• Complex script systems
• Real-time weather/environment

Measuring Mod Performance

Benchmark process:

1. Baseline test (no mods):

   • Launch server
   • Note FPS in logs
   • Monitor RAM usage

2. Add mods one by one:

   • Add mod to config
   • Restart server
   • Note new FPS
   • Calculate performance delta

3. Document results:

   Baseline: 60 FPS, 4GB RAM
   + Enhanced Movement: 58 FPS (-2), 4.1GB RAM
   + Radio System: 54 FPS (-4), 4.5GB RAM
   + Weather Mod: 48 FPS (-6), 5.2GB RAM
   

Performance Optimization

Limit mod count:

• Max 10-15 mods for best performance
• Focus on essential mods only
• Remove unused/redundant mods

Choose lightweight alternatives:

• Research mod performance in community forums
• Ask mod authors about optimization
• Test multiple mods with similar features

Server hardware considerations:

Best Practices

Mod Management Strategy

1. Start small:

• Begin with 3-5 essential mods
• Add more gradually as you test
• Remove any that cause issues

2. Document everything:

// Keep external notes:
{
  "mods": [
    {
      "modId": "5A5EA5882E11E9F0",
      "name": "Enhanced Movement",
      "note": "Added 2025-11-01, tested OK, 2% FPS impact"
    }
  ]
}

3. Regular updates:

• Check Workshop weekly for mod updates
• Update mods during low-traffic hours
• Test updates on test server first
• Keep changelog of mod versions

4. Backup configs:

# Before any mod changes:
cp config.json config.json.backup-2025-11-06

5. Community feedback:

• Ask players which mods they want
• Survey players about mod performance
• Remove unpopular/problematic mods

Mod Update Process

When Workshop mods update:

1. Check changelog: Read what changed on Workshop page
2. Backup current config: Save working configuration
3. Test on test server: Deploy update to test environment
4. Monitor for issues: Check logs and performance
5. Deploy to live: Update live server during maintenance
6. Announce changes: Notify community of updates

Version Control

Use Git to track mod configuration changes:

# Initialize Git repo
git init

# Track config changes
git add config.json
git commit -m "Add Enhanced Movement mod (5A5EA5882E11E9F0)"

# View history
git log --oneline

Common Mod Scenarios

Scenario 1: Weapon Pack Server

Goal: Add multiple weapon mods for variety

{
  "game": {
    "mods": [
      { "modId": "...", "name": "Modern Weapons Pack" },
      { "modId": "...", "name": "WW2 Weapons Collection" },
      { "modId": "...", "name": "Weapon Sounds Overhaul" },
      { "modId": "...", "name": "Realistic Ballistics" }
    ]
  }
}

Testing focus: Balance, sound conflicts, performance with many players

Scenario 2: Realism Server

Goal: Maximum immersion and realism

{
  "game": {
    "mods": [
      { "modId": "...", "name": "Advanced Medical System" },
      { "modId": "...", "name": "Realistic Fatigue" },
      { "modId": "...", "name": "ACRE Radio System" },
      { "modId": "...", "name": "No HUD Elements" },
      { "modId": "...", "name": "Authentic Uniforms" }
    ]
  }
}

Testing focus: Player experience, learning curve, mod interactions

Scenario 3: Fun/Casual Server

Goal: Entertaining gameplay over realism

{
  "game": {
    "mods": [
      { "modId": "...", "name": "Fast Respawn" },
      { "modId": "...", "name": "Increased Vehicle Speed" },
      { "modId": "...", "name": "Unlimited Stamina" },
      { "modId": "...", "name": "Fun Game Modes Pack" }
    ]
  }
}

Testing focus: Fun factor, balance, server stability

Helpful Resources

• Server Setup Guide
• Config Troubleshooting
• Config Generator (Mod Management)
• JSON Validator
• Official Workshop
• Bohemia Forums

Quick Reference

Essential Commands

List loaded mods:

# Check server logs
grep "Mod loaded" ServerProfile/logs/console_*.log

Clear mod cache:

# Windows
rmdir /s /q ServerProfile\Addons

# Linux
rm -rf ServerProfile/Addons

Force mod redownload:

1. Delete mod folder from ServerProfile/Addons/
2. Restart server
3. Server will redownload from Workshop

Troubleshooting Checklist

• ✅ Mod ID is correct (20 alphanumeric characters)
• ✅ Mod is public/published on Workshop
• ✅ Server has internet connectivity
• ✅ No JSON syntax errors in config.json
• ✅ Load order is logical (frameworks first)
• ✅ All mod dependencies are installed
• ✅ Mods are compatible with server version
• ✅ For PS5: Mods are console-compatible

Last Updated: November 2025

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