How to create an Arma 3 server? The complete guide

There are two ways to create an Arma 3 server: self-hosting via SteamCMD on your own machine (free but technical) or through a turnkey Arma 3 host (paid, ready in seconds). Here are both, step by step.

Method 1: self-host with SteamCMD

1. Install the dedicated server

The Arma 3 dedicated server installs via SteamCMD. Download the tool, then fetch the arma3server application (app ID 233780). This generates the executable and the server's base files.

2. Create the configuration file

Create a server.cfg to define the server name, the password, the default mission and the rules. This file is passed at launch with the -config= parameter.

3. Add the mods

Mods are loaded with the -mod= parameter, pointing to each folder. For choosing which mods to install, see Which mods should you install on an Arma 3 server?

4. Open the ports (the most tedious part)

To make the server accessible from the outside, you need to open ports 2302 to 2306 in UDP on your router (NAT forwarding) and share your public IP. This is where many people get stuck: dynamic IP, firewall, CGNAT from certain ISPs.

The limits of self-hosting

• Your PC must stay on at all times for the server to be accessible.
• It shares its power with your other uses, which causes lag.
• No Anti-DDoS protection: exposing your personal IP is risky.
• Backups, updates, security: everything is on you.

Method 2: go through a host (the simplest option)

A host removes all the technical side: no ports to open, no IP to expose, server online 24/7. With Fly-Serv, creation is instant: you choose your plan, the server is delivered in seconds with an address ready to share, and the FlyPanel lets you start it, install mods and manage files in one click.

Simple rule: to test with friends over a weekend, self-hosting is enough. For a permanent, smooth server, a host saves you more time… and often money.

Conclusion

If you're starting out or aiming for a stable community, create your Arma 3 server with Fly-Serv from 2.99 €/month, on Ryzen 9 7950X3D with Anti-DDoS included. Once the server is online, set it up with our guide How to configure an Arma 3 server?