Best Arma 3 server hosting: how to choose

Three ways to run a Arma 3 server

Before you compare hosts, it’s worth knowing you might not need one. Here is how the three ways to play Arma 3 with friends compare.

What to look for in a Arma 3 host

These are the things that matter for Arma 3 in particular. Each one says why, links the guide with the details, and says honestly what Wilderack does about it. The checks that matter for every game, from ping to refunds, are in our guide to choosing a game server host.

1. Bohemia’s OK to rent servers

   Bohemia’s server license is for personal use and rules out renting servers, and the server only downloads with a signed-in Steam account, which we never use. Owners who charge players must also register with Bohemia. How to make an Arma 3 dedicated server

   Not yetOn Wilderack: We open Arma 3 only once Bohemia gives us its OK and a way to download the server. Until then, Arma 3 orders stay closed.

2. Mods with their keys

   Mods go on the server’s start line, each with its .bikey in the keys folder, and every player loads the same set. On a Linux server, mod folders need lowercase names. How to add mods to an Arma 3 server

   With a catchOn Wilderack: Upload mod folders through Files or SFTP and list them in Settings, with a separate list for server-only mods. Workshop downloads need an owner’s Steam login, which we never use.

3. A fast core for the AI

   The server runs AI on one main thread, so active AI decides how smooth a mission is. Server FPS under 20 means late AI and jumping vehicles. Arma 3 server performance and requirements

   With a catchOn Wilderack: Plans are sold by RAM, not player slots. We recommend Sapling 6 GB always-on, and Sprout 4 GB always-on suits a small group. We’ll measure big modded missions on our machines before we open.

4. Missions that keep their progress

   Campaigns like Antistasi and Liberation save to the server’s profile, in a .vars.Arma3Profile file. Lose it and the campaign starts over. Arma 3 server backups, saves and moving a server

   YesOn Wilderack: Backups every 10 minutes while the server runs and before every risky step, with the profile, missions, mods and keys in each one.

5. Signatures and BattlEye

   With signature checks on, players with changed or extra mods are kicked, and BattlEye keeps cheats out. Both matter on a public server. Arma 3 server config reference

   YesOn Wilderack: Both are switches in Settings, on by default, and BattlEye’s RCon port and password are written for you.

6. A server that stays listed

   Players find Arma 3 servers in the Launcher and the in-game browser, and a server that isn’t running drops out of both. How to join an Arma 3 server

   YesOn Wilderack: Arma 3 servers stay on all the time, on always-on plans.

What a cheap Arma 3 server costs

A cheap server is one with enough memory for your group, not the lowest price on a page. These are the plans we sell for Arma 3, with the group size each one suits.

Monthly plans renew at the price shown, and you can cancel any time. A 3-day pass is a one-time payment that doesn’t renew. Prices in US dollars + applicable taxes.

A cheap Arma 3 server is a small one: Sprout 4 GB always-on runs a small group on a light mission. A modded group with ACE, RHS or CUP needs Sapling 6 GB always-on or more, and the AI count decides the rest.

Arma 3 servers have to stay on to stay on the public server list, so they never nap. That uses the memory around the clock, which is why always-on plans cost more.

Where Wilderack falls short

No host is right for every group. These are the reasons we might not be the one for yours.

• Arma 3 orders aren’t open yet. Bohemia's server license is for personal use and rules out renting Arma 3 servers or using them commercially, and its server only downloads with a signed-in Steam account, which we never use. Arma 3 opens on Wilderack once Bohemia gives us its written OK and a way to download the server.
• We can’t download Workshop mods for you, because that needs a Steam login that owns Arma 3. You upload your mod folders yourself.
• We don’t run a headless client yet. We’ll check whether one can run beside the server before Arma 3 opens.
• No region is open yet: US East and Europe are coming soon. Groups in Asia, Oceania or South America will have higher ping than with a host nearby.
• We are new, so we can’t show you years of uptime yet. A 3-day pass is the cheap way to try us first.

How we checked

The facts about Arma 3 come from our own Arma 3 guides, which our team checks against Bohemia Interactive’s documentation and patch notes, listed under Sources below. The facts about Wilderack come from our plans and the panel. Prices are read from our price list when this page is built, so they match the plans page. If something here is out of date, email support@wilderack.com and we will fix it.