# Arma 3 server config reference

> What goes in an Arma 3 server's server.cfg and basic.cfg, how the missions list works, which settings Wilderack writes, and the admin commands.

By the Wilderack Crew. Last reviewed 2026-11-13. Topic: Config reference.

_Wilderack is not affiliated with Bohemia Interactive. Arma 3's server license is for personal use, so Arma 3 servers open on Wilderack only once Bohemia gives us its written OK._

_Arma 3 is a trademark of Bohemia Interactive a.s. Wilderack is not affiliated with or endorsed by Bohemia Interactive a.s._

An Arma 3 server reads two config files when it starts: `server.cfg` for its rules and `basic.cfg` for network tuning. Both use Arma's class format: `name = value;` lines, text in double quotes, and lists in curly braces.

> [!NOTE]
> Arma 3 servers can't be ordered on Wilderack yet. We open Arma 3 once Bohemia Interactive gives us its OK. This reference works for any Arma 3 server.

## The files

| File | What it holds |
|---|---|
| `server.cfg` | Name, passwords, players, missions, difficulty, signatures and voting |
| `basic.cfg` | Bandwidth and packet tuning |
| `battleye/beserver_x64.cfg` | BattlEye's RCon port and password, which Wilderack writes |
| `profiles/` | The server's profile: custom difficulty and what missions save |
| `mpmissions/` | Mission files (`.pbo`) |

Edit them in **Files**. The common settings are also in **Settings**, so you can change them without opening a file. Every line in these files ends with a semicolon, and a missing one stops the server from reading the rest.

## server.cfg

| Setting | What it does | In Settings as |
|---|---|---|
| `hostname` | The name in the server browsers | Server name |
| `password` | Password to join. Empty lets anyone in | Server password |
| `maxPlayers` | Player limit | Max players |
| `forcedDifficulty` | Recruit, Regular, Veteran or Custom | Difficulty |
| `disableVoN` | 1 turns off voice chat in game | Voice chat in game |
| `persistent` | 1 keeps the mission running when everyone leaves | Keep the mission running |
| `verifySignatures` | 2 checks every player's mods against your keys | Players may only load signed mods |
| `BattlEye` | 1 turns on BattlEye anti-cheat | BattlEye anti-cheat |
| `motd[]` | Lines of welcome text shown in rotation | Edit in Files |
| `admins[]` | Steam IDs that can log in as admin | Edit in Files |
| `kickDuplicate` | 1 kicks a second player with the same ID | Edit in Files |
| `voteThreshold` | Share of players needed to pass a vote | Edit in Files |

Wilderack writes `passwordAdmin` for you, with a password made for your server. Copy it from **Settings**. Don't change it in the file: we write it again on each start.

A welcome message looks like this:

```cpp
motd[] = {
    "Welcome to Ridgeline",
    "Teamspeak and rules on our Discord"
};
motdInterval = 5;
```

## The missions list

The `Missions` class lists what the server plays. Each entry names a file in `mpmissions` without `.pbo`, and can set its own difficulty:

```cpp
class Missions
{
    class Mission1
    {
        template = "MyOperation.Altis";
        difficulty = "Veteran";
    };
};
```

The server starts the first one by itself. Add more entries, `Mission2` and so on, to cycle through them.

## basic.cfg

`basic.cfg` sets how much data the server sends. The defaults suit most servers. The values people tune are `MaxMsgSend`, `MaxSizeGuaranteed`, `MaxSizeNonguaranteed`, `MinBandwidth` and `MaxBandwidth`. Change one at a time and watch how it plays, since a bad value causes more desync than it fixes. See [performance](https://wilderack.com/wiki/arma-3/performance/) first.

## Admin commands

Log in with `#login` and your admin password in chat. Then:

| Command | What it does |
|---|---|
| `#missions` | Open the mission list to pick and start a mission |
| `#restart` | Restart the current mission |
| `#reassign` | Send everyone back to role selection |
| `#kick name` | Kick a player |
| `#exec ban name` | Ban a player |
| `#lock` and `#unlock` | Stop or allow new players |
| `#monitor 5` | Show server FPS, memory and bandwidth every 5 seconds |
| `#logout` | Give up admin |

Players can also vote: `#vote admin name` makes someone admin for the session if enough players agree.

## Which changes need a restart

Every file is read when the server starts. Restart after you edit one. Admin commands work right away.

## Questions and answers

### What is the difference between server.cfg and basic.cfg in Arma 3?

server.cfg holds the server's rules, like its name, passwords, missions and difficulty. basic.cfg holds network tuning, like how much data the server sends each frame. Most servers only change server.cfg.

### How do I set a custom difficulty on an Arma 3 server?

Set Difficulty to Custom in Settings, which writes forcedDifficulty = "Custom" in server.cfg. The server then reads the CustomDifficulty class from its own profile file, server.Arma3Profile, in the profiles folder.

### Do I need to restart after changing server.cfg?

Yes. The server reads server.cfg and basic.cfg when it starts. Restart after you save either file.

## Sources

- [Arma 3: Server Config File](https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Arma_3:_Server_Config_File), Bohemia Interactive Community Wiki
- [Arma 3: Basic Server Config File](https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Arma_3:_Basic_Server_Config_File), Bohemia Interactive Community Wiki
- [Arma 3: Startup Parameters](https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Arma_3:_Startup_Parameters), Bohemia Interactive Community Wiki
- [Multiplayer Server Commands](https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Multiplayer_Server_Commands), Bohemia Interactive Community Wiki

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