# How to make an Arma 3 dedicated server

> What an Arma 3 dedicated server needs, how it will work on Wilderack, how to load a mission, become admin and pick a plan for your group.

By the Wilderack Crew. Last reviewed 2026-11-13. Topic: Getting started.

_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 dedicated server runs your group's missions on its own, without anyone's PC hosting them. It needs a few config files, the missions you want to play, and a fast CPU core for the AI.

> [!NOTE]
> Arma 3 servers can't be ordered on Wilderack yet. 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. We open Arma 3 once Bohemia gives us its OK and a way to download the server. This guide shows how it will work then. Everything about Arma 3 itself applies to any Arma 3 server.

## What you need

- **Your own copy of Arma 3**, on PC. Every player needs one too. We never ship game files.
- **Missions.** Arma 3 runs scenarios, called missions, packed as `.pbo` files. Use ones from the Steam Workshop, from your group, or ones you make in the Eden editor.
- **A plan with enough RAM.** Arma 3 leans on one fast core more than on memory. Big mod sets are what push memory up.

| Your server | Plan to start with |
|---|---|
| A small group, up to about 20 players | 4 GB |
| Most missions, up to about 40 players | 6 GB |
| ACE, RHS, CUP or other big mod sets | 8 GB |
| Big modded operations, up to 100 players | 12 GB |

## Create your server

1. Choose **Arma 3** in the game list.
2. Pick **Arma 3**, or **Arma 3 with Creator DLC** if your group plays Creator DLC such as S.O.G. Prairie Fire or Global Mobilization.
3. Pick a plan from the table above.
4. Choose the region closest to your players. US East and Europe are open now.
5. Pick a name. It becomes your address, like `ridgeline.tosk.gg`.
6. Pay. The server installs Arma 3 and starts.

The first start downloads about 10 GB, so it takes a few minutes. Later starts take from half a minute to a few minutes, longer with big mods.

## Load a mission

1. Upload the mission's `.pbo` file to `mpmissions` in **Files**. Its name looks like `MyOperation.Altis.pbo`.
2. Open `server.cfg` and name it in the missions list, without `.pbo`:

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

3. Restart. The server loads the first mission in the list by itself.

You can also pick missions from inside the game once you're admin, with `#missions`.

## Become admin

Wilderack makes an admin password for your server. Copy it from **Settings**.

1. Join your server.
2. Open the chat and type `#login` followed by a space and the password.
3. You're admin until you leave. Try `#missions` to pick a mission, or `#kick` to remove a player.

The [config reference](https://wilderack.com/wiki/arma-3/config-reference/#admin-commands) lists the commands.

## Pick the basics

Under **Settings** you can change the server name, password, player limit, difficulty, voice chat, signed mods and BattlEye without opening a file. Each one writes a line in `server.cfg` for you.

## Charging players

If you take money from players, even as donations, Bohemia's server monetization rules apply. Your server must be registered and approved by Bohemia. Read [Bohemia's monetization page](https://www.bohemia.net/en/monetization/arma3) before you set up a store.

## Why Arma 3 servers stay on

Players find Arma 3 servers in the Launcher and the in-game browser. A server that sleeps drops out of both, so Arma 3 servers stay on all the time and are sold on always-on plans.

## What to read next

- [How to connect](https://wilderack.com/wiki/arma-3/how-to-connect/)
- [Config reference](https://wilderack.com/wiki/arma-3/config-reference/)
- [Mods](https://wilderack.com/wiki/arma-3/mods/)
- [Performance](https://wilderack.com/wiki/arma-3/performance/)

## Questions and answers

### Can I rent an Arma 3 server on Wilderack today?

Not yet. 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. Arma 3 opens on Wilderack once Bohemia gives us its OK and a way to download the server. Join the waitlist on the Arma 3 page to hear first.

### How much RAM does an Arma 3 server need?

At least 4 GB for a small group. 6 GB suits most missions with up to 40 players, and big mod sets like ACE, RHS and CUP do best on 8 GB or more.

### How do I become admin on an Arma 3 server?

Open the chat in game and type

## Sources

- [Arma 3: Dedicated Server](https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Arma_3:_Dedicated_Server), Bohemia Interactive Community Wiki
- [Arma 3: Server Config File](https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Arma_3:_Server_Config_File), Bohemia Interactive Community Wiki
- [Multiplayer Server Commands](https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Multiplayer_Server_Commands), Bohemia Interactive Community Wiki
- [Arma 3 server monetization](https://www.bohemia.net/en/monetization/arma3), Bohemia Interactive

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