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Arma 3 Server Parameters and Startup Options Explained

A practical guide to Arma 3 dedicated-server startup options: build a correct command, separate launch settings from server.cfg, use -par files, and fix path, port and multihoming problems.
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Arma 3 dedicated-server startup parameters are command-line options placed after the executable name. The most important are -port for the listening port, -config for the server policy file, and -profiles for profiles and logs. Add -bePath when BattlEye files live in a custom directory, -ip when the machine has multiple local addresses, and -par when a separate parameter file is easier to maintain.

For example, a Windows launch command can look like this:

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arma3server_x64.exe -port=2302 "-config=C:\Arma 3 Server\server.cfg" "-profiles=C:\Arma 3 Server\profiles" -bePath="C:\Arma 3 Server\BattlEye" -ip=192.0.2.10

The number 2302 and the address above are examples, not universal requirements. Replace them with values that match your network and installation. Bohemia Interactive defines these options as “Startup parameters are command line interface(CLI) arguments that go after the executable’s name in order to set options.”

What Arma 3 startup parameters control

A startup parameter changes how the executable starts. It can select a network endpoint, point the process at a configuration file, move writable data to a known directory, or load a whole set of arguments from another file. Parameter names are case-insensitive, so -PORT and -port identify the same option. Values are written after an equals sign, and a value containing spaces must be quoted.

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Startup options can be supplied in Steam launch options, a Windows shortcut target, or a parameter file loaded with -par. Choose one method and document it so a later administrator can see exactly which executable, paths and network settings are active.

Core dedicated-server parameters

Parameter What it controls When to use it
-port The port on which the dedicated server listens. Set an explicit port for firewall rules, router forwarding and multiple instances.
-config The server configuration file containing identity, access and gameplay policy. Use it whenever the server should load a specific server.cfg or another named file.
-profiles The profile and log directory. Keep writable data separate from the executable, especially when running more than one instance.
-bePath A custom BattlEye directory. Make the anti-cheat location explicit when it is not in the expected default location.
-ip The local IP address selected by the server. Use it for multihoming when the host has several available local addresses.
-pid A process-ID file written by the dedicated server. Useful to service managers and scripts that need to identify or stop the correct process.
-par A file containing startup arguments. Move long mod lists, paths and repeatable settings out of a shortcut or launch field.

The dedicated-server executable does not need a -server switch. That switch is used when starting a dedicated server from the client executable; it is not a requirement for arma3server_x64.exe.

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Build a reliable launch command

1. Start with the correct executable

Use the dedicated-server executable for a normal headless installation. If you deliberately launch from the game client executable, add the client-mode switch required for that workflow, including -server. Mixing the two models is a common reason for confusing logs and unsupported options.

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2. Assign a port and, if needed, an IP

Set -port to the port you have opened in the host firewall and any upstream router. The example value 2302 is frequently shown in sample commands, but the correct value for your installation is the one your network policy and instance layout reserve. If the machine has multiple local addresses, add -ip=address so the process binds to the intended interface. The address must be available on that host; an arbitrary or remote address will not make the server reachable.

3. Select the server configuration file

Use -config with the complete path to the policy file, for example -config=C:Arma 3 Serverserver.cfg. The path is quoted in the full command because it contains spaces. The file name is not automatically discovered: there is no default configuration filename, and if -config is omitted, no server configuration file is loaded.

4. Set profiles and logs explicitly

-profiles changes where profile data and logs are written. An explicit directory makes backups and troubleshooting predictable and prevents separate instances from competing for the same writable files. Keep the path quoted when it contains spaces, as in -profiles="C:Arma 3 Serverprofiles".

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5. Point BattlEye at the intended directory

Use -bePath when BattlEye should use a particular directory, such as a per-instance folder. Explicit paths are especially useful when several instances share one host and each needs independently managed BattlEye files.

6. Add a PID file when another process manages the server

-pid writes a process-ID file for the dedicated server. A supervisor can use that file to monitor or stop the right process instead of relying on a window title or a broad process-name match. The exact PID filename and location should be chosen consistently with the rest of your service layout.

Quoting, relative paths and launch directories

Every path containing spaces must be quoted. A safe pattern is to quote the complete name=value argument, such as "-config=C:Arma 3 Serverserver.cfg". Unquoted paths are split at the first space, so the executable receives a truncated value and may appear to ignore the option.

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Relative paths are resolved from the directory in which the executable was started, not necessarily from the directory where the shortcut file is stored. This distinction matters when a service, scheduled task or control panel chooses a different working directory. Absolute paths remove that ambiguity. The official guidance also notes that profile-path behavior differs between Windows and Linux, so do not assume a Windows path layout will behave identically on a Linux host.

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When using relative paths intentionally, record the expected launch directory in the service definition or startup documentation. Otherwise a command that works from an interactive shell can fail when started by a scheduler.

Using a parameter file with -par

A parameter file is useful when a command includes many paths, mods or instance-specific switches. Put the arguments in a text file and pass that file with -par. Keep each quoted path intact; do not remove quotation marks merely because the arguments are no longer in a shortcut.

-port=2302
-config="C:Arma 3 Serverserver.cfg"
-profiles="C:Arma 3 Serverprofiles"
-bePath="C:Arma 3 ServerBattlEye"
ip=192.0.2.10

Launch it with a command such as:

arma3server_x64.exe -par="C:Arma 3 Serverinstance01.params"

The file should contain the same startup arguments you would otherwise place after the executable. Keep one authoritative parameter file per instance, give it a descriptive name, and store it with the service documentation. If a path is relative, remember that it is still interpreted from the executable’s launch directory.

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Startup parameters versus server.cfg

These two layers solve different problems:

Layer Typical contents How it is selected
Startup command or -par file Port, bind address, executable paths, profile/log location, BattlEye location and PID behavior. Arguments placed after the executable name, directly or through -par.
server.cfg Server identity, passwords, player limit, message of the day and related gameplay policy. The file named by -config; no automatic default filename is loaded.

Common configuration entries include passwordAdmin, password, hostname, maxPlayers, motd[] and motdInterval. Put a setting in the layer that owns it. For example, changing the listening port belongs in the launch command, while changing the displayed server name belongs in the selected configuration file.

Using the Arma 3 Launcher instead of a shortcut

The Arma 3 Launcher provides a graphical route to many of the same controls. Its dedicated-server area exposes fields for the server port, PID file, ranking file, network logging, basic and server configuration files, BattlEye path and dedicated-server IP. This is useful when an administrator prefers visible fields over hand-editing a command line.

After saving launcher settings, verify the generated values rather than assuming an empty field has a useful default. In particular, check the selected configuration filename, profile directory, BattlEye path and IP when moving between machines. A launcher profile and a manually maintained service command can otherwise diverge.

Choosing an administration method

Approach Advantages Risks and best fit
Launcher controls Visible fields for port, config files, profiles, BattlEye, logging, PID and IP. Good for occasional or less experienced administration; changes can be harder to audit unless documented.
Inline command or shortcut Easy to inspect and copy for a small installation. Long mod lists and quoted paths become unwieldy; a single typo can break startup.
-par file Readable, versionable and practical for long or multi-instance commands. The file path and working directory must be correct, and quoting still matters.
Client executable with -server Supports the client-based dedicated-server launch model. Do not confuse it with the dedicated-server executable, which does not require -server.

Troubleshooting by symptom

The server starts but ignores a setting

  • Confirm that the argument appears after the executable name.
  • Check spelling and remember that parameter names are case-insensitive, while the value itself must still be valid.
  • If the setting belongs to server policy, verify that the file named by -config contains it. No configuration file is loaded when -config is absent.
  • If you use -par, confirm that the process is loading the intended parameter file rather than an older copy.

The process cannot find a file or directory

  • Quote every path containing spaces.
  • Test the command from the same working directory used by the service or scheduled task.
  • Replace relative paths with absolute paths while diagnosing the problem.
  • Check Windows-versus-Linux path conventions and the documented difference in profile behavior.

The server is unreachable

  • Verify that -port matches the firewall and router rules for this instance.
  • If the host has multiple interfaces, confirm that -ip names an address assigned to the machine.
  • Make sure another instance is not already using the same port.
  • Review startup output and network logs when enabled through the Launcher controls.

Two instances interfere with each other

  • Give each instance its own port.
  • Use separate -profiles and BattlEye directories.
  • Use distinct configuration files selected with separate -config arguments.
  • Add a PID file per instance so automation can identify the correct process.

Installation and persistent operation

The dedicated-server documentation covers installation with SteamCMD and persistent mission operation. Treat installation and runtime configuration as separate stages: install or update the server files, then maintain a repeatable launch command or parameter file for each running instance. Persistent operation is easier to supervise when the process has explicit ports, profile paths, configuration paths and, where needed, a PID file.

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Before putting an instance into regular service, record the executable location, working directory, parameter source, configuration filename, profile directory, BattlEye directory, port and bind address. This inventory lets another administrator reproduce the launch without guessing which defaults were relied upon.

Pre-flight checklist

  • Use the intended dedicated-server executable.
  • Set a unique, permitted -port and open that port in the host and network firewalls.
  • Add -ip only when you need to select among multiple local addresses.
  • Select the intended policy file with -config.
  • Confirm that the policy file contains entries such as hostname, passwords, maxPlayers and MOTD settings as required.
  • Set a writable -profiles directory for logs and profile data.
  • Set -bePath when BattlEye is stored outside the expected location.
  • Quote paths containing spaces.
  • Use -par when the command is long, and verify the parameter file’s working-directory assumptions.
  • Add -pid if a supervisor or script must manage the process.

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