Skip to main content

Simulation Balance: Difficulty & AI

Arma 3 offers one of the most granular difficulty systems in the military simulation genre. Instead of a simple “Easy” or “Hard” toggle, server administrators must configure a specific profile file to dictate every aspect of the environment - from third-person camera restrictions to the exact spotting distance and accuracy of enemy AI units.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Time

10 Minutes

Locating the Arma3Profile

Difficulty settings are not stored in your primary server.cfg. Instead, they are found in your server’s “User Profile” file.
1

Find the Config Path

In the Game Panel File Manager, navigate to: /files/config/Users/Server/Server.Arma3Profile (Note: The exact path may vary depending on your specific server template).
2

Open the Editor

Click on the .Arma3Profile file to open the built-in text editor.
3

Implement the Custom Class

Scroll until you find the class DifficultyPresets section.

The Custom Difficulty Block

We strongly recommend using the Custom difficulty class. This gives you absolute control over HUD elements and realism settings.
class DifficultyPresets
{
    class CustomDifficulty
    {
        class Options
        {
            reducedDamage = 0;    // 0 = Realistic Damage. 1 = Reduced.
            groupIndicators = 0;  // 0 = No floating hexes over squadmates.
            friendlyTags = 0;     // 0 = No names over friendly units.
            enemyTags = 0;        // 0 = No names over enemies.
            detectedMines = 0;    // 0 = Mines remain hidden on HUD.
            commands = 0;         // 0 = Hides command waypoints.
            waypoints = 1;        // 1 = Shows simple waypoints.
            weaponInfo = 1;       // 1 = Shows ammo count and fire mode.
            stanceIndicator = 1;  // 1 = Shows stance (Crouch/Prone) HUD.
            staminaBar = 1;       // 1 = Shows stamina bar.
            weaponCrosshair = 0;  // 0 = No artificial crosshair.
            visionAid = 0;        // 0 = Disables "Enemy spotting" assistance.
            thirdPersonView = 1;  // 1 = Allows Third Person (TPS).
            mapContent = 1;       // 1 = Shows friendly units on the map.
        };
        aiLevelPreset = 1;        // 1 = Use Custom AI skills defined below.
    };
};

Taming the AI: Skill vs. Precision

Arma 3 AI units are notorious for performing “instant headshots” from extreme distances. To prevent frustration, you must tune them to be “Tactical but Inaccurate.”
Recommended: 0.85 A high value ensures the AI performs advanced maneuvers like flanking, using smoke grenades for concealment, and suppressing your position intelligently.

Need Extra Help?

If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

Save on Your Hosting

Ready to get a new server? Use code KB20 at checkout for 20% off your first month!

Last Updated: January 2026 | Arma 3: Combat loop optimized.