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Simulation Balance: Difficulty & AI


Arma 3 offers one of the most granular difficulty systems in gaming. Instead of a simple “Easy/Hard” switch, server admins must configure a specific profile file to dictate everything from third-person camera restrictions to the spotting distance of enemy AI.
Reading TimeDifficultyLast Updated
5 minutesIntermediateJanuary 2026

The Arma3Profile

Difficulty settings are not found in your main server.cfg. They are located in your server’s “User Profile.”
  • Path: /files/config/Users/Server/Server.Arma3Profile (Path may vary based on setup).
  • Edit Method: Text Editor.

The Custom Difficulty Block

We strongly recommend using the Custom difficulty class. This gives you absolute control over HUD elements.
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 below.
    };
};

Taming the AI (Terminators vs Stormtroopers)

Arma 3 AI is notorious for instantly headshotting players from 500 meters away. You must tune them to be “Tactical but Inaccurate.”
  • skillAI: 0.85
    • High value makes them flank, use smoke grenades, and take cover intelligently.
  • precisionAI: 0.35
    • Low value makes their aim shaky, simulating human stress under fire.
The Golden Rule: Keep Skill High, Keep Precision Low. This creates engaging firefights where the enemy suppresses you without instantly killing you.

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