> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Set Up an Arma 3 Dedicated Server (Getting Started)

> How to set up an Arma 3 dedicated server on FREAKHOSTING: start it, name it in server.cfg, set a password and slots in Startup, join and back it up.

To set up an Arma 3 dedicated server on FREAKHOSTING, open your server in the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com), set **Server Password** and **Max Players** on **Startup**, change `hostname` in `server.cfg` under **Files**, then start the server. It is ready when the console shows `Host identity created.` Players join with your address and game port, for example `203.0.113.10:2302`.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel pages |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 10 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING Arma 3 server | **Startup**, **Files**, **Console** |

## Before you start

* Log in to the [Game Panel](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-login-and-access-the-game-panel.md).
* Own Arma 3 on Steam. Players join from the Arma 3 Launcher or the in-game server browser.
* Arma 3 has no game settings page in the panel. You set everything on **Startup** or in files such as `server.cfg`.

## How to set up your Arma 3 server

**1. Stop the server**

The server is installed for you and may already be running. [Stop it](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md) before you change settings.

**2. Set the password and player slots**

Click **Startup**. Type a **Server Password** (leave it empty for a public server) and set **Max Players**. Each field saves when you click outside it. See [set a password](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/arma-3/how-to-set-a-password-on-your-arma-3-server.md).

**3. Name your server**

Click **Files**, open `server.cfg` and change the `hostname` line, for example `hostname = "My Arma 3 Server";`. Click **Save Content**. The default name is `Arma 3 Server`.

**4. Set an admin password**

In the same file, remove the `//` in front of `passwordAdmin` and set your own password, so you can log in as admin in game with `#login`. See [become admin](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/arma-3/how-to-become-admin-on-your-arma-3-server.md).

**5. Change the welcome message**

The `motd[]` lines still hold example text such as `TS3 Server: teamspeak.somewhere.com`. Replace or remove them.

**6. Start the server**

Start the server and open **Console**. It first checks for updates, then starts. When you see `Host identity created.` and then `Server load: FPS …` lines, players can join.

![Arma 3 server root folder in the FREAKHOSTING File Manager with the New folder, Upload and New file buttons](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/dCZ9JIDc2HjHnuiD/images/games/arma-3/arma3-files-root.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=dCZ9JIDc2HjHnuiD\&q=85\&s=3de01ad70b0c4acf2714363193e9e627)

The server root in the File Manager, with server.cfg, basic.cfg, mpmissions and keys

## What the console shows on first start

| Console line | What it means |
| - | - |
| `[STARTUP_WARN]: Arma 3 Modlist file "modlist.html" could not be found, or is invalid!` | No mod list is uploaded yet. The server starts without mods. You can ignore it. |
| `Success! App '233780' already up to date.` | The update check finished. |
| `SteamAPI initialization failed. Steam features won't be accessible!` | Harmless on our servers. |
| `BattlEye Server: Initialized` | BattlEye anti-cheat is on (`BattlEye = 1;` in `server.cfg`). |
| `Game Port: 2302, Steam Query Port: 2303` | The ports players and server browsers use (your numbers may differ). |
| `Host identity created.` | The server is up and players can join. |

## How players join your Arma 3 server

| Method | What to do |
| - | - |
| Arma 3 Launcher | Open **Servers**, click **Direct Connect** and enter your address and game port, for example `203.0.113.10` and `2302`. |
| Server browser | Search the **Internet** tab for your `hostname`. |
| Mods | If your server uses mods, players need the same mods. Joining from the Launcher shows the required mods. |

Copy your address from the **Console** page or the **Network** page. If players can't find the server, see [server not showing in the list](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/arma-3/arma-3-server-not-showing-in-list.md).

## Make your first backup

Make a [backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md) once your settings work, and before you add mods or missions. You can also turn on [automatic backups](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-set-up-automatic-backups.md).

## Frequently asked questions

### Which mission does a new Arma 3 server run?

The default `server.cfg` rotates two built-in Zeus missions: `MP_ZGM_m11.Altis` and `MP_ZGM_m12.Stratis`. To run your own, see [add missions](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/arma-3/how-to-add-missions-to-your-arma-3-server.md).

### What port does an Arma 3 server use?

The game port is 2302 by default. Arma 3 also uses the next four ports: Steam query (+1), Steam (+2), a reserved VoN port (+3) and BattlEye (+4). Players only need the game port.

### Why do I edit server.cfg instead of a settings page?

Arma 3 has no game module in the panel. The server name, admin password, welcome message and missions live in `server.cfg`. Password and player slots are on **Startup**. See [server.cfg explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/arma-3/configuring-servercfg-for-arma-3.md).

### How do I add mods to my Arma 3 server?

Export a preset from the Arma 3 Launcher as an HTML file and upload it as `modlist.html`. The server downloads the Workshop mods when it starts. See [install mods](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/arma-3/installing-mods-and-mission-files-in-arma-3.md).

## Related guides

> [card] [Arma 3 server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/arma-3/arma-3-server-hosting-guide.md)
>
> Every Arma 3 page in one place.

> [card] [server.cfg explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/arma-3/configuring-servercfg-for-arma-3.md)
>
> Name, admin password, MOTD and rules.

> [card] [Install mods](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/arma-3/installing-mods-and-mission-files-in-arma-3.md)
>
> modlist.html and Workshop mods.

> [card] [Startup parameters](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/arma-3/understanding-startup-parameters.md)
>
> Every Startup variable explained.

> [card] [Not showing in the list](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/arma-3/arma-3-server-not-showing-in-list.md)
>
> Find your server or join by IP.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 31 October 2026 (Arma 3 dedicated server 2.22). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes.

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### Need Extra Help?
>
> If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:
>
> * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
> * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
> * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
> * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
> Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order!

***

**Last Updated:** October 2026


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