Arma 2: Combined Operations Server Guide

What is Combined Operations?

Definition: Arma 2 + Operation Arrowhead combined package
Purpose: Required base for DayZ Mod and related mods
Default Port: 2302 UDP
Release: 2010 (Legacy platform)
Note: For modern DayZ, see DayZ Standalone

Arma 2: Combined Operations merges the base Arma 2 game with its Operation Arrowhead expansion. This combination is the foundation for the original DayZ Mod, DayZ Epoch, DayZ Overpoch, and other popular legacy mods.

Important Information

Legacy Platform: Arma 2 is a 2010 game with limited modern support
DayZ Standalone Exists: For modern DayZ experience, use DayZ Standalone
Community-Driven: Most support comes from community forums and modders
Both Games Required: Must have Arma 2 AND Operation Arrowhead files

🔌 Server Ports

Port	Protocol	Purpose	Status
`2302`	UDP	Game Port	REQUIRED
`2303`	UDP	Steam Query Port	REQUIRED
`2304`	UDP	Steam Port	REQUIRED
`2305`	UDP	VON (Voice chat)	REQUIRED
`3306`	TCP	MySQL (for DayZ Epoch/Overpoch)	Required for Epoch

Firewall Configuration

# UFW (Ubuntu/Debian)
sudo ufw allow 2302:2305/udp comment 'Arma 2 CO'
sudo ufw allow 3306/tcp comment 'MySQL for DayZ Epoch'

# FirewallD (CentOS)
sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=2302-2305/udp
sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=3306/tcp
sudo firewall-cmd --reload

DayZ Mod Setup

The primary use case for Combined Operations servers is hosting DayZ Mod variants.

DayZ Mod Variants

DayZ Mod (Vanilla): Original zombie survival mod
DayZ Epoch: Building, crafting, and base construction focus
DayZ Overpoch: Overwatch + Epoch combined (military loot + building)
DayZ Origins: Custom storyline and unique mechanics

DayZ Epoch Startup (Most Popular)

# Windows
arma2oaserver.exe -port=2302 -config=instance_11_Chernarus\config.cfg -cfg=instance_11_Chernarus\basic.cfg -profiles=instance_11_Chernarus -name=instance_11_Chernarus "-mod=@DayZ_Epoch;@DayZ_Epoch_Server;"

# Linux
./arma2oaserver -port=2302 -config=instance_11_Chernarus/config.cfg -cfg=instance_11_Chernarus/basic.cfg -profiles=instance_11_Chernarus -name=instance_11_Chernarus -mod=@DayZ_Epoch;@DayZ_Epoch_Server;

Required Files for DayZ Epoch

@DayZ_Epoch - Main mod folder
@DayZ_Epoch_Server - Server-side files
HiveExt.dll - Database connector
HiveExt.ini - MySQL configuration
MySQL database with Epoch schema

HiveExt.ini Configuration

[Database]
Type = MySql
Host = localhost
Port = 3306
Database = epoch
Username = epochuser
Password = yourpassword

[Objects]
CleanupPlacedAfterDays = 6
CleanupUnlockedAfterDays = 6

⚙️ Startup Parameters

Parameter	Description
`-port=2302`	Game port
`-config=`	Path to server config
`-cfg=`	Path to basic config
`-profiles=`	Profile directory
`-name=`	Profile name
`-mod=`	Mods to load (semicolon separated)

🔧 Troubleshooting

DayZ Epoch Database Issues

Can't connect to MySQL: Verify HiveExt.ini credentials and MySQL is running
Characters not saving: Check MySQL user has proper permissions
Vehicles disappearing: Verify cleanup settings in HiveExt.ini

Server Won't Start

Ensure Expansion\beta folder exists
Verify mod folder names match startup parameters exactly
Check BattlEye is enabled (required for public servers)

Players Can't Join

Verify firewall allows UDP 2302-2305
Ensure clients have matching mod versions
Check BattlEye filters aren't too restrictive

Popular server modifications and admin tools compatible with ARMA 2 Combined Operations:

DayZ Mod - Zombie survival mod with persistence and Hive architecture
Epoch Mod - Base building, traders, and dynamic economy for DayZ
BEC (BattlEye Extended Controls) - Server scheduler, auto-restart, and admin commands

📚 Resources

Important Notes

Database Required: DayZ Epoch/Overpoch require MySQL database
Regular Backups: Backup database and mission files frequently
Legacy Platform: Limited official support, rely on community
Consider Standalone: DayZ Standalone offers modern experience
BattlEye Filters: Properly configure to allow mod scripts

Documentation Version: 1.0 | Last Updated: November 10, 2025
Sources: DayZ Epoch Community, Epoch Forums, Bohemia Wiki
For modern DayZ, see DayZ Standalone Guide.

📚 Quick Navigation