Panel/modules/billing/docs/games/arma-2.md

Arma 2 — Complete Dedicated Server Guide

Startup Parameters

Default command line

arma2oaserver.exe -port=2302 -config=server.cfg -cfg=basic.cfg -profiles=ServerProfile -mod=@mod1;@mod2

Parameters (exhaustive, server-relevant only)

• -port=<port> — Server port. Default: 2302.
• -config=<file> — Server config file (server.cfg).
• -cfg=<file> — Basic config file (basic.cfg).
• -profiles=<dir> — Profile directory.
• -mod=<mods> — Mod folders (semicolon separated).
• -serverMod=<mods> — Server-side only mods.
• -name=<profilename> — Server profile name.
• -world=<worldname> — Empty world name.
• -noSound — Disable sound processing.
• -nosplash — Skip intro videos.
• -noPause — Don't pause when not focused.
• -cpuCount=<num> — CPU core count override.
• -maxMem=<mb> — Maximum memory usage.

Ports

• Game: UDP 2302 (primary)
• Query: UDP 2303 (game port + 1)
• BattlEye: UDP 2344 (if enabled)

Config Files & Locations

Windows:

• server.cfg — Main server configuration
• basic.cfg — Basic networking and performance settings
• ServerProfile/ — Profile directory with logs and user data
• MPMissions/ — Mission files directory
• keys/ — Signature keys for mod verification

Linux:

• ~/arma/server.cfg — Main server configuration
• ~/arma/basic.cfg — Basic networking settings
• ~/arma/ServerProfile/ — Profile directory
• ~/arma/MPMissions/ — Mission files
• ~/arma/keys/ — Signature keys

Key Files:

• server.cfg: Server name, password, mission rotation, admin settings
• basic.cfg: Network bandwidth and performance tuning
• Profile logs: Server performance and error logs

Steam Workshop

Not supported by this game.

Common Mods (curated)

Admin/Management Mods

• Check official mod repositories or community sites for Arma 2
• Look for server administration, anti-cheat, and quality-of-life mods
• Install according to game's modding framework (if available)

Popular Community Mods

• Search Steam Workshop (if supported) for highly-rated server mods
• Check game's official forums and community sites for recommended mods
• Verify mod compatibility with current server version

Installation Notes

• Follow each mod's specific installation instructions
• Some games require mod loading frameworks or special startup parameters
• Test mods individually before combining multiple mods

Database

Not applicable - this game does not use a database for core functionality.

Administration & Scripting

Remote Administration:

• RCON (Remote Console) access for server management
• Web-based admin panels (game-specific or third-party)
• In-game admin commands and permissions

Backup Strategy:

• Automated daily backups of save files and configuration
• Rotate backups (keep 7 daily, 4 weekly, 12 monthly)
• Test backup restoration procedures regularly
• Store backups in separate location/drive

Auto-Update:

• Use SteamCMD for automatic server updates (Steam games)
• Schedule updates during low-traffic periods
• Backup before applying updates
• Monitor for update announcements and patch notes

Monitoring:

• Server performance monitoring (CPU, memory, network)
• Player connection logs and statistics
• Error log monitoring and alerting
• Uptime tracking and availability reporting

Troubleshooting (game-specific)

"Bad module info" / Addon errors

• Cause: Corrupted mod files or version mismatches
• Fix: Verify mod integrity, ensure client-server version matching, check signature verification

"Session lost" during gameplay

• Cause: Network issues or memory problems
• Fix: Optimize basic.cfg network settings, increase server memory allocation, check mod conflicts

High memory usage / Server crashes

• Cause: Memory leaks from scripts or excessive mod usage
• Fix: Restart server regularly, optimize mission scripts, reduce active mod count

BattlEye script restriction kicks

• Cause: Scripts triggering BE filters
• Fix: Update BattlEye filters for installed mods, configure proper exceptions

Signature verification failed

• Cause: Missing or mismatched .bikey files
• Fix: Ensure all mod .bikey files present in keys/ directory, verify verifySignatures setting

Performance issues / Low FPS

• Cause: Complex missions, AI overload, or insufficient server resources
• Fix: Optimize mission complexity, reduce AI count, upgrade server hardware, tune basic.cfg