New to this...O my good god! :)

[moriah888 10]

Hi all,

Never played a military "sim" before...just got this the other day.

What can I say...so far it's just bloody amazing!

Learning curve is like the face of Everest lol.

Couple of questions : I've installed ACE and CB2 and have got them working with the launcher....what other mods would you recommend? Or just vanilla starting out?

Also what about graphical overhauls? Are there any major retexturing projects anyone would recommend?

Thanks

Dave

[katipo66 94]

Welcome, It's good to play vanilla a bit first, but seems you've jumped right in the deep end with ace so You might want to try a sound mod, take a look over at armaholic.com, also try out some islands (maps)

Edited October 29, 2011 by Katipo66

[metalcraze 290]

Start with vanilla to learn the basics. Complete tutorials, maybe a few missions from OA's campaign and single scenarios from AA2 and OA. CWR2 mod (currently demo) is also a great starting point since it's basically a remake of OFP campaign which has smoother learning curve (cwr.armedzone.com). Also play in the editor with basic (blue dudes vs. red dudes) scenarios.

ACE adds a lot of complexity and features which may seem overwhelming to a beginner. It's a great mod, but get into it after you've learned how to use what vanilla has to offer.

As for soundmods I'd recommend JSRS (look at armaholic.com or in complete mods subforum - should be on the first page). Use it right away.

[nettrucker 142]

hi there and welcome.

if it was me I would at first stick to the vanilla version and try to find a feel for the game. Once you've done that you will even more appreciate all the mods.

[mrcash2009 0]

I agree on the above, as you notice its a learning curve you dont want it to become a learning sine wave with mods right away :)

Sound mods ... yes, anything cosmetic, but the main things is to just learn it for a while. I did that and got into mods probably about 6 months into Arma when I got it, glad I did too.

You might want to check this recent but much needed learning thread:

http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?t=126404

Just get used to AI, controlling and all the basic things. I wish I was bran new to anything like a simulator and then landed face first into Arma2 ... I bet the buzz would have been great :)

Adding mods, getting combinations and its process is a small world of its own, so start basic, get a soundmod or something, check the learning threads then slowly build up in time. Its such a large area of personal preference (subjective and everyone has their favourites) and online matching for servers etc its worth taking time just looking around or "shopping around" so to speak.

Check my sig for "addons/mods list" (most links in my sig I tried to cover decent threads for learning and sourcing things) ... I would say if you want to pump up an area lacking that wont effect play too much while learning is JSRS soundmod , there are others listed in my sig link thread, but this one overall keeps allot of people happy and will immerse you while learning :)

You wont get bored, not for a long while

Edited October 29, 2011 by mrcash2009

[moriah888 10]

Hi guys thanks for these replies!

I think you're right...I'll stick with Vanilla before playing with ACE etc...I went to the firing range and couldn't hit a thing lolol.

Since I used the Launcher addon I think I can run ARMA 2 without the mods without having to uninstall them.

Thanks again!

Dave

---------- Post added at 03:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:19 PM ----------

You might want to check this recent but much needed learning thread:

http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?t=126404

Awesome learning thread - just looking over it now and downloading the videos!

[HR4 Elite 10]

Welcome ‘moriah 888’

I disagree with most all the above, I bought Arma2, Operation Arrowhead & Reinforcements, and to be honest within a couple of days had found this forum and added around 30 mods, I have over 100 mods/islands now. If you have the download space and ability, I would just jump in feet first, you learn quickly having the mod’s, your just learning with the new content already there, means you get used to the full experience from the beginning..

Within a few weeks you can be making your own in-depth missions via the editor (which is the place to be with Arma2) and experiencing what A2 can be, without waiting..

Just my opinion, however.

Anyhow, however you do it your in for some serious enjoyment..

.

[moriah888 10]

Welcome ‘moriah 888’

I disagree with most all the above, I bought Arma2, Operation Arrowhead & Reinforcements, and to be honest within a couple of days had found this forum and added around 30 mods, I have over 100 mods/islands now. If you have the download space and ability, I would just jump in feet first, you learn quickly having the mod’s, your just learning with the new content already there, means you get used to the full experience from the beginning..

Within a few weeks you can be making your own in-depth missions via the editor (which is the place to be with Arma2) and experiencing what A2 can be, without waiting..

Just my opinion, however.

Anyhow, however you do it your in for some serious enjoyment..

.

Hi HR thanks for this...just a quick question then...

Is there a "standard" format for mods? I'm using the modfolders method with a launcher application and have CBA, CBA2 and ACE...if I just add mods will there be compatibility issues or are mods developed in such a way that they are self-contained and maintain compatibility?

Would you recommend NOT installing certain mods if they overwrite shared files etc?

Thanks again!

[Tonci87 163]

Some mods are not compatible to each other, mostly if they touch the same things. One mod will then overwrite the other.

Get JSRS fpr the sound, and Blastcore for the explosions.

Search this section to find them

http://forums.bistudio.com/forumdisplay.php?f=91

[hellfire257 3]

Tonci is right, you've got to be careful which mods you pick. The majority are fine but you'll always find some that spout errors sadly. JSRS is fine but Blastcore has the potential to cause problems, but thankfully it doesn't make a nuisance of itself 99.9% of the time.

Edited October 29, 2011 by Hellfire257

[Maio 293]

I know it's tempting to jump into mods right away, but play the game in it's vanila form for a while. See what it can do by it's own and then spice it up.

Also be sure to play with a organized group in MP and try to avoid the realism clans at the begining of your MP experience. Once you are familiar with everything co crazy mod/clan wise :)

[wiggum2 31]

Learning curve is like the face of Everest lol.

Once you learned the controls you are ontop of the Everest...:p

You can download all mods that just change cosmetic stuff (new units / islands) right away. That are most likely 90% of all mods, only a few (like ACE) will add more controls you have to learn again.

Just use modfolders and the ingame mod launcher.

You hit nothing on the firing range ?

Not played CoD or Battlefield before ?

[HR4 Elite 10]

I really recommend Six Updater for handling mods etc, it will auto update, you can launch from there or save to desktop and launch from there. Other launchers are available but I have no experience with them only SU, I am not at all up to speed with mod handling and found that I learnt through updater how it all works.

Some mod’s will conflict with others, ai mod’s cross over quite a lot but part of the enjoyment is finding the best combination of mods, once you test out mod’s you will understand what I mean, for instance I have three ai mods included in the mod sequence below, these seem to work well together in the order shown (but test), however they may change the game for you if you decide to have them in different orders , you will see for the ai mods I use ‘SLX’ first followed by ‘ASR_ai’ then GL4 (note SLX is now better known as COSLX as its been updated, but will still list as SLX).

I always put game changing mods at the beginning i.e. AI, Effects, Clutter reduction & Movement, the other mods like armies, islands, vehicles, etc come after, but don’t take this as a template, it just works for me because it makes the game play the way I like it to play, mixed around and you can get a slightly different game play experience, test is the best way and indeed very enjoyable. When I say test, I put each test into a mini mission i.e. quick insertion type missions, or small patrol skirmish missions, these will give you a good idea of how your mod’s are working and they don’t last too long, as its only a test but fun at the same time.

Below is one of my running orders, just to give you an idea not for you to copy as you will want and need to test for the best game-play suited to you, but its all there for any type of military mission..

There’s around 110 mods here in one of the load orders I have, great thing about SU is you can have several 'Presets' so testing is easy..

Starting: c:\program files\bohemia interactive\arma 2\expansion\beta\arma2oa.exe

echo From: c:\program files\bohemia interactive\arma 2

echo With params: -nosplash -nofilepatching "-name=Chris B" "-mod=expansion\beta;expansion\beta\expansion;@CBA;@ACE;@ACEX;@ACEX_USNavy;@ACEX_RU;@ACEX_SM;@ACEX_PLA;@SLX;@ASR_AI;@GL4;@dvd;@WarFXParticles;@LandTex;@sap_clutter;@JTD;@stmovement;@SMK;@bb_oa_mercs;@WinterCamos;@aaw_oa;@SWM_weap;@FFAA_Terroristas;@BWMod;@BWMod_ACE;@JSDFMOD;@JSDFMod_ACE;@Lingor_units;@opx_objects;@ags;@brg_africa;@ibr_dtowns;@ibr_plants;@pmc_terrain_obj;@MBG_Buildings2;@beton;@Lingor;@plr_mana;@ibr_rn;@panthera;@japahto;@Tropica;@NGS_Capraia;@LoloNaia;@isla_duala;@AfghanValley;@EtahPlateau;@FRAN_quesh_kibrul;@FRAN_sbrodj;@Kulima;@MBG_Celle;@MBG_Nam;@MBG_kellu;@SIX_SHL;@SIX_WTK;@six_aiaktalik;@Thirsk;@ToraBora;@bet_huertgen;@brik2;@chimalpopoca;@cicada;@faffindale;@namalsk;@nicosia;@ovaron;@pmc_51km_desert;@pmc_rattler;@pmc_rugen;@sangin;@sap_everon;@vostok;@FDF_Podagorsk;@TRFS_MSV;@tigeria_units;@blakes_carrier_ops;@RSLO;@blakes_mirrors;@MBG_KillHouses;@MBG_CinderCity;@tasmania;@blakes_ai_fo;@mbg_caterpillar;@rhs_decals;@rhs_btr70;@rhs_heavyweapons;@rhs_t80;@HEXAgon;@rhs_bmd2;@Faysh_Khabur;@vilas_wwp;@tigeria;@j198_ftb;@rkt_coaler;@gnt_frigates;@rh_pdw;@taviana_objects;@taviana;@ad_helos;@bb_mercs;@fallujah;@AMT;@SFP_Lite_ACE;@RKSL;@SpritzIsland;@PRACS;@FDF_Mod;@rhs_cargosystem;@ElephantIsland"

cd /D "c:\program files\bohemia interactive\arma 2"

.

Note: some mods are Operation Arrowhead some A2, combined ops is when you have the full pack, so this order may not run if you only have Arma2.. & don't copy and paste this as there may be incorrect gaps as I have only quickly copy and pasted this to show you..

Anyway hope it helps..

I class 'CBA', 'ACE' & all the 'ACEX' mods as 'must have' mod's, so load from the end of these mods..

Getting me confused now:butbut:

.

Edited October 29, 2011 by HR4 Elite

[moriah888 10]

Guys thanks for all the help - just one question - I installed ARMA 2 base then CBA, CBA2 and ACE - it was working perfectly. Then I installed OA and I get this error when using the launcher - "Addon JSRS_2A14 requires addon CA_AIR_E_MQ9PredatorB".

I've googled and searched the forums and cant get a solution - any ideas?

Thanks again - sorry to be such a pain!

[hellfire257 3]

Make sure you're running Combined Ops (ARMA2 and Operation Arrowhead). That error suggests OA isn't being loaded.

[Tonci87 163]

And you dont need CBA2 If you run CO

[Gunter Severloh 4067]

Hi you really need to start with a basic order, before getting into mods and messing up your whole directory.

getting bits of information from everyone just creates a big puzzle you have to put together making you lost

on what to actually do other wise as said you will mes up your directory, and get errors or issues with mods you are attempting to install or run.

Do this:

- install ARMA2 ( may say patch 1.06 didnt install correctly, doesnt matter just install 1.10 )

- install 1.10 patch --> get it here http://www.armaholic.com/page.php?id=14589

- install OA

- install patch 1.59--> get it here http://www.armaholic.com/page.php?id=13729

Run your game from the Arma2OA.exe to run Combined Ops.

Once you have gone through those steps and have Arma2CO setup then you should have no issues with mods as you will have Arma2 and OA setup.

For mods overall you will need CBA only if your running Arma2CO (Arma2 + OA)

if you run Arma2 vanilla then you need CBA and CBA_A2.

any other questions then dont hesitate to ask.

Welcome to the community btw. :)

[moriah888 10]

Hi you really need to start with a basic order, before getting into mods and messing up your whole directory.

getting bits of information from everyone just creates a big puzzle you have to put together making you lost

on what to actually do other wise as said you will mes up your directory, and get errors or issues with mods you are attempting to install or run.

Do this:

Once you have gone through those steps and have Arma2CO setup then you should have no issues with mods as you will have Arma2 and OA setup.

For mods overall you will need CBA only if your running Arma2CO (Arma2 + OA)

if you run Arma2 vanilla then you need CBA and CBA_A2.

any other questions then dont hesitate to ask.

Welcome to the community btw. :)

Thanks a lot m8 - I'll uninstall and redo from scratch!

BTW it's a refreshing change to post n00b questions on a game forum and not get flamed! Thanks everyone for the kind help!

[Tonci87 163]

Well the Arma community is sometimes described as elitist and selfish and stuff like that, but newcomers who are truely interested in the game do get a warm welcome and as much help as they need. :D

[purepassion 22]

We soak them in :D

[Gunter Severloh 4067]

Yes indeed, the Arma community is old, we been around since 2001 when the start of OFP (Operation Flashpoint) started it all.

@moriah888

when you get the chance you should check out the OFP demo and see where all of this (Arma2CO) evolved from,

the game is still playable, and still a great and fun game, and very much a milsim as Arma2CO,

although Arma2Co being more advanced, enhanced, updated ect,.

I still play this game on occasion.

i'd say if you were to compare the number of addons and mods to what Arma1, Arma2, and OA have put together

in comparison to what OFP community has produced since 2001 you would run short a few thousand.

Look at the archive for OFP sicne it started:

http://ofp.gamepark.cz/index.php?sekce=archiv&page=1

489 pages with 15 addon/news slots per page, thats 7335!!!

anyways heres the demo to OFP

Operation Flashpoint: Cold War Crisis Single Player Demo

http://operationflashpoint.filefront.com/file/Operation_Flashpoint_Cold_War_Crisis_Single_Player_Demo;13428

any further questions dont hesitate to ask.

[Maio 293]

BTW it's a refreshing change to post n00b questions on a game forum and not get flamed! Thanks everyone for the kind help!

Oh my god! Go and perform an act that may lead to your death or severe injury

you homo-sexualy oriented individual who is a new commer to this PC gaming franchise.

[no use for a name 0]

Oh my god! Go and perform an act that may lead to your death or severe injury

you homo-sexualy oriented individual who is a new commer to this PC gaming franchise.

Wow, one of the most strange and awkward comments ever...

[ProfTournesol 956]

Wow, one of the most strange and awkward comments ever...

I must say i didn't get it :confused:

[mrcash2009 0]

And as the sarcastic joke was told ... the results were:

BTW it's a refreshing change to post n00b questions on a game forum and not get flamed!

You only get flamed if your noob questions repeat over and over again and then blame BIS, or you post said noob question in the wrong forum sections :) Edited October 30, 2011 by mrcash2009