Arma 2 server help... (i am noob)

Hey everyone. I have been playin ARMA 2 for a while now online that is.

I am looking to start up my own server to play Cherno Life and other types as well. People are telling me I am crazy from trying to host from home and never give me any info on doing so.

I have never hosted before but I figure it can not be that hard. I have the money to do so I just need the knowledge. If I find it too difficult to host from home I will just rent from a data center that has prop capabilities. Until then, if someone could point me into the right direction of how to host games?

I have been looking for tutorials but could not find any that were too helpful. Im a total noob when it comes to this so I need to now everything from the begining. All I know so far is...There are host files or the game files. I need to have dedicated equipment, Lots of bandwidth and of course players.

What I really need info on is the entire setup and maintinance of the server. Any info anyone can offer will be great.

Thanks for reading.

If you're thinking about hosting from home, you'll need to think about how much bandwidth you can get. Since you want to host maps like Cherno Life, I'm assuming you're expecting to have a lot of players on your server. I don't really see that working with anything less that a 100/100Mbit line, which will be pretty hard to come by unless you're living in Japan. Or perhaps Scandinavia - not sure.

If all you can get is standard ADSL, I'd recommend hosting in a datacenter. :)

Hi,

I use my own home server, under windows for the moment.

You need to know your upload capacity, count around 10 ko/s per player.

You should find official informations here.

Copy Arma2 directory in the server; put the armaserver.exe. Then you have to create file server.cfg, i give you my own as example.

//server.cfg

passwordAdmin="yourpassword";

password="yourpassword";

hostname="Vieux Campeurs COOP FR";

maxPlayers=10;

motd[]=

{

"Bienvenue sur le serveur ARMA 2 des vieux campeurs",

"Campagne COOP 1-12 FR par Groslezard [LVC]",

"Windows 7 Server (test)",

"VoIP (on)",

"VOPS Sound Mod (on)",

};

motdInterval=3;

voteThreshold=0,33;

voteMissionPlayers=3;

reportingIP="armedass.master.gamespy.com";

logFile="server_console.log";

//checkfiles[]={"HWTL\dta\data3d.pbo","dta\data3d.pbo"};

equalModRequired=0;

kickDuplicate=0;

verifySignatures=0;

disableVoN=0;

vonCodecQuality=5;

3rdPersonView=1;

persistent=0;

Netstats=0;

BattlEye=0;

//Cheat detection

//checkfile=0; //1=slow 0=defult

//onHackedData = "ban (_this select 0)"; //auto ban hacked addons //

//onDifferentData = "kick (_this select 0)"; //auto kick modified files

//onUnsignedData = "kick (_this select 0)"; //auto kick Unsigned files

class Missions

{

class coop_01_secret_defense

{

template = 01-coo@12-secret_defense.Chernarus;

cadetMode = 1;

};

};

You also need to create in "My Documents/ Arma 2/" the file ArmA2.cfg. I give you my own as example for 7-8 players.

//ArmA2.cfg

language="French";

adapter=-1;

3D_Performance=6000;

Resolution_W=0;

Resolution_H=0;

Resolution_Bpp=16;

MaxMsgSend=512;

MaxSizeGuaranteed=512;

MaxSizeNonGuaranteed=128;

MinBandwidth=512000;

MaxBandwidth=822000;

MinErrortosend=0.003;

maxCustomFileSize=350000;

Create a shortcut to armaserver.exe and put the extension "-mod=yourmods -config=server.cfg -cpuCount=numberofcores -port=2302".

Forward UDP ports 2302 to 2305 to the net.

Thats all ! (i hope, i don't forget something)

I was using a single core AMD 4000 + / 2 Go ram for arma 1. It was enough for small coop missions. Now (with the help of my team), i use an intel quadcore Q9650 / 4 Go ram for bigger missions. I think a dualcore is enough for a server, my quad has enough power for ArmA III. ;)

I hope this could help you.

Arhh MadDogX 100/100Mbit is a bit of overdoing it. I run a perfectly 32player server at home it have about 50/50Mbit, but with 32players on, it never uses over 4Mbit more like 3-4Mbit. (upload)

Hi,

I use my own home server, under windows for the moment.

You need to know your upload capacity, count around 10 ko/s per player.

You should find official informations here.

Copy Arma2 directory in the server; put the armaserver.exe. Then you have to create file server.cfg, i give you my own as example.

You also need to create in "My Documents/ Arma 2/" the file ArmA2.cfg. I give you my own as example for 7-8 players.

Create a shortcut to armaserver.exe and put the extension "-mod=yourmods -config=server.cfg -cpuCount=numberofcores -port=2302".

Forward UDP ports 2302 to 2305 to the net.

Thats all ! (i hope, i don't forget something)

I was using a single core AMD 4000 + / 2 Go ram for arma 1. It was enough for small coop missions. Now (with the help of my team), i use an intel quadcore Q9650 / 4 Go ram for bigger missions. I think a dualcore is enough for a server, my quad has enough power for ArmA III. ;)

I hope this could help you.

Hey Groslezard...this helped at lot. I still have some questions. ok so the ArmaServer.exe that goes into the Arma2 directory. Where do I put the config file. Does that go in the directory as well? When I load up the Server.exe all I get are two lines of code. 8:38:11 Dedicated host created.

8:38:12 Host identity created.

I also found out my ISP(Verizon) only offers up to 50mbps down and I believe the same up. This is FIOS.

Thanks again for the help. All info is welcomed.

Put the file "server.cfg" in program files ArmA2 directory.

For the file "ArmA2.cfg", you can find it (by default) in :

C:\Users\username\Documents\ArmA 2 (vista or seven)

or

C:\Documents and Settings\username\Documents\ArmA 2 (XP)

The file is created the first time you launch arma 2.

Put the file "server.cfg" in program files ArmA2 directory.

For the file "ArmA2.cfg", you can find it (by default) in :

C:\Users\username\Documents\ArmA 2 (vista or seven)

or

C:\Documents and Settings\username\Documents\ArmA 2 (XP)

The file is created the first time you launch arma 2.

Ok so I put the Server.Cfg file in the Arma2 directory. Now where do I put the Arma2.Cfg file?

When I start up Arma 2, should I also start up the Arma 2 Server Console?

Also. Where do I get the game type I want to host? For example. I have played Cherno Life many times now. Isn't that file saved somewhere on my computer and do I need that file at all to alter the game at all?

Thanks again.

//ArmA2.cfg
language="English";
adapter=-1;
3D_Performance=6000;
Resolution_W=0;
Resolution_H=0;
Resolution_Bpp=16;

MaxMsgSend=512;
MaxSizeGuaranteed=512;
MaxSizeNonGuaranteed=128;
MinBandwidth=512000;
MaxBandwidth=822000;
MinErrortosend=0.003;
maxCustomFileSize=350000; 

At last! Someone who is prepared to actually post one of these. The biki is next to useless on this subject.

Can you tell us how you arrived at these figures so we can scale it for our own needs?

Ok so I put the Server.Cfg file in the Arma2 directory. Now where do I put the Arma2.Cfg file?

When I start up Arma 2, should I also start up the Arma 2 Server Console?

Also. Where do I get the game type I want to host? For example. I have played Cherno Life many times now. Isn't that file saved somewhere on my computer and do I need that file at all to alter the game at all?

Thanks again.

For ArmA2.cfg :

C:\Users\username\Documents\ArmA 2 (vista or seven)

or

C:\Documents and Settings\username\Documents\ArmA 2 (XP)

Start only server console.

Files are saved in :

C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\ArmA 2\MPMissionsCache (Vista)

---------- Post added at 10:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:38 AM ----------

//ArmA2.cfg
language="English";
adapter=-1;
3D_Performance=6000;
Resolution_W=0;
Resolution_H=0;
Resolution_Bpp=16;

MaxMsgSend=512;
MaxSizeGuaranteed=512;
MaxSizeNonGuaranteed=128;
MinBandwidth=512000;
MaxBandwidth=822000;
MinErrortosend=0.003;
maxCustomFileSize=350000; 

At last! Someone who is prepared to actually post one of these. The biki is next to useless on this subject.

Can you tell us how you arrived at these figures so we can scale it for our own needs?

I give you these informations from memory (not sure at 100% :)), i worked on it for ArmA 1 after a lot of tries and search.

More info here.

The most important values are :

MaxBandwidth : maximum upload bandwidth (in bytes) that your server can give.

MinBandwidth : average upload bandwidth you can have.

MinErrortosend : less it is, better you play in game. My value is good for internet. Less lag effect in AI moves. You can reduce it for a lan configuration.

MaxSizeNonGuaranteed : 128 is good after tries, as they say in BIS wiki :

"Increasing this value may improve bandwidth requirement, but it may increase lag".

maxCustomFileSize : the max size for loading custom files (personnalized face.jpg for example).

I suggest you to try with my values for starting, just change "MaxBandwidth" for your server capacity and eventually "MinBandwidth".

Merci groslezard :) You've added some very useful information.

I have read the wiki and it's not very informative.

What we need is an application that suggests values after being given data by the user.

For example, if I tell said app that my download is 20 Mb, my upload is 768 Kb, I want to run 8 players in a fairly intensive coop such as domi, it should spit out the best values for me.

Am I asking too much?

I would recommend installing ArmA2 on the server, since it then get's easier to upgrade.

Why don't you use this startup parameter to ArmA2Server.exe instead:

D:\ArmA2\ArmA2Server.exe -port=2302 -nosound -maxmem=1364 -world=empty -name=Server -cfg=D:\ArmA2_files\startup.cfg -profiles=D:\ArmA2_files\ -config=D:\ArmA2_files\server.cfg

-port=2302 is the standard port

-nosound since you don't need sound on a server

-maxmem=1364 since you just have 2 GB of memory

-world=empty so that the server loads minimum

-name=Server so it find your server catalog

-profiles=D:\ArmA2_files\ - A catalog where all your settings get stored and your MPMissionsCache folders

-cfg=D:\ArmA2_files\startup.cfg - This is what Tankbuster call "ArmA2.cfg"

-config=D:\ArmA2_files\server.cfg - This is where you set all the options for the server

startup.cfg

language="English";
adapter=-1;
3D_Performance=93750;
Resolution_Bpp=32;
Resolution_W=800;
Resolution_H=600;
MaxMsgSend=512;
MaxSizeGuaranteed=512;
MaxSizeNonguaranteed=64;
MinBandwidth=16777216;
MaxBandwidth=27262976;
MinErrorToSend=0.005;
MaxCustomFileSize=0;

server.cfg

passwordAdmin = "********"; 
password = "*******"; 
hostname = "My server"; 
maxPlayers = 4; 

motd[]= {"Your text here","Another line"};
motdInterval=2;

reportingIP="arma2pc.master.gamespy.com"; // use reportingIP={<>};
voteThreshold=0.8;
voteMissionPlayers=1;
logfile = "public.log";

class Missions
{
};

kickduplicate=1;
equalModRequired=0;
disableVoN=0;
vonCodecQuality=7;
VonID=1;

timeStampFormat=full;

persistent=0;
BattlEye=0;

verifySignatures=0;

regularcheck="{}";

checkfiles[]={}; //list of files to check for identity
onUnsignedData = "kick (_this select 0)";
onDifferentData = "kick (_this select 0)";
onuserconnected = "";
onhackeddata = "kick (_this select 0)";

Under "D:\ArmA2_files\" I make a "Users" folder and then I copy in "Server.ArmA2Profile" file, which for me looks like:

version=1;
blood=0;
singleVoice=0;
shadingQuality=0;
shadowQuality=0;
customScheme=1;
class Difficulties
{
   class recruit
   {
       class Flags
       {
           Armor=0;
           FriendlyTag=0;
           EnemyTag=0;
           HUD=0;
           HUDPerm=0;
           HUDWp=1;
           HUDWpPerm=1;
           HUDGroupInfo=1;
           AutoSpot=0;
           Map=0;
           WeaponCursor=0;
           AutoGuideAT=0;
           ClockIndicator=1;
           3rdPersonView=1;
           Tracers=1;
           UltraAI=0;
           AutoAim=0;
           UnlimitedSaves=1;
           DeathMessages=1;
           NetStats=1;
           VonID=1;
       };
       skillFriendly=1;
       skillEnemy=1;
       precisionFriendly=1;
       precisionEnemy=1;
   };
   class regular
   {
       class Flags
       {
           Armor=0;
           FriendlyTag=0;
           EnemyTag=0;
           HUD=1;
           HUDPerm=1;
           HUDWp=1;
           HUDWpPerm=1;
           HUDGroupInfo=1;
           AutoSpot=1;
           Map=1;
           WeaponCursor=1;
           AutoGuideAT=1;
           ClockIndicator=1;
           3rdPersonView=1;
           Tracers=1;
           UltraAI=0;
           AutoAim=0;
           UnlimitedSaves=1;
           DeathMessages=1;
           NetStats=1;
           VonID=1;
       };
       skillFriendly=1;
       skillEnemy=0.69999999;
       precisionFriendly=1;
       precisionEnemy=0.69999999;
   };
   class veteran
   {
       class Flags
       {
           HUD=1;
           HUDGroupInfo=0;
           WeaponCursor=1;
           3rdPersonView=1;
           UltraAI=0;
           DeathMessages=0;
           NetStats=0;
           VonID=0;
       };
       skillFriendly=1;
       skillEnemy=0.89999998;
       precisionFriendly=1;
       precisionEnemy=0.89999998;
   };
   class mercenary
   {
       class Flags
       {
           UltraAI=1;
           DeathMessages=0;
           NetStats=0;
           VonID=0;
       };
       skillFriendly=1;
       skillEnemy=1;
       precisionFriendly=1;
       precisionEnemy=1;
   };
};
showTitles=0;
showRadio=0;
anisoFilter=-1;
TexQuality=0;
TexMemory=0;
useWBuffer=0;
tripleHead=0;
gamma=1;
brightness=1;
fovTop=0.75;
fovLeft=1;
uiTopLeftX=0.22499999;
uiTopLeftY=0.22499999;
uiBottomRightX=0.77499998;
uiBottomRightY=0.77499998;
IGUIScale=0.55000001;
sceneComplexity=150000;
viewDistance=10000;
terrainGrid=20;
volumeCD=0;
volumeFX=0;
volumeSpeech=0;

The last file is basically my own NoBrainer.ArmA2Profile, which I have tweaked to what NoPryl and I like.

What you end up with is a folder with all your configurations outside your ArmA2 folder. And that is the only place where you got other files than your ArmA2 folder.

Now you just need to copy the misisons *.PBO files into ..\ArmA2\MPMissions folder.

Merci groslezard :) You've added some very useful information.

I have read the wiki and it's not very informative.

What we need is an application that suggests values after being given data by the user.

For example, if I tell said app that my download is 20 Mb, my upload is 768 Kb, I want to run 8 players in a fairly intensive coop such as domi, it should spit out the best values for me.

Am I asking too much?

You don't need an application for a "just one time" settings. Convert your upload bandwidth in bytes and put the value in maxbandwidth.

I was thinking more of a resource for the community, rather than just for my use. :)

ADVICE!

Hi all i am trying to tweak my clan server as much as possible for minimun lag and desync experience, please need advice on the arma2.cfg lines for a server with a 30mBit upload conection. I set this values, are they ok?

MinBandwidth=2500000;

MaxBandwidth=250000000;

MaxMsgSend=128;

MaxSizeGuaranteed=512

MaxSizeNonguaranteed=64;

MinErrorToSend=0.0025;

MaxCustomFileSize=0;

Please, need advice on this, i tested with cypher 1.38 mission and still got some desync.

EDIT: Dedicated server with 10-15 players

ADVICE!

Hi all i am trying to tweak my clan server as much as possible for minimun lag and desync experience, please need advice on the arma2.cfg lines for a server with a 30mBit upload conection. I set this values, are they ok?

MinBandwidth= 2500000;

MaxBandwidth=250000000;

MaxMsgSend=128;

MaxSizeGuaranteed=512

MaxSizeNonguaranteed=64;

MinErrorToSend=0.0025;

MaxCustomFileSize=0;

Please, need advice on this, i tested with cypher 1.38 mission and still got some desync.

EDIT: Dedicated server with 10-15 players

for your connection you have the max bandwidht set to high its currently at 250Mbps you have one too many zeroes in there .

even on a 100mb connection I set max at 40 Mbps and min to 5Mbps at the most but usualy (becuse other servers are on the box ) its set at 20000000 max

Thanks rusty dog, now i set to this, are these fine for the conection 30Mbps?

MinBandwidth=10000;

MaxBandwidth=30000;

MaxMsgSend=1024;

MaxSizeGuaranteed=1024

MaxSizeNonguaranteed=64;

MinErrorToSend=0.0025;

MaxCustomFileSize=0;

it should be bits pr second and 30Mbps is after what I know 31457280

So now you have to low limit.

I just refer to the wiki

Ok the min error to send: I have it set to 0.001 and I am still getting some AI jumping occurring any other ways to smooth out the AI?

Keep dropping the MaxSizeNonguarateed. I have mine around 12.

...Syn...

I today reconfigured my own small dedi which suffered sometimes aswell by warps. I dropped the MinErrorToSend 0.0003 which di the trick for me.

Dc@2.3ghz & 4gig Ram

50down/10up mbit

Win XP

Thx for the hint!

Hmmmm I had been following another post and dropped mine to .001 I will try the xtra decimal place. I tried the MaxSizeNonguarateed to 12 as well and still getting some.

What bugs me is I played the game on this PC before getting my new one so I think as a dedicated server it should be fine. not really understanding why this is happening and I am on a LAN.

I will try the xtra decimal though and thanks everyone for the help!!

If it helps i will post the remaining config either.

I am really satisfied, as also complex scripts are running smooth like DAC.

Sure I will take a look