Cheats & Secrets

Overview

Arma 3 includes several developer-intended cheat codes and secret features, mostly accessible through the in-game Debug Console (also called the script console). These are available only in single-player modes (campaign, scenarios, editor) and will disable achievements for that session. Multiplayer servers can also enable the debug console at their discretion, but using cheats on official or ranked servers may result in a ban. This guide covers all known cheat codes, secret commands, hidden features, and Easter eggs discovered by the community and confirmed by Bohemia Interactive.

Cheat Codes (Debug Console)

To use cheat codes:
1. Enable the Debug Console: Press the tilde key (`~`) or Esc → Configure → Controls → Configure Addons → find Debug Console and bind a key. By default it's bound to `~` (tilde).
2. Open the console: Press your bound key during gameplay.
3. Enter a command: Type or paste a command and press Enter or click Exec.

Note: Some commands require a semicolon (`;`) to separate multiple statements. All commands are case-insensitive but must be syntactically correct.

Essential Cheat Commands

Complete God Mode & Infinite Resources

Combine these lines in one execution:
```sqf
player allowDamage false;
player setBehaviour "CARELESS";
player setCaptive true;
player setVariable ["BIS_noCoreConversations", true];
```

Spawn Vehicles & Weapons

Use the editor-like spawning via script. Example to spawn an M2A1 tank:
```sqf
_vehicle = "B_MBT_01_cannon_F" createVehicle (getPos player);
_vehicle setDir (getDir player);
_vehicle setDamage 0;
player moveInDriver _vehicle;
```

To spawn weapons: `player addWeapon "arifle_MX_F";`

Teleport & Flying

• Teleport to coordinates: `player setPos [x,y,z];` (e.g., `player setPos [1000,2000,0];`)


• Toggle flight mode: `player allowFlying true;` (works only if vehicle has flight capability)




Secret Commands & Hidden Features





Developer Console Secrets




• `#monitor` – Opens performance monitor (FPS, frame times).


• `#getout` – Forces player out of current vehicle.


• `#login` – Used in multiplayer to authenticate as admin.


• `#kick` / `#ban` – Admin commands.


• `#exec` – Execute a script on server.




The "Old Man" Campaign Secrets



In the 2020 standalone campaign Old Man, there are hidden stash locations and a secret ending. At the final mission, if you have collected all 10 hidden caches (marked on map only after finding intel), you can trigger an alternate cutscene by interacting with the radio at the extraction point AFTER completing the main objective. No cheat code needed, but a hidden feature.



End Game Mode Hidden Content



In the End Game multiplayer mode (formerly Escape), there is a secret weapon cache on the map Stratis located inside a cave at grid coordinates `044 087`. It contains rare weapons like the Mk200 and a RCO scope. This is a developer-intended secret, not an error.



Easter Eggs



1. The Giant Rubber Duck: On the map Altis, near the town of Kavala at coordinates ` [22400, 25500] `, there is a large inflatable rubber duck floating in the water. It was added as a joke by developers.
2. Hidden Base Under the Sea: On Tanoa (Apex expansion), at depth near `[12800, 12800]`, there is an underwater research station that can be explored. It contains references to previous Bohemia games.
3. The "Bohemia Interactive" Sign: On Malden (remastered), at the top of the lighthouse, a sign reads "Bohemia Interactive FTW".
4. Pigeon Almighty: In the single-player campaign Survive, near the first town, there is a pigeon that cannot be killed. It is a reference to an old Bohemia game Arma 2.
5. The Man with a Briefcase: On Altis at night, a lone man in a suit walks randomly on the road with a briefcase (spawns occasionally). He has no collision and vanishes if shot. Believed to be a reference to Hitman or The Matrix.



Exploit-Safe Secrets & Developer-Intended Hidden Content





Unlockable Achievements



Arma 3 has achievements that require specific hidden actions, not cheats:

• "I am the Law": Arrest a civilian in the End Game mode while playing as UN forces.


• "To the Rescue": Rescue an AI teammate who is bleeding out in the Warlords mode.


• "Ghost of the Mountain": Complete the Survive campaign without using any fast travel.




Hidden Lore Documents



In the Apex expansion campaign, there are 12 Intel Documents scattered across the island of Tanoa. Collecting them unlocks a bonus video in the main menu gallery. No cheat, but a secret.



Community Manager Easter Egg



In the main menu, hold Alt + Shift + F for 3 seconds to see a hidden splash screen of the community manager's face (added in update 1.76). This is a harmless fun feature.



Scripted Cheats for Modders



Bohemia provides a set of scripted functions intended for developers but usable by players who know scripting:

• `BIS_fnc_helppage` – Opens a help page.


• `BIS_fnc_curatorRespawn` – Opens Zeus interface with ability to spawn.


• `BIS_fnc_showMissionFeedback` – Displays mission stats.


These are not exploits but intended tools.



Important Notes




• Cheats are only for single-player. Using them in multiplayer may trigger anti-cheat (BattlEye) or get you banned from servers.


• The Debug Console can be used to execute malicious scripts; only use trusted commands from official sources.


• Some cheats (like god mode) will disable achievements for that session. You can re-enable achievements by restarting the game without cheats.


• The game has no unlock codes or traditional cheat codes (like Konami code). All cheats are script-based.

Conclusion

Arma 3's cheat system revolves around the powerful Debug Console, giving unlimited possibilities for messing around in single-player. The Easter eggs and hidden content add charm to the simulation. Remember to use cheats responsibly and only in appropriate modes.