Getting Started

Overview

Welcome to Arma 3, a PC-exclusive military simulation that prioritizes realism, teamwork, and tactical freedom. This guide is crafted for complete beginners to help you survive your first hour, understand the interface, avoid common pitfalls, and set yourself up for long-term enjoyment.

Character Creation & Loadout Basics

Arma 3 does not have traditional character creation with appearances. Instead, you choose a role (rifleman, medic, engineer, etc.) in multiplayer missions or the singleplayer campaign. Your loadout (weapons, equipment, uniform) is determined by the mission designer or the unit you join. In the main menu under Training > Virtual Arsenal, you can freely customize any gear—but this is only for practice or editor use, not saved as a persistent character.

Controls: PC Only (Keyboard & Mouse + Controller Options)

Arma 3 is designed for keyboard and mouse. A gamepad is not officially supported, but you can map actions using third-party software or built-in Steam Input. However, for serious play, keyboard and mouse are essential.

Essential Keyboard & Mouse Controls

Tip: Go to Settings > Controls > Configure to remap every key. The default layout is complex; you may want to assign quick keybinds for medics (heal self, bandage) and communications.

Basic Camera & View

• Free look: Hold Alt (move mouse to look around without turning your body)


• Zoom in/out: Scroll wheel (while aiming)


• Switch between 1st/3rd person: In singleplayer or certain servers, press keypad Enter (default). Many multiplayer servers restrict to first-person only for realism.




User Interface (UI) Overview



Upon entering a mission, the screen will show:


• HUD top: Mission timer (if any), current objective text.


• Bottom center: Stance indicator, weapon icon/magazine count, stance (standing/crouch/prone).


• Bottom left: Health indicator (green=healthy, yellow=wounded, red=incapacitated).


• Bottom right: Mini-map (if large map available) or compass.


• Middle left: Interact menu when near objects (vehicles, doors, weapons) – press F cycle options.




Important Interface Elements




• Inventory screen (Tab): Shows your gear, weapons, backpack, uniform, and vest. Drag items to equip or discard.


• Map (M): Large map with terrain, markers, and your position. Use mouse wheel to zoom, left-click drag to pan. Double-click to place marker (team leader feature).


• Command menu: In vehicle or as squad leader, use F1–F12 or the extended number row. For infantry, press 0 to access radio commands.




First Hour Walkthrough: What to Do Immediately



1. Complete the Bootcamp (main menu > Training > Bootcamp). This teaches movement, weapon handling, medical basics, and vehicle operation. It takes ~30 minutes and is mandatory to avoid frustration.
2. Play the Prologue (singleplayer > Prologue). A short story mission that lets you practice basic combat without overwhelming complexity.
3. Adjust your settings. Go to Settings > Game and turn off `Auto-hud` (set to No), set `Weapon sway` to Reduced, and `Mouse smoothing` to Off. In Audio, increase `Voice volume` for radio chatter. In Graphics, start with Medium preset, disable `Overlay UI` if performance is poor.
4. Join a noob-friendly server. Look for servers marked “Training,” “Sandbox,” or “New Player Friendly” in the server browser (filter by: Mission/Name). Avoid hardcore realistic servers initially.
5. Follow your squad leader (SL). In multiplayer, stick with the group. Use Caps Lock + V to say you're new. Watch what others do and ask questions.



What to Do First vs. What to Avoid





Do First:



• Learn to open your map and compass. Know which direction you're facing.


• Use the `F` key to interact with everything (vehicles, objects, fallen comrades).


• Stay behind cover. Peek out, shoot, get back.


• Manage your stamina: Sprint only when necessary. Hold `W` lightly to walk quietly.


• Bind a key to quick-bandage (`Q` default? Actually default is H for health menu. I recommend binding bandage to a side mouse button.)




Avoid:



• Spraying full-auto – fire in short bursts or single-shot. Ammo is limited and recoil is heavy.


• Running in open fields – you'll be killed in seconds. Use terrain, walls, and foliage.


• Picking up every weapon – stick to your role’s weapon; different ammo types are rare.


• Friendly fire – always double-check your target with binoculars (B key).


• Ignoring the medical system – if you're hurt, bandage yourself (bandages in inventory) or call for a medic. Bleeding out is permanent.




Early Resource Priorities (Singleplayer Campaign & Solo Practice)





In the campaign “The East Wind”:



• Ammo: Conserve standard rifle rounds. A single assault rifle mag holds 30 rounds; use 2–3 bullets per enemy.


• Medical supplies: At the start, you only have basic field dressings. Use them sparingly, especially on squadmates.


• Fuel: Keep vehicles full. Find fuel barrels at bases or motor pools.


• Money/Nothing: There is no currency system. Progression is story-based.




In Multiplayer (e.g., Warfare modes):



• Respawn tickets (if limited): Avoid dying uselessly.


• Vehicles: Work with teammates to repair and rearm rather than hoarding.




Common Beginner Mistakes




• Not using the terrain for cover – standing up while shooting is a death wish.


• Ignoring the compass – you’ll get lost instantly without one. Remember: red arrow always points north.


• Forgetting to use the radio – keybind a button (e.g., Left Windows) for direct comms. In silent runs, you’ll be left behind.


• Running into buildings – clear rooms slowly; use grenades or flashbangs (press G).


• Saving too often – Arma autosaves at checkpoints, but manual saves can corrupt if you save during combat. Wait for a safe moment.


• Firing from the hip – always aim down sights unless close-quarters.




Day-One Checklist




• [ ] Complete Bootcamp training.


• [ ] Play the Prologue mission.


• [ ] Adjust keyboard bindings (especially medical and stance keys).


• [ ] Set graphics to medium, disable mouse smoothing.


• [ ] Join a training server and ask for help.


• [ ] Learn to use the map and compass together.


• [ ] Practice medical self-care (bandage, morphine) in Virtual Arsenal.


• [ ] Understand stance system: standing, crouch, prone – use Ctrl+W/S to micro-adjust.


• [ ] Play one full co-op mission (e.g., “COOP - Defend”) without dying.


• [ ] Find a beginner-friendly community (Discord/TeamSpeak) for guidance.

Final Advice: Arma 3 is a marathon, not a sprint. Expect to die a lot. Every death teaches something about positioning, communication, or patience. Stick with it, and you’ll unlock a depth that no other shooter offers. Good luck, soldier.