Where to Find Arma Reforger Mods: A Comprehensive Guide

The world of Arma Reforger is significantly enhanced by its vibrant modding community. For players looking to customize their gameplay with new content, assets, or experiences, understanding where to find and install mods is essential. In short, Arma Reforger mods are located within your PC’s game files, specifically in the “addons” folder, located in your Documents folder. You can easily access this path by navigating to %USERPROFILE%DocumentsMy GamesArmaReforgeraddons. These addon folders have unique, alphanumeric names which is also important when setting up servers. This guide will walk you through the process and delve into frequently asked questions to ensure you have a complete understanding of the Arma Reforger modding scene.

Downloading and Locating Mods

Using the Steam Workshop

The primary and most recommended method for acquiring Arma Reforger mods is through the Steam Workshop. This platform provides a centralized and user-friendly interface for browsing, downloading, and managing mods. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

1. Launch Arma Reforger: Start the game from your Steam library.
2. Access the Workshop: From the main menu, navigate to the “Workshop” tab.
3. Browse and Select Mods: You’ll find a wide array of mods, from gameplay tweaks to new maps and assets. Use the search and filter options to find what you’re looking for.
4. Install Mods: Click on the mod you want and then select “Subscribe”. This will begin the download and automatically install the mod.

Once subscribed, the mods are downloaded to your computer and placed into specific folders.

Finding the Mod Files on Your PC

Downloaded mods are not stored in the Steam application folders. Instead, they are placed in a dedicated location to ensure they are easily accessible for the game. Here is how to locate them:

1. Navigate to Documents: Open your file explorer and type %USERPROFILE%Documents into the address bar, or find the “Documents” folder manually.
2. Go to My Games: Open the “My Games” folder.
3. Locate ArmaReforger Folder: Inside, you will find an “ArmaReforger” folder.
4. Access the Addons Folder: Inside the “ArmaReforger” folder, you’ll find the “addons” folder. This is where all your downloaded mods are stored.
5. Identify Mod Folders: Each mod is stored in its own folder with a unique alphanumeric string as the folder name (e.g., 591AF5BDA9F7CE8B). Inside, you’ll find the files associated with that mod, including a file named ServerData.

Understanding this file structure is crucial, especially if you plan on setting up a dedicated server. Each mod folder’s unique name acts as its Mod ID which you need when loading mods on the server.

Additional Notes on Mod Management

It’s critical to ensure that the versions of the mods you use are compatible with your game version. This also includes mod compatibility with other mods and the Experimental game version of Arma Reforger. Always keep an eye on the mod’s description page for information about compatibility and required dependencies. Additionally, It’s also wise to keep your mods folder organized, and remove mods that you no longer need to help make your game run better.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to Arma Reforger mods, aiming to provide deeper insights into the process:

1. Can I manually install Arma Reforger mods?

While it’s possible to manually add mods by placing files directly into the “addons” folder, this is not recommended for most users. The Steam Workshop provides a safer, more streamlined method for installation and updates. Manually installing mods can lead to issues and may require additional configuration.

2. What are Mod IDs, and why are they important?

Mod IDs are the unique alphanumeric folder names given to each mod in the “addons” folder. These IDs are crucial when setting up servers or specifying which mods you wish to use. You’ll often need these IDs to properly load mods for multiplayer sessions. For example, the Mod ID is used in the startup bat file to load the mod on a server, or when setting the mods to load in the server configuration file.

3. Do Arma Reforger mods work on console (Xbox)?

Yes, Arma Reforger mods are available on Xbox Series X/S as well as on PC. The experience is the same as on PC, with mods being accessible via the in-game workshop. You can also access them through your files, which will be on the console’s storage.

4. How do I update my Arma Reforger mods?

Mods downloaded via the Steam Workshop will typically update automatically whenever the mod’s creator releases a new version. Steam manages this process in the background, ensuring that you have the latest versions of your mods.

5. Can mods conflict with each other?

Yes, mods can sometimes conflict with one another, leading to errors, crashes, or unexpected behavior. It’s advisable to only subscribe to the mods that you want to use, and read the comments/discussion on a mod’s workshop page for info on compatibility with other mods.

6. Is there an in-game mod manager?

There isn’t a dedicated in-game mod manager, but Arma Reforger’s interface allows you to see what mods you’ve subscribed to and if they are enabled, via the workshop. You have to visit the mod folder on your PC to get the Mod IDs though.

7. What file format do Arma Reforger mods use?

Arma Reforger mods primarily use the .ebo (Enfusion Binary Object) file format. These binary files are the compiled assets that the game uses. There will also be a serverdata.json file in the folder which has information to be used by a server, and config.cpp file which is used to configure and define the mod’s contents.

8. How can I find the Mod ID?

The Mod ID is the long alphanumeric folder name within the “addons” folder for a mod. You’ll find each mod in its own uniquely named folder in the location: DocumentsMy GamesArmaReforgeraddons.

9. Is modding an official part of Arma Reforger?

Yes, Bohemia Interactive, the developers, have heavily emphasized modding capabilities, providing the Workbench tool for mod creation. The community aspect of modding is vital to Arma Reforger.

10. What is the Arma Reforger Workbench?

The Workbench is a tool suite for creating mods and is available on Steam, located under the name Arma Reforger Tools. It allows users to create custom assets, scenarios, and more for the game.

11. Do mods affect performance?

Mods can impact game performance, with some mods being more demanding than others. It’s advisable to test mods and potentially reduce their number if you experience performance issues. Generally speaking, if the mod adds a lot of new models, or is running scripts in-game, it’s going to take a hit on performance.

12. Where can I find additional info about modding Arma Reforger?

The official Arma Reforger forums and the Steam Community Hub are great resources for additional information. You can also join the official discord channel for help.

13. Can I use Arma 3 mods in Arma Reforger?

No, mods for Arma 3 are not compatible with Arma Reforger. Arma Reforger uses a new engine and different mod formats.

14. Are there any good resources for finding specific mods?

Aside from Steam Workshop, various online communities and fan sites often feature recommended mods. There are also some content creators who will also highlight what mods to use.

15. Can I use mods on dedicated servers?

Yes, dedicated servers can load and use mods. Ensure that you have the Mod IDs for each mod you want and correctly configured your server files.

Conclusion

Understanding where to find Arma Reforger mods and how to manage them is key to unlocking the full potential of the game. By using the Steam Workshop and familiarizing yourself with the location of your downloaded mods, you’ll be well-equipped to enhance your gaming experience. Remember to stay informed about compatibility and updates, and enjoy the vast array of content created by the amazing Arma Reforger modding community.