How to run a dedicated server[]
There are two ways that a dedicated server can be run. Either on a machine that you own/rent, or through a dedicated game server provider. Running a server through a game server provider is usually easier, however afford you less control and can, in some cases, cost more.
Please Note: This guide assumes at least a basic knowledge in running Arma 3 dedicated servers. Please refer to the Arma 3 documentation for more information.
Dedicated Game Server Provider[]
Installation[]
Hosting providers will set the vanilla server up for you. All you need to to is add the mods!
You may have a "workshop" tab, or something similar which allows you to install mods directly. In this case, simply install CBA, ACE and Overthrow. If this is missing, follow the steps from the full setup portion of this guide.
You then need to load all 3 mods under the "-mod" commandline parameter in this order:
-mod=@CBA_A3;@ace;@Overthrow;
Most providers will add these automatically, however it is still best to check that the mods are in the correct order to avoid any headache. You can do this under the command line option in the provider's control panel.
Server keys[]
Copy the key signatures to your server's "Keys" folder as you would for any other mod. Each of the 3 mod folders contains a "keys" folder, copy all of the ".bikey" files from them into your server's own "/Keys" folder.
(Note there may be many .bikeys with different version numbers, just ensure that you are using the latest versions.)
As with the previous step, if using a server provider, this has likely been done for you, but it is still best to double check.
Full Setup (Own/Rented Machine)[]
This will lean a bit more on your own knowledge of basic Arma server hosting, so if you are unsure about anything please refer to Bohemia's documentation.
Installation[]
With your dedicated server already setup (with APEX) and running a vanilla installation, you simply need to copy the following folders from your Arma 3 root folder (or "!Workshop" folder within that root):
@CBA_A3 @ace @Overthrow
Copy these folders as is to your server's root folder.
You need to load all 3 mods under the "-mod" commandline parameter in this order:
-mod=@CBA_A3;@ace;@Overthrow;
Server keys[]
Copy the key signatures to your server's "Keys" folder as you would for any other mod. Each of these 3 folders contains a "keys" folder, copy all of the ".bikey" files from them to your server's own "/Keys" folder.
(Note there may be many .bikeys with different version numbers, just ensure that you are using the latest versions.)
Server Configuration[]
Basic Settings[]
Make sure your servers server.cfg config file contains persistent = 1; so that the world will stay loaded when there are no players present. Without this, if you forget to save, you may lose progress.
Selecting Mission[]
Overthrow missions can be selected using the in game mission vote screen and does not require anything in the MPMissions folder to load. If you wish for the server to automatically select the mission you can do so by adding the following to the end of the servers server.cfg;
persistent = 1; //keeps world loaded if no players are online
skipLobby=1; //skips the lobby and autoassigns players to the first available slot
forcedDifficulty = "Custom";//Forces the custom Difficulty in Profile.Arma3Profile
class Missions
{
class OverthrowMPTanoa{ //both this line and template below must match the mission name
template = "OverthrowMPTanoa.Tanoa";
class Params { //Mission Paramaters can be set here, to be used when the mission loads
ace_medical_level = 1; //1 = Basic, 2 = Advanced
ace_medical_blood_enabledFor = 1; //0 = None, 1 = Players only, 2 = All
ot_start_autoload = 0; //0 = Don't autoload, 1 = Autoload (will start new if theres no save)
ot_start_difficulty = 1; //0 = Easy, 1 = Normal, 2 = Hard (Only when autoload = 1)
ot_start_fasttravel = 1; //0 = Free, 1 = Costs, 2 = Disabled (Only when autoload = 1)
ot_start_fasttravelrules= 1; //0 = Open, 1 = No Weapons, 2 = No Weapons or Offensive Vehicles (Only when autoload = 1)
ot_showplayermarkers = 1; //0 = Don't show player markers on HUD, 1 = show
ot_showenemygroup = 1; //0 = Don't show enemy groups on map, 1 = show
};
};
};
Note: Formatting may appear wrapped or squished, Hiding the right panel will fix this. Note II: Ensure you remove the default "class Missions" section if you are going to copy and paste this section.
Mission Names[]
OverthrowMpTanoa.Tanoa OverthrowMpAltis.Altis OverthrowMpMalden.Malden OverthrowMpLivonia.Enoch
Recommended Difficulty Settings (Custom)[]
Put the following in username.Arma3Profile (i.e. /A3DS/Profiles/Users/SYSTEM/SYSTEM.Arma3Profile). Choose "Custom" difficulty when voting for the mission.
class DifficultyPresets
{
class CustomDifficulty
{
class Options
{
groupIndicators=1;
friendlyTags=1;
enemyTags=0;
detectedMines=1;
commands=2;
waypoints=2;
weaponInfo=2;
stanceIndicator=2;
reducedDamage=0;
staminaBar=1;
weaponCrosshair=0;
visionAid=0;
thirdPersonView=1;
cameraShake=1;
scoreTable=0;
deathMessages=0;
vonID=1;
autoReport=1;
multipleSaves=0;
squadRadar=0;
tacticalPing=0;
mapContentFriendly=0;
mapContentEnemy=0;
mapContentMines=1;
};
aiLevelPreset=1;
};
class CustomAILevel
{
skillAI=0.2;
precisionAI=0.2;
};
};
Headless clients[]
A headless client is another copy of the game running on a separate computer to reduce AI load on a server and regain FPS on both the server and all connected clients. Overthrow supports up to 4 headless clients but feel free to add more if you know how. Headless clients do not need a GPU, just a decent CPU (hence the term 'headless').
To run a headless client on Windows you need another licensed copy of Arma 3 + APEX. Then copy the 3 required mods into your Arma 3 root folder and put the following in a .bat file (changing parameters as required).
cd /D "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Arma 3" "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Arma 3\arma3server.exe" -client -connect=43.245.163.150 -port=2502 -mod=@CBA_A3;@ace;@Overthrow;
Double click the .bat file and it should connect to your server as "headlessclient" and begin taking load when you next spawn in any units.
Please note: Recruited units/squads currently remain local to their owner. This can cause undue load on your system if you have a lot of them (even when running a headless client).
Updating[]
You need to ensure your server is always up to date with the latest versions or players that have already updated via steam will be kicked off. Make sure to repeat the "server keys" step above, and clear out older .bikey files as you do.
FAQ[]
Be sure to check out the FAQ on the Playing Overthrow page as well, all those apply on a dedicated server as well.
Can I run my dedicated server with other mods such as RHS?[]
Yes. See the mods section in Playing Overthrow for more information. Equipment and vehicle mods MUST be loaded on the server as well as all clients.
Players are reporting that they get stuck on the loading scene, but host is ok.[]
Currently there are issues for people who are in the lobby at game start. Ensure the host is the only one on the server until the mission has begun.
What happens when no one is online?[]
Time will still pass at the same rate. However NATO will not begin any attacks. Criminal gangs will not be created but existing ones will remain. Radio towers and police stations will not affect stability. No taxes or real estate income will be earned.
What happens when I disconnect/reconnect (or crash)?[]
Your recruited AI will remain doing whatever it was they were doing, you will regain control of them when you reconnect. The loadout you had at disconnection will be re-applied on connection. Your money, owned buildings and all character progress etc will all be retained per server.
Why can't I vote for the Overthrow mission once I start my ARMA client?[]
You may need to set these parameters in your server.cfg: voteMissionPlayers = 1; voteThreshold = 0.33;
How do I load my persistent save?[]
Restart your server and select the mission again (or use the #restart admin command) then choose "Load Persistent Save".
Will the persistent save affect my solo/local save?[]
That depends. There is one save per map and per host PC. If you run the dedicated server on a different PC then no, if its the same PC then yes.
Why is it a mod and not just a mission?[]
Overthrow is much more than a mission! It adds various items and vehicles as well as overrides some vanilla/ACE3 configs.