Arma 3

Arma: Cold War Assault Remastered launched on July 16, 2026, bringing a modernized engine while preserving the original gameplay and missions. This period also saw the introduction of the Arma 3 Pass Subscription on April 30, 2026, which provided access to all official DLCs and expansions, along with Creator DLCs. Additionally, the Gold and Platinum Editions of Arma 3 were released on February 26, 2026, bundling the base game with expansions and exclusive digital content.

• New Content: The remastered edition included new vehicles and weapons, such as the QAV-80 Harpy UCAV and the Diplomat 9mm SMG with a suppressor. The Gyra Armored Fighting Vehicle received multiple variants, including IFV and AA versions.
  • Support Provider Cruise Missile Module was added on November 26, 2025.
  • Enhanced APDS Magazines for various weapons were introduced on March 19, 2026.
• Gameplay Enhancements: The remastered version introduced incompatibility of classic savegames and improved various gameplay mechanics, such as the AAV-9 turret script hiding functionality on March 19, 2026.

• Balance Changes: Armor values for the Gyra and AAV9 were reduced, impacting their durability in combat. The AH-99J Python's radar signature was also adjusted on November 26, 2025.

• Modding Support: The release of the engine source code on GitHub on July 16, 2026, opened up new opportunities for community modding.

• Performance Improvements: The introduction of native 64-bit support and improved stability on July 16, 2026, enhanced the overall gaming experience for players on modern systems.

Arma 3 saw a significant boost in content with the release of three Creator DLC packs: Expeditionary Forces, Western Sahara, and Reaction Forces. These expansions introduced a variety of new factions, vehicles, and weapons, enhancing gameplay and offering fresh scenarios for players. Notably, Expeditionary Forces launched on November 26, 2024, featuring new amphibious warfare capabilities and a mini-campaign, while Western Sahara and Reaction Forces followed on April 17, 2025, adding further depth to the game.

• New Content: Multiple new vehicles, weapons, and factions enriched the game.
  • New Vehicles: Introduced the Cougar helicopter, AAV-9 Mack, Combat Boat, and USS Takmyr.
  • New Factions: The Marine Joint Task Force (MJTF) and DDR '90 Infantry were added to the game.
  • New Weapons: Included the M/77 smoke grenade and various new munitions.

• Gameplay Enhancements: Updates improved gameplay mechanics and introduced new features.
  • New Features: Tank commanders gained the ability to override turret control, and a new mini-campaign, Resolute Cyclone SP, was launched.
  • Fundamental Adjustments: Global Mobilization gameplay was significantly altered to enhance player experience.

• Balance Changes: Numerous adjustments were made to improve game balance.
  • Weapon Adjustments: Changes to the M9A1 AT grenade and various weapon dexterity improvements were implemented.
  • Vehicle Handling Improvements: Adjustments were made to 20 vehicles for better performance.

• Quality of Life Improvements: Various enhancements were made to user experience.
  • Optional DLC Installation: Players were given the choice to install Creator DLC data to save hard-drive space.
  • UI Updates: Increased width of the vehicle customization UI was implemented to prevent text cutoff.

The Frostline expansion launched on May 9, 2024, bringing a new location, the Sakhal archipelago, and introducing survival challenges over a vast 83km² area. Additionally, the Arma 3 Creator DLC: Reaction Forces released on March 26, 2024, featuring new weapons, vehicles, and scenarios for both single and multiplayer gameplay.

• New Content: A variety of new vehicles, weapons, and scenarios were added:
  • New Wheeled Vehicles: G-508 CCKW 353 truck, G-503 MB 4x4 jeep, and M8 Armored Car launched on August 6, 2024.
  • New Infantry Weapons: FG42 Ausf. E rifle and Brno-Enfield Mk II light machine gun were introduced on August 6, 2024.
  • New Terrain: The Mortain area, featuring unique landmarks, became available on August 6, 2024.
  • New Factions: US 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions, German Fallschirmjäger, and Vichy France Milice were added on August 6, 2024.
• Gameplay Enhancements: New mechanics and scenarios were implemented:
  • New Survival Challenges in Frostline launched on May 9, 2024, requiring players to adapt their strategies.
  • New co-op scenarios such as 'Air Control' and 'Quick Reaction Force' were added on March 26, 2024.

• Seasonal Events: A Veterans Day Screenshot Contest was announced on November 1, 2023, inviting community participation using the Czech Veterans Pack.

• Cross-Play Restoration: On October 17, 2023, cross-play functionality was restored between Mac and Windows players, enhancing multiplayer connectivity.

• Audio Improvements: Missions now feature fully voiced dialogue with native German and French radio protocols, enhancing immersion as of August 6, 2024.

Arma 3 celebrated its tenth anniversary with the release of the Arma 3 Creator DLC: Spearhead 1944 on July 25, 2023, introducing a wealth of new content set in Normandy, including a multiplayer co-op campaign. This expansion featured new factions, vehicles, and an expansive 150 km² terrain. Additionally, the Western Sahara Update 1.1 released on September 27, 2022, nearly doubled the playable content from the initial release.

• New Factions: The Spearhead 1944 DLC added the US Army, Free French, and German Forces, allowing players to experience diverse gameplay.
  • New Factions Added: FANK, Khmer Rouge, USMC, and USMC Force Recon were introduced in various updates.
• New Terrain: The Normandy terrain provided a massive new area for battles, based on real locations in North-West France.
• Weapons and Vehicles: The DLC included over 90 new weapons and vehicles, enhancing the game's arsenal with detailed recreations of World War II armaments.
• Multiplayer Co-op Campaign: The Spearhead 1944 DLC featured seven co-op missions inspired by Operation Cobra, supporting up to 24 players.
• Gameplay Improvements: The Mac port update introduced cross-play compatibility with Windows users, expanding accessibility.

Arma 3 expanded significantly during this year with the release of the Arma 3 Creator DLC: Western Sahara on November 18, 2021, which introduced a new terrain, scenarios, weapons, and vehicle variants. Additionally, the Real-Time Mission Editor - Game Master launched on May 19, 2022, allowing players to curate events dynamically on the battlefield.

• New terrains:
  • Western Sahara: Introduced a new desert terrain with various scenarios and gameplay elements.
  • Sefrou-Ramal: A 100 km² terrain set in the fictional country of Argana launched alongside the Western Sahara DLC.
  • Return to Everon Island: A reimagined island from Arma: Cold War Assault, added to the game.

• New game modes:
  • Conflict Game Mode: A dynamic team versus team scenario featuring US and Soviet forces.
  • Extraction: A new open-world scenario where players rescue a kidnapped war correspondent.
  • King of the Dunes: A multiplayer mode based on sector control gameplay.
  • Last Stand: A co-op mode where players defend against waves of enemies.

• New content additions:
  • New factions and assets: Included new armed forces factions like ION Services and several new weapons and vehicle variants.
  • Expanded Vietnam War experience: Added new missions, assets, and expanded terrain for immersive gameplay.

• Modding tools: The introduction of new modding tools and a workbench on May 19, 2022, provided the community access to technology used in Arma Reforger.

• Quality of life improvements: Compatibility data for non-owners allowed access to multiplayer servers using Western Sahara content, enhancing overall gameplay experience.

Arma 3 saw the significant release of two major Creator DLCs during this period: S.O.G. Prairie Fire on May 6, 2021, which immerses players in the Vietnam War, and CSLA Iron Curtain on June 16, 2021, featuring a Cold War setting. Both expansions introduced extensive new content, including new terrains, factions, and vehicles, greatly expanding the game's offerings.

• New terrains and factions:
  • CSLA Iron Curtain DLC added a new 256 km² terrain and introduced three factions: the United States, Czechoslovakia, and local rebels.
  • S.O.G. Prairie Fire DLC featured a 300 km² terrain representing the Vietnam War's Area of Operations along with four additional factions.

• Weapons and vehicles expansion:
  • The CSLA Iron Curtain DLC introduced 35 new weapons and 52 vehicles, including classics like the T-72 and Mi-17.
  • The S.O.G. Prairie Fire DLC brought over 50 new weapons and vehicles, enhancing combat variety.

• New scenarios and gameplay modes:
  • Both DLCs included numerous scenarios: 19 scenarios in CSLA Iron Curtain and nine multiplayer scenarios in S.O.G. Prairie Fire, along with a co-op campaign supporting up to 14 players.
• Gameplay enhancements:
  • The Global Mobilization update 1.3 added new free assets and usability refinements, improving the overall player experience.
  • A new Bridge Laying System was introduced, allowing players to construct temporary bridges during gameplay.

• Quality of life improvements:
  • Various fixes and enhancements were rolled out in updates, contributing to a smoother gameplay experience across the board.

The Arma 3 Karts DLC launched as a free addition during a Steam sale from May 28 to June 1, 2020, offering players a chance to add it to their libraries. Additionally, the highly anticipated Art of War Charity DLC was announced, featuring winning entries from a contest and new singleplayer scenarios.

• New Content: Significant updates were made with the Global Mobilization DLC on June 23, 2020, introducing:
  • New ground vehicles including the SpPz 2A1, SpPz 2A2, and a 0.5t truck.
  • A range of new weapons such as the SG5A2, SG5A3, and FIM-43 Redeye.
  • New helicopters like the PAH-1, CH-53G, and Mi-2.
  • New airplanes including the Do 28 D-2 and L-410 UVP.
• New Scenarios: The Arma 3 Apex: Old Man scenario released on April 14, 2020, providing free access to a new open-world singleplayer experience for Apex owners.
• Convenience Features: The Old Man scenario introduced features allowing players to skip time and fast travel between safe houses.
• Seasonal Events: The Arma 3 Anniversary Sale took place from September 12-16, 2020, offering discounts up to 66% on the base game and DLCs, while a Steam Free Week from January 14-19 provided access to both Arma 3 and the Apex expansion.
• Balance Changes: Update 1.98 on April 14, 2020, added new static machine gun variants along with various gameplay improvements.

Arma 3 Contact Expansion launched on July 25, 2019, introducing a military science fiction campaign and new gameplay elements. This expansion featured the First Contact singleplayer campaign, allowing players to investigate an extraterrestrial presence. Additionally, the Global Mobilization Creator DLC released earlier in the year, adding extensive new content, including a massive new terrain and numerous vehicles.

• New Terrain: The Contact expansion introduced a 163 square kilometer terrain in Livonia, featuring diverse landscapes like forests and towns.
  • New Campaign: The expansion also included a new campaign where players acted as a NATO drone operator.
  • New Factions: Two new factions, the Livonian Defense Force and Russian Spetsnaz, were added to the game.
• Gameplay Modes: The Warlords multiplayer mode was introduced, allowing competitive gameplay where teams capture bases and earn Command Points.
• New Weapons and Vehicles: The expansion added five new weapons and two new vehicles, enhancing gameplay options for players.
• Balance Changes: The Maljutka AI max range was reduced from 5000m to 3000m, impacting gameplay strategies.

Arma 3 Tanks DLC launched on April 11, 2018, delivering a wealth of new content including armored vehicles, a mini-campaign, and a showcase scenario. This was complemented by the Tac-Ops Mission Pack, which was released in December 2017, featuring three distinct singleplayer military operations.

• New Content:
  • Armored Vehicles: The Tanks DLC introduced the T-140 Angara, AWC Nyx, and Rhino MGS, each with various features and variants.
  • Mini-Campaign: The Altis Requiem mini-campaign offered players three scenarios from the perspective of an AAF tank commander.
  • New Scenarios: The Tank Destroyers showcase scenario allowed players to operate the new Rhino MGS UP.

• Gameplay Enhancements:
  • New Targeting Options: The Tanks DLC featured enhancements such as automatic range measurement and missile flight profiles for armored vehicles.
  • Multiplayer Mode: A new team-vs-team mode called Vanguard was introduced, enhancing the competitive multiplayer experience.

• Platform Updates:
  • Update 1.82: This free platform update included improvements like fully-modeled 3D interiors for armored vehicles, improved handling, and an extended damage model.

• Seasonal Event:
  • Free Weekend: From April 26-30, 2018, players could access the complete Arma 3 base game for free.

• Balance Changes:
  • The free platform update improved handling and customization options for armored vehicles, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.

Arma 3 Laws of War DLC launched on September 7, 2017, introducing a story-driven campaign, new humanitarian faction IDAP, vehicles, and gameplay features. Alongside this, the Malden DLC released on June 28, 2017, offering a re-imagined terrain and a cooperative mode for players.

• New Factions and Campaign: The Laws of War DLC added the IDAP humanitarian faction with new character outfits, and a mini-campaign featuring EOD specialist Nathan MacDade.
  • Mini-Campaign: Players engage in a story-driven narrative focused on deactivating mines post-conflict.
• New Vehicles and Aircraft: The Jets DLC introduced three air-superiority jets, including the F/A-181 Black Wasp II, To-201 Shikra, and A-149 Gryphon, along with the USS Freedom aircraft carrier.
• Gameplay Enhancements: A flight model overhaul improved aerial combat dynamics, while a new cooperative sandbox mode, Combat Patrol, allowed 12 players to tackle AI missions together.
• New Mechanics: The introduction of dynamic vehicle loadouts enabled customization of vehicle armaments, and the simulation of unexploded ordnance (UXO) added depth to gameplay scenarios.
• Balance Changes: The update included a sensor overhaul for improved targeting and a refined damage model for fixed-wing aircraft, enhancing overall combat effectiveness.

Arma 3 Apex launched on July 12, 2016, marking a significant expansion that introduced the South Pacific island of Tanoa, new factions, vehicles, and a co-op campaign. The Apex expansion brought a wealth of new gameplay features, including 13 new weapons and 10 new vehicles, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, the introduction of the Eden 3D Editor allowed players to create and modify scenarios directly in a 3D environment.

• Apex Expansion: Released on July 12, 2016, featuring the new terrain of Tanoa and a co-op campaign titled "Apex Protocol" with 7 replayable missions.
  • New Factions: Introduced Syndikat and NATO forces, adding depth to the gameplay.
  • New Vehicles and Weapons: Added 10 new vehicles including VTOL aircraft and 13 new weapons.
• Eden 3D Editor: Launched with the Apex expansion, this new tool allowed players to create scenarios directly in the game world, significantly improving scenario creation.
• Gameplay Enhancements: Update 1.58 brought features like the ability for vehicles to be transported within other vehicles and a revamped revive mechanic.
• Visual and Audio Upgrades: Major improvements to audio and visual fidelity were implemented, enhancing the immersion and overall quality of the game.
• Balance Changes: A permanent price drop for Arma 3 and its DLCs was announced, making the game more accessible to new players.

Marksmen DLC launched on April 14, 2015, introducing seven new weapons, two scopes, and gameplay enhancements that significantly expanded the experience in Arma 3. This period also saw the announcement of the Tanoa expansion, featuring a new 100 km² South Pacific archipelago terrain set to release in 2016, alongside various gameplay improvements and new multiplayer modes.

• New Content:
  • Seven new weapons added in the Marksmen DLC, including five marksman rifles and two medium machine guns.
  • End Game multiplayer mode introduced, where two teams compete to secure valuable schematics.
  • New Virtual Garage feature implemented, allowing players to manage and customize vehicles.

• Gameplay Mechanics:
  • Weapon Resting and Deployment features were introduced, improving accuracy and stability.
  • Recoil Overhaul aimed to enhance shooting mechanics, rewarding strategic use of stances and movement.
  • Firing from vehicles feature enabled, allowing players to engage targets while seated.

• Balance & Gameplay Changes:
  • Improvements in AI suppression mechanics were made to enhance enemy behavior during combat.
  • Weapon handling improvements were implemented, including enhancements to recoil simulation for a more realistic shooting experience.
• Seasonal Events:
  • The Marksmen DLC Community Challenge ran from February 25 to March 5, encouraging players to collaborate to unlock new artwork.

• Updates and Performance:
  • Version 1.42 platform update was released, introducing various fixes and improvements to the overall gameplay experience.

Arma 3 Zeus DLC launched on April 10, 2014, introducing a new multiplayer mode that allows players to act as Game Masters, curating dynamic gameplay experiences. This marked a significant expansion in gameplay possibilities alongside the release of the final campaign episode, 'Win,' which concluded the overarching story.

• DLC Releases:
  • *Arma 3 Zeus* launched as a free DLC on April 10, 2014, enabling players to create and manage multiplayer scenarios.
  • *Karts DLC* released on June 24, 2014, featuring go-karts, new characters, and race challenges, adding a lighter, fun element to the game.

• New Content:
  • The final campaign episode, *'Win'*, was released on March 20, 2014, concluding the single-player narrative.
  • The *AAF Reinforcements Pack* launched on December 12, 2013, introducing new vehicles like the FV-720 Mora IFV and MBT-52 Kuma tank.

• Gameplay Enhancements:
  • An *Advanced Helicopter Flight Model* was introduced on August 5, 2014, improving helicopter control and dynamics.
  • The *Dynamic Multiplayer Combat* feature was enhanced, requiring players to adapt to changing battlefield conditions.

• Community Features:
  • The *Steam Workshop Addon Integration* allowed players to upload and share their custom content starting July 14, 2014.
  • A *Bootcamp Update* released on July 15, 2014, provided new modes and structured training for newcomers.

• Seasonal Events:
  • A *Free Weekend* event from May 15 to 18, 2014, allowed all Steam users to play Arma 3 for free, boosting the player base and community engagement.