Arma 3

Arma 3 Pass Subscription brought the base game, all official expansions and DLC, and Creator DLC under one monthly plan, while also including Malden, Zeus, and the Art of War Charity Pack. The year also added the QAV-80 Harpy UCAV, expanded the arsenal with the Diplomat 9mm SMG, and introduced the Gyra armored fighting vehicle family.

• Editions and access: Arma 3 Pass provided access to Apex, Contact, Tanks, Jets, Helicopters, and other official content, while Arma 3 Gold Edition and Arma 3 Platinum Edition added new purchase options bundling the base game, expansions, and exclusive digital content.

• New vehicles and equipment:

  • QAV-80 Harpy UCAV: Added the new unmanned aircraft, including a stealth variant, weapon presets, pylon weapons, and the MJTF camouflage livery.
  • Gyra Armored Fighting Vehicle: Added Unarmed, IFV, AA, HMG, and Mortar variants, alongside CDF and additional camouflage options.
  • Diplomat 9mm SMG: Added the suppressed weapon and integrated it into CSAT Urban crewman equipment.
  • Support Provider Cruise Missile Module: Added cruise-missile support to mission-building tools.
  • Offroad (Zu-23): Added the anti-aircraft vehicle to Tura, FIA, and enemy vehicle pools.

• Combat and faction changes: Gyra armor was reduced from 200 to 180, AH-99J Python radar visibility was increased, and AAV9/AAV9A1 armor was lowered. OPFOR Gendarmerie gained access to Gyra vehicles, while olive and sand Gyra camouflage restrictions were removed.

• Mac support: Arma 3 Mac Port Update 2.22 delivered the first synchronized Windows and Mac release, giving Mac players the same update timing as the main version.

Expeditionary Forces launched as an Arma 3 Creator DLC in November 2024, bringing amphibious warfare equipment and a mini-campaign. Updates during the period also covered existing Creator DLC and changes to vehicles and interface options.

• Expeditionary Forces: Its content included the Marine Joint Task Force and equipment such as the Cougar helicopter, AAV-9 Mack, Combat Boat, and USS Takmyr.
• Scenario: Resolute Cyclone offered a single-player mini-campaign connected to the new expeditionary content.
• Vehicle controls: Tank commanders gained an option to override turret control, and vehicle handling received adjustments.
• Existing DLC: Western Sahara and Reaction Forces were already released before this window; later activity concerning them should be read as updates, not new launches.
• Installation and interface: Players received an optional Creator DLC data installation choice, and the vehicle customization interface was widened to reduce text cutoff.

Reaction Forces joined Arma 3's Creator DLC lineup in March 2024 with vehicles, weapons, and scenarios. Other recorded activity included World War II themed additions and the restoration of Mac and Windows cross-play.

• Reaction Forces: The Creator DLC added equipment and scenarios for single-player and multiplayer, including Air Control and Quick Reaction Force.
• Vehicles: The recorded August content included the G-508 truck, G-503 jeep, and M8 armored car.
• Infantry equipment: The FG42 Ausf. E and Brno-Enfield Mk II were among the weapons listed in the same period.
• Terrain and factions: Mortain and units including US airborne divisions and German Fallschirmjäger appeared in the recorded content.
• Community and compatibility: A Veterans Day screenshot contest invited community participation, while Mac and Windows cross-play was restored in October 2023.

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 expanded Arma 3's infantry arsenal in April 2015, alongside platform changes to shooting and multiplayer. The period also brought vehicle features and the announcement of the Tanoa terrain for a future expansion.

• Marksmen arsenal: Seven weapons, including marksman rifles and machine guns, accompanied the DLC, together with two scopes.
• Shooting mechanics: Weapon resting and deployment, a recoil overhaul, and suppression changes affected how infantry fought and used cover.
• Multiplayer: End Game introduced a competitive mode in which teams sought valuable schematics.
• Vehicles: Firing from vehicles and the Virtual Garage expanded options for crews and vehicle customization.
• Looking ahead: The announced Tanoa terrain described a South Pacific archipelago planned for 2016, rather than a release in this window.

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.