Arma 3
Realistic tactical shooter set in a near-future Mediterranean conflict.
Arma 3 is an open world tactical shooter simulation video game developed and published by Bohemia Interactive exclusively through the Steam distribution platform. It is the third main entry in the Arma series and the eighth installment overall, released for Microsoft Windows on September 12, 2013, and for macOS and Linux on August 31, 2015. The game is notable for its immersive realism, expansive photorealistic terrains, and active modding community that has sustained it for over a decade.
- Developer
- Bohemia Interactive
- Publisher
- Bohemia Interactive
- Release Date
- September 12, 2013 (Windows); August 31, 2015 (macOS, Linux)
- Genre
- Open world tactical shooter simulation
- Platform
- Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux
- Setting
- Fictional islands of Altis and Stratis (South Mediterranean Sea), mid-2030s
- Sequel
- Arma 4 (in development)
Lore & Background
Arma 3 was conceived around 2010 as a science fiction spin-off of the Arma series but gradually became a grounded mainline entry. Development was stymied in 2012 when two developers were arrested in Greece on charges of espionage for allegedly photographing military installations, though they were released the following year. The game's first public alpha release in March 2013 made it one of the first games to be released through Steam Early Access.
Reader's Guide
Arma 3's significance lies in its enduring realism and community-driven longevity. Over a decade after release, it maintains a substantial player base and an active modding community, supported by over 20 significant updates and downloadable content releases since 2014. The game's Eden Editor allows players to create custom scenarios and upload them to the Steam Workshop, fostering a rich ecosystem of user-generated content. Its realistic ballistics, customizable difficulty, and emphasis on player choice in missions set a standard for tactical shooters. The game's plot, centered on the 2035 Altis Incident involving NATO and CSAT, is told through multiple episodic campaigns. A sequel, Arma 4, is in development using the Enfusion Engine, with a prequel spin-off, Arma Reforger, released in 2022.
Did You Know?
- Arma 3 was one of the first games released through Steam Early Access, with its alpha launch in March 2013.
- Two developers were arrested in Greece in 2012 on espionage charges for allegedly photographing military installations; they were released the following year.
- The game introduces diving to the series, with underwater firearms and frogman operations.
- Arma 3's maps feature photorealistic terrain and water environments covering hundreds of square kilometers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arma 3?
Arma 3 is a realistic open-world tactical shooter developed and published by Bohemia Interactive, first released on Steam for Windows in September 2013. It serves as the third main entry in the Arma franchise and is widely recognized for its photorealistic military simulation and expansive playable terrain.
Where does Arma 3 take place?
The game is set on the fictional Mediterranean islands of Altis and Stratis during a near-future conflict in the mid-2030s. Players operate across vast, detailed landscapes that span hundreds of square kilometers of land and surrounding waters.
Does Arma 3 have a single main story?
Unlike many AAA titles, Arma 3 does not follow one continuous linear narrative. Instead, it presents a collection of standalone missions and scenarios that introduce the player to its tactical systems, while the broader world is expanded through community-made mods and scenarios.
What sets Arma 3 apart from other open-world games?
Its core identity revolves around realistic ballistics, vehicle physics, and squad-level coordination rather than fast-paced action or quest-driven progression. A deeply active modding community has further extended the game's lifespan, keeping it relevant well past its 2013 launch.
On which platforms can you play Arma 3?
Arma 3 is distributed exclusively through Steam and is available on Microsoft Windows, with macOS and Linux support added in August 2015. Bohemia Interactive handles both development and publishing for all three platforms.
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