Arma 3

76%
Game Brain Score Based on 206,755 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Arma 3 Game Cover
A significant step forward for the king of military simulation offset by inconsistent graphical performance.
Starting at $7.97Buy now
Get on Steam

"Arma 3" is a military sandbox game set on the large Mediterranean islands of Altis and Stratis, offering a wide variety of vehicles, weapons, and content for both single-player and multiplayer gameplay. With over 290 km² of terrain, players can engage in authentic and diverse combat experiences, from tank battles to helicopter flights and asymmetric warfare. The game also provides extensive opportunities for content creation, making it a premier choice for PC military simulation enthusiasts.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows
  • Cloud
  • Linux
  • NVIDIA GeForce NOW
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

76%
Audience ScoreBased on 206,755 reviews
story2,722 positive mentions
optimization1,786 negative mentions
  • story14,058 mentions

    The story aspect of Arma 3 has received mixed reviews from players. While some appreciate the campaign's attempt at a narrative, describing it as engaging and well-structured, many criticize it for being lackluster, with uninspired missions and poor AI behavior that detracts from the experience. The game's true strength lies in its extensive modding community and mission editor, which allow players to create and share their own scenarios, leading to a more personalized and dynamic storytelling experience. Overall, the campaign serves as a basic introduction to the game's mechanics, but players often find more enjoyment in user-generated content and multiplayer missions.

    • “The single-player campaign is well-designed, taking players through a variety of scenarios and missions, each presenting unique challenges and objectives.”
    • “The game's mission editor allows players to create and share their own scenarios, providing endless additional content and gameplay possibilities.”
    • “The campaign focuses on a well-crafted story of a military conflict that has erupted over Arma 3’s two huge islands of Stratis and Altis.”
    • “The storylines feel flat and uninspired, with characters that are forgettable at best.”
    • “For a game that spends so much time trying to simulate real-world military operations, it does little to make you care about the outcome of any given mission.”
    • “The campaign has full voice acting and a deep story, but the missions are confusing because there aren't good descriptions about how to accomplish the objectives.”
  • gameplay9,626 mentions

    The gameplay of Arma 3 is characterized by its deep realism and tactical complexity, offering a wide variety of missions and scenarios that keep the experience engaging, especially in multiplayer settings. However, players often note a steep learning curve due to the intricate mechanics and controls, which can be overwhelming for newcomers. While the game excels in providing a sandbox for creative gameplay through extensive modding support, it suffers from performance issues and clunky mechanics that can detract from the overall experience.

    • “The wide variety of missions and scenarios keep the gameplay fresh and engaging, whether you're tackling a solo campaign or teaming up with friends in multiplayer mode.”
    • “Arma 3 stands as a masterpiece in the realm of military simulation games, offering an unparalleled experience in realism and tactical gameplay.”
    • “The combination of detailed gameplay and a vibrant modding scene ensures you'll never run out of things to do.”
    • “The mechanics are buggy and clunky, and during PvP when left alt looking, the game thinks the alt key is pressed down even when it's not, so you can't even aim properly. The game is very bland and horribly optimized; anything more than 30 NPCs and 2 vehicles and the FPS will drop down to 40 even when the NPCs are spread apart.”
    • “What could have been an immersive, tactical military simulator is bogged down by overly complex systems, tedious gameplay, and an unpolished experience.”
    • “Boring as hell and expect to buy like thirty different DLCs to even find a lobby. Also, the fat server mods always kick for no reason; also super slow repetitive gameplay. You'll spend like 20 minutes just driving around or walking.”
  • graphics8,008 mentions

    The graphics of Arma 3 are generally praised for their realism and detail, showcasing expansive landscapes and intricate textures that enhance immersion. However, many players note that the game is poorly optimized, leading to significant performance issues even on high-end systems, with frame rates often dropping in complex scenarios. While the visuals are impressive for a game released in 2013, some users feel they are starting to show their age, and there is a strong desire for graphical updates in future installments like Arma 4.

    • “The graphics are surprisingly impressive, providing a level of detail that truly immerses you in its expansive world—though I have to admit, it can sometimes impact my fps.”
    • “Graphics are nothing short of stunning, featuring expansive landscapes, detailed textures, and realistic weather effects.”
    • “Arma 3 boasts stunning graphics with meticulously designed environments, creating a level of realism that's truly exceptional.”
    • “The graphics are not great and the gameplay can be very finicky, but Arma 3 is actually a pretty fun little war game at the end of the day.”
    • “The graphics are a bit dated now.”
    • “The graphics are completely horrible, takes 5 minutes to drive full speed to the front lines, and I die to a cheater.”
  • optimization5,577 mentions

    The optimization of Arma 3 has been a significant point of contention among players, with many reviews highlighting its poor performance, especially in multiplayer scenarios. Despite some improvements over the years, the game is often criticized for being unoptimized, requiring high-end hardware to run smoothly, and frequently experiencing frame rate drops, particularly in densely populated areas or during large battles. While some players have managed to achieve decent performance through various tweaks and mods, the overall consensus is that the game still struggles with optimization issues that detract from the experience.

    • “The game has been greatly improved/optimized since it was released and the amount of content available is ludicrous.”
    • “Despite bugs and performance issues, this game still slaps.”
    • “Optimization has improved over the years, but occasional bugs and glitches can still occur.”
    • “The mechanics are buggy and clunky and during PvP when left alt looking the game thinks the alt key is pressed down even when it's not so you can't even aim properly. The game is very bland and horribly optimized; anything more than 30 NPCs and 2 vehicles and the FPS will drop down to 40 even when the NPCs are spread apart.”
    • “The optimization is very poor; never buy this game.”
    • “The game is so poorly optimized, it runs like shit even on a high-end system.”
  • stability3,092 mentions

    The stability of Arma 3 has been a significant point of contention among players, with many citing frequent bugs, glitches, and performance issues. While some players find the glitches amusing and part of the game's charm, others express frustration over game-breaking bugs and poor optimization, particularly in multiplayer modes. Overall, the game is described as a "buggy mess," but many still enjoy it for its depth and community-driven content, suggesting that players should be prepared for a less-than-polished experience.

    • “This game is fun and it runs great on my mid gaming laptop.”
    • “100% stable for me thus far, no freezes, crashes or other bugs at all.”
    • “Overall, this game runs great for me with a little optimization and the level of coop and competitive play could last me hundreds of hours of tactical enjoyment.”
    • “The mechanics are buggy and clunky, and during PvP when left alt looking, the game thinks the alt key is pressed down even when it's not, so you can't even aim properly. The game is very bland and horribly optimized; anything more than 30 NPCs and 2 vehicles and the FPS will drop down to 40 even when the NPCs are spread apart.”
    • “Easily one of the most buggy, painful, mentally and emotionally draining games I have ever played.”
    • “This game is a buggy mess and without mods would be nothing. 11/10 would warcrime again.”
  • humor1,454 mentions

    The humor in Arma 3 is a significant draw for many players, often stemming from its quirky bugs, absurd physics, and the unpredictable nature of multiplayer interactions. While some players find the humor to be hit-or-miss, with a few expressing disappointment in the game's comedic elements, the majority appreciate the laughter generated from chaotic scenarios, unexpected glitches, and the camaraderie of playing with friends. Overall, the game is seen as a blend of serious military simulation and hilarious moments, making it a unique experience for those who enjoy both tactical gameplay and lighthearted fun.

    • “Arma glitches are rather funny and give us good laughs rather than infuriating game-breaking glitches that some other games have.”
    • “The game is an amazing game with bugs that cause both stress and humor at the same time, no other games makes me laugh aggressively by being sent to the stratosphere all because I walked by a wooden fence.”
    • “The physics are a bit tricky sometimes but that makes for funny moments most of the time.”
    • “Not funny, I didn't laugh.”
    • “This game is so unfun, it has garbage controls and everybody is unfunny asf.”
    • “Unfunny stinky war game.”
  • replayability1,036 mentions

    Arma 3 is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, largely attributed to its extensive modding community and user-generated content. Players can create and experience a virtually infinite variety of scenarios, ensuring that no two gaming sessions are alike. While the single-player campaign may lack depth, the multiplayer modes and robust mission editor provide endless opportunities for engagement and fun, making it a must-have for fans of military simulation games.

    • “With its extensive modding community and countless user-generated missions, Arma 3 offers endless replayability.”
    • “The mods create a huge replay value.”
    • “The ability to create almost any scenario you can think of makes this game have almost unlimited replay value.”
    • “With its extensive modding community and countless user-generated missions, 'Arma 3' offers endless replayability.”
    • “The sheer diversity of this game, including mods and custom campaigns from the Steam Workshop, makes this game replayable for what seems an eternity.”
  • grinding636 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being excessively tedious and time-consuming, with many players feeling that it detracts from the overall experience. Users frequently mention needing "a second life" to manage the extensive grinding required, often describing the gameplay as slow, frustrating, and repetitive. While some find enjoyment in the depth and realism, the overwhelming consensus is that the grinding can be a significant barrier to enjoyment, especially for those not deeply invested in the game's mechanics.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “A bit grindy... sometimes.”
    • “One long, tedious grind.”
    • “What could have been an immersive, tactical military simulator is bogged down by overly complex systems, tedious gameplay, and an unpolished experience.”
    • “This game is long and tedious.”
    • “I got kinda tired of Altis Life because it's just constant grinding, and it feels pretty bad when some Swedish kid comes out of nowhere stealing all your stuff.”
  • monetization512 mentions

    The monetization model of the game has drawn significant criticism, with players expressing frustration over intrusive in-game advertisements for DLCs that they do not own. Many reviews describe the game as a "cash grab," highlighting that essential content is locked behind expensive DLCs, which leads to constant reminders to purchase them during gameplay. Overall, the aggressive push for additional purchases detracts from the gaming experience, making it feel more like a mobile game riddled with ads rather than a fully realized title.

    • “Better than COD and no microtransactions.”
    • “I can also heartfully say that Bohemia Interactive has the cleanest monetization scheme I've ever seen in AAA gaming.”
    • “The game's large island maps combined with the good graphic quality means there is ample opportunity for exploration with friends or some of the semi-friendly members of the community, and with all the various variety in the environment, there is ample opportunity for lots of different scenarios to play out plus lots more content which is available via in-game purchases.”
    • “For the price of this game, it is ridiculous how many DLCs it's riddled with and how annoying this game is trying to sell them to you. It's worse than mobile game ads. If I wanted a game that is basically unplayable without spending lots of money, then I would go play a free-to-play game.”
    • “It's impossible to play the base game that you actually paid money for without having advertisements plastered all over your screen for their many expensive DLCs.”
    • “This game is essentially a cash grab only because if you don't have all the DLC, you can't play multiplayer.”
  • music432 mentions

    The music in the game is generally praised for its dynamic and immersive qualities, effectively enhancing the gameplay experience during both intense combat and quieter moments. Many players appreciate the authentic sound design, which includes realistic weapon sounds and ambient noises, while the soundtrack is noted for its ability to adapt to various situations. However, some users find the music to be average or occasionally cheesy, suggesting that it may not always match the game's overall tone.

    • “The sound design complements the visuals perfectly, with authentic weapon sounds, ambient noises, and a dynamic soundtrack that heightens the immersion.”
    • “Arma 3's dynamic soundtrack adjusts seamlessly to different situations, intensifying tension during combat and providing a serene backdrop during quieter moments.”
    • “The soundtrack, in the tutorial, made your hair stand on the back of your neck, and this is carried throughout with a brilliant musical score.”
    • “The game also has a lack of music and ambient sounds, which makes the game feel empty and lifeless.”
    • “Every pilot blasts terrible music to the point you want to start team killing those annoying fucks.”
    • “It suffers from laughably cheesy electronic music and sound effects that make some actions feel insignificant, vehicle movement and firing in particular.”
  • atmosphere300 mentions

    The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its authenticity and immersive qualities, enhanced by detailed graphics, realistic sound design, and dynamic weather systems. Players appreciate the game's ability to create a tense and engaging military simulation experience, despite some criticisms regarding optimization and occasional bugs. Overall, the combination of vast open-world environments and intricate mechanics contributes to a unique and captivating atmosphere that stands out in the military simulation genre.

    • “The sound design is equally remarkable, featuring authentic weapon sounds, ambient noises, and a dynamic soundtrack that intensifies the atmosphere during missions.”
    • “The lighting effects, weather systems, and day-night cycles contribute to an immersive atmosphere, enhancing the realism of the simulation.”
    • “The attention to detail in character models, weapons, and environments is exceptional, and the dynamic weather and lighting effects further contribute to the game's immersive atmosphere.”
    • “There's also no attempt at atmosphere.”
    • “The game has a bland and boring sound design, and lacks atmosphere and immersion.”
    • “The only problem is that they don't set up any atmosphere and you don't truly feel engaged.”
  • emotional218 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game elicits a wide range of responses, from deep connections and heartfelt moments to frustration and emotional distress due to bugs and gameplay mechanics. Players often express feelings of joy and camaraderie within the community, alongside moments of sadness and reflection, particularly when recalling shared experiences or the loss of in-game characters. However, many also criticize the lack of emotional depth in character interactions and the overall gameplay experience, leading to a mixed emotional reception.

    • “This game makes me want to cry....... that's why I love it so much!”
    • “I never thought a game could have such an emotional impact on an individual, but when I look back on old screenshots and videos, I remember moments playing with friends on Friday and Saturday nights, getting lost on Altis at night, trying to learn land navigation on the fly, while trying to avoid contact with OPFOR, failed bombing runs as a jet pilot, and crashing Humvees, helicopters, and supply trucks, more times than I can remember.”
    • “And the feeling when you have to leave the game and you know that this might be the last time you are going to see them is heart-breaking.”
  • character development2 mentions

    Reviews indicate that while Arma 3 features a decent storyline, it falls short in character development, leaving players wanting more depth and growth for the characters.

    • “While Arma 3 has a decent storyline, the character development isn't there.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

81% average critic score

Buy Arma 3

Play time

312hMedian play time
877hAverage play time
19hMain story
113hCompletionist
25-1000hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 1,166 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

Similar Games

Game News