How to Connect to a Modded Arma 3 Server

Overview

Arma 3 mods can turn a standard server into almost anything, from serious milsim operations to custom survival setups. The awkward part is joining one for the first time. If your launcher is missing a required mod, has the wrong mod loaded, or cannot find the server, Arma 3 will usually reject the connection instead of politely working around it.

The process is simpler when handled in order: add the server to Steam, check which mods are required, subscribe to anything missing, then load the correct set before joining.

Add the Server in Steam

Start by saving the server as a Steam favorite. This makes it easier to find from the Arma 3 launcher later.

• Open your HolyHosting server panel and find the server IP address and port.

• Copy the full `IP:Port` value so it is ready to paste.
• Open Steam, then select View > Servers from the top-left menu.
• Choose Add a Server, paste the copied `IP:Port`, and confirm it.

• Click Add This Server to Favorites.

Find and Install Required Mods

After the server is saved, use the Arma 3 launcher to check what it needs. This is where the launcher does the useful detective work, minus the dramatic music.

• Launch Arma 3 from Steam and open the Servers section.

• Find the server you want to join, hover over it, then click Join.

• Review the listed missing mods. Search for each one on the Arma 3 Steam Workshop, or use a browser search if Workshop results are unclear.

• Subscribe to every required mod using the same Steam account you use to play Arma 3.

If every missing item shows an option such as Subscribe mod..., you can usually continue with Setup DLCs and Mods and Join. The launcher will subscribe to the needed Workshop items and prepare them automatically. If an item shows Choose action or cannot be handled automatically, subscribe to it manually first.

Load Mods and Join

Once every required mod is subscribed, make sure the launcher actually loads them before connecting.

• Open the Arma 3 launcher and go to the Mods section.

• Confirm the required mods appear in the list, then select Load All near the top-right.

• Return to the Servers tab on the left side.
• Hover over the saved server and press Join.
• If the mod list is green, select Setup DLCs and Mods and Join.

Arma 3 should then start and connect to the modded server with the correct content loaded.

Common Connection Problems

If the connection still fails, the most common cause is a mismatch between the client and the server. You may have the mods installed correctly, but the server might be missing one, using a different version, or not loading the same mod list. The server owner should confirm the mods are installed and enabled on the server side before players try again.

If a required mod is listed but you cannot find it in the Steam Workshop, search the exact mod name in a browser. Some Workshop items are hard to locate from inside Steam, especially if the name is generic or the mod has been renamed. Also check whether the server is using private, removed, or locally uploaded mods, since those require extra instructions from the server owner.

Useful Links

• Arma 3 Workshop
• How to add mods to an Arma 3 server
• Becoming an admin on your Arma 3 server
• Setting a password for an Arma 3 server