Arma Reforger Startup Parameters Explained (-config, -maxFPS)

Arma Reforger’s dedicated server is launched with command-line startup parameters that point it at your config, cap its frame rate and set up profiles and mods. Getting them right is essential for a stable server. This guide covers the key Arma Reforger startup parameters.

The essential parameters

• -config — the path to your config.json (scenario, players, mods, crossplay). Required.
• -maxFPS — caps server frame rate. Always set this (commonly 60–120). Without it, the server tries to run uncapped and consumes all available CPU, starving everything else.
• -profile — the profile/logs directory where the server writes its data.
• -addons / -addonsDir — load mods and set the mod storage directory.
• -bindIP / ports — bind address and the game/query ports.
• -logStats — log performance stats to help you tune.

A typical launch line

ArmaReforgerServer -config ./config.json -maxFPS 60 -profile ./profile -logStats 30000

The most important takeaway: never run without -maxFPS. It’s the most common cause of an Arma Reforger server eating 100% CPU.

Build your launch line

Rather than memorise the flags, generate a correct launch line with our free Arma Reforger startup parameters tool, and validate your config first with the config validator so the server doesn’t fail to boot.

On managed hosting

On XGamingServer’s Arma Reforger hosting, the startup line and -maxFPS are set correctly out of the box — you just edit your config and scenario in the panel. See our performance guide for tuning.

Frequently asked questions

What startup parameters does an Arma Reforger server need?

At minimum -config (your config.json) and -maxFPS (frame cap). Add -profile, -addons and ports as needed.

What does -maxFPS do in Arma Reforger?

It caps the server’s frame rate so it doesn’t consume all CPU. Always set it — 60–120 is typical. Running uncapped is the top cause of CPU overload.

Where do I set the scenario and mods?

In the config.json referenced by -config — the startup line points to it; the config holds scenarioId, mods and crossplay settings.