If you’re coming from Arma 3 — or deciding which to play — you’ll want to know how Arma Reforger compares. They’re both Bohemia milsims, but built on different engines for different purposes. This guide breaks down Arma Reforger vs Arma 3.
The big difference: the engine
Arma Reforger runs on the new Enfusion engine; Arma 3 runs on the older Real Virtuality engine. Enfusion brings better visuals, smoother movement, built-in cross-platform modding and — crucially — console support and crossplay. Arma 3 is PC-only. Reforger is effectively the technology bridge to Arma 4, which uses the same engine.
Setting and scope
- Arma Reforger — a focused 1989 Cold War conflict (US vs Soviet) on two terrains (Everon, Arland), centred on the Conflict and Game Master modes. Tighter in scope, more polished moment-to-moment.
- Arma 3 — a sprawling near-future sandbox with far more content out of the box: many maps, factions, jets, a campaign, and the deepest mod ecosystem in the series.
Mods and content
Arma 3 has over a decade of mods (RHS, ACE, life servers, total conversions) and the Eden editor + Zeus — it’s still the king of sheer content and community creations. Arma Reforger’s modding is newer but cross-platform and growing fast, and far easier to get into. If you want the biggest existing library, that’s Arma 3; if you want modern feel + console + crossplay, that’s Reforger.
Which should you play?
| Arma Reforger | Arma 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | PC, Xbox, PS5 (crossplay) | PC only |
| Engine / feel | Modern (Enfusion) | Older (RV) |
| Content volume | Focused | Massive |
| Mod library | Newer, growing | Largest in the series |
| Best for | Modern milsim, console, crossplay | Deep content, PC veterans |
Short version: play Arma Reforger for the modern engine, console support and crossplay; play Arma 3 for the enormous content and mod library. Many players run both. We host Arma Reforger and Arma 3 servers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Arma Reforger better than Arma 3?
It’s newer and runs better (Enfusion engine, console + crossplay), but Arma 3 has vastly more content and the biggest mod library. Different strengths.
Is Arma Reforger on console?
Yes — Xbox and PS5 with crossplay. Arma 3 is PC-only.
Is Arma Reforger a replacement for Arma 3?
Not exactly — it’s a focused title on the new engine and a bridge to Arma 4. Arma 3 remains the content giant of the series.
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