Explosives in Arma Reforger can flip the outcome of an entire Conflict match. A well-placed anti-tank mine channels an armoured column into an ambush. A pair of C4 charges wired to a detonator can silence an enemy radio tower before the defenders react. The Update 1.2 “Reinforcements” patch added faction-specific explosive charges and handheld detonators to the game, making demolition a core part of any serious squad’s toolkit. This guide covers every explosive tool available in vanilla Reforger — C4 charges, AT mines, the RPG-7V, and the M72A3 LAW — including how to place, arm, and detonate them safely and effectively.
Explosive Charges: US vs. Soviet Demolition Gear
Both factions received purpose-built explosive charges in Update 1.2. The charges can be placed on nearly any surface within reach — vehicle hulls, bridge supports, supply crates, radio equipment, and building walls.
US Faction: M112 Demolition Block + M34 Blasting Machine
The US squad uses the M112 demolition charge (a block of C4 composition explosive) as its primary breaching tool. To detonate it remotely, you need the M34 Blasting Machine — the classic “clacker” plunger detonator. Note that the M34 is rank-gated: it is only available to players who have reached Sergeant or higher. When the plunger is activated, detonation is immediate — there is no triggering delay. Lower-ranked soldiers can still arm C4 with a timed fuse via the scroll-wheel action menu.
Soviet Faction: Explosive Charge + КПМ-3У1 Capacitor Detonator
The Soviet and FIA sides use a similar block charge paired with the КПМ-3У1 (KPM-3U1) capacitor-style detonator. Unlike the American clacker’s instant trigger, the Soviet device requires the operator to wind it up to build a charge before the explosive fires. Note that the Private-rank KPM-3U1 is the FIA (resistance) variant; the Soviet military version of the KPM-3U1 requires Sergeant rank, the same restriction as the US M34 Blasting Machine.
How to Place and Detonate C4
- Step 1 — Equip the charge. Pick up the explosive block from the Arsenal and place it in your grenade slot.
- Step 2 — Deploy it. Approach the target surface and use the scroll-wheel action menu to place the charge. Charges can be fixed to vehicle hulls, walls, and most static objects.
- Step 3 — Choose your detonation method. Use the scroll menu to set a timed fuse, or equip your faction’s detonator and use the “ARM AND CONNECT” action to link the charge to the device.
- Step 4 — Connect and detonate. With the detonator equipped, approach the armed charge and select the connection action. Retreat to at least 50 metres before firing — or take solid cover behind a reinforced wall or vehicle hull.
- Team play tip: You can drop the detonator on the ground after linking it. Any teammate who picks it up can trigger all connected charges, making it possible for a scout to plant and a squad leader to fire.
- Multi-charge tip: One detonator fires all connected charges simultaneously. For sequential detonation, each charge needs its own separate detonator device.
The explosive damage system received a significant rework in Update 1.2.1. Cover now meaningfully blocks blast damage — crouching behind a stone wall or concrete bunker at range can save your life. At very close range, however, solid cover offers limited protection. Plan your escape routes and safe positions before you arm anything.
Anti-Tank Mines
Vanilla Reforger includes a limited but effective selection of pressure-activated landmines. All mines in the base game trigger on weight threshold — light infantry on foot will not set off an anti-tank mine, but trucks, APCs, and armoured vehicles will. There are no tripwire, proximity, or infrared variants in the vanilla game; those exist only as Workshop mods.
Key placement rules:
- Roads and choke points are ideal — narrow bridges, forest tracks, and village crossroads funnel vehicles over a predictable path.
- Concealment matters. Mines placed in long grass, mud, or shadows are nearly invisible. Avoid placing them on bare tarmac where the disc outline is visible.
- Booby-trap stationary vehicles. A known exploit (reported on Bohemia’s feedback tracker) allows mines to be slipped inside the wheel wells of parked vehicles, turning them into near-invisible booby traps that detonate when the vehicle moves.
- Disarming. Unlike earlier Arma titles, Reforger has removed class restrictions — any soldier can disarm an armed mine using the scroll-wheel action menu. No specialist engineer class is required.
- Mine awareness. Walk carefully in expected enemy approach zones. There is no in-game mine detector in the current vanilla build; visual spotting is the primary detection method.
Note: Directed anti-personnel mines (claymore-style devices such as the MON-50) appear in popular Workshop mods but are not part of the vanilla game as of mid-2026. If your server runs those mods, check the item descriptions — directional mines must be aimed toward the expected threat before arming.
RPG-7V — Soviet Anti-Armour Rocket Launcher
The RPG-7V is the Soviet faction’s primary anti-vehicle rocket launcher. It fires the PG-7VM HEAT warhead — capable of penetrating the side and rear armour of most APCs and light armoured vehicles in the game. The weapon comes fitted with the PGO-7 optical sight, a stadiametric rangefinder scope that lets you estimate target distance without an external rangefinder.
How the damage model works: The RPG-7 does not detonate inside a vehicle and spray generic HP damage. Instead, the warhead punches a small entry hole and projects a fragmentation cone rearward through the vehicle’s interior. This means where you aim matters enormously — a hit on the engine block disables propulsion; a hit angled into the crew compartment wounds or kills occupants. Hitting the outer hull at the wrong angle may cause minimal crew casualties even if the vehicle is visibly damaged.
Critical safety and tactical rules:
- Backblast zone. The rocket exhaust extends several metres behind the tube. Teammates within approximately 15 metres directly behind the launcher risk lethal injury. Always shout a warning and clear your backblast arc before firing.
- Aim for the engine or crew compartment. Side and rear shots on APCs are most reliable. A direct frontal hit on a BTR may wound crew but not destroy the vehicle outright.
- Stadiametric ranging. Frame a standing human figure in the scope — two notches tall equals roughly 100 m, one notch equals roughly 200 m. Use Page Up / Page Down to adjust zeroing before the shot.
- Switch scope modes. Ctrl + Right Mouse Button toggles between the PGO-7 scope and iron sights. Iron sights are faster for close-range snap shots.
- Reload from backpack. Soviet AT specialists can carry additional PG-7VM rounds in a dedicated backpack, making the RPG-7 effective across multiple engagements unlike the disposable LAW.
M72A3 LAW — US Anti-Armour Rocket
The M72A3 LAW is the US counterpart to the RPG-7V. It fires a single 66 mm HEAT rocket and is one-shot disposable — once fired, the launcher tube is discarded. It is lighter and faster to deploy than the RPG-7V, making it useful for a rifleman who needs an emergency anti-vehicle option without carrying dedicated AT gear for the full match. The trade-off is that you cannot reload or carry spare rounds; if you miss, you are out.
Quick-Reference: Explosive Tools by Faction
| Item | Faction | Type | Detonation | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M112 Demolition Charge | US | Placed explosive | Timed fuse or M34 clacker | M34 requires Sergeant rank |
| M34 Blasting Machine | US | Remote detonator | Instant on press | Sergeant+ only |
| Explosive Charge (Soviet) | Soviet / FIA | Placed explosive | Timed fuse or KPM-3U1 | Same placement rules as M112 |
| КПМ-3У1 (KPM-3U1) | Soviet / FIA | Remote detonator | Wind-up capacitor | Available from Private rank |
| Anti-Tank Mine | Both | Pressure mine | Vehicle weight threshold | Disarmable by any soldier |
| RPG-7V + PG-7VM | Soviet | Rocket launcher | Direct fire | Reloadable; backblast ~15 m |
| M72A3 LAW | US | Rocket launcher | Direct fire | Single-use disposable |
Demolition Tactics for Conflict Mode
Explosives are most decisive when used to attack objectives rather than individual enemies. Here are the highest-value applications:
- Radio tower demolition. C4 charges are the most reliable way to destroy a defended radio tower. Sneak in, place two charges on the base of the tower, connect both to one detonator, and detonate from a safe distance. One charge alone may not guarantee full destruction — place a second for redundancy.
- Vehicle kill zones. Pair AT mines with a standing fire team. The mine disables or tracks the vehicle; the RPG-7V or LAW finishes it. Mines on narrow approach roads force vehicles to slow while your AT team takes an aimed shot from cover.
- Ambush corridors. Seed a forest track with two or three AT mines spaced a vehicle-length apart, then position RPG gunners on either flank. When the lead vehicle triggers the first mine, the convoy stalls and your shooters engage the exposed flanks.
- Supply-point raids. C4 placed on supply trucks or fuel depots denies the enemy the ability to rearm and repair. Even if you cannot hold the point, destroying the supplies forces a costly resupply run.
- Helicopter kill. A single C4 charge is not guaranteed to destroy a heavy helicopter — field reports suggest a grounded Mi-8 survived one charge. Use multiple charges or combine a charge detonation with AT mine placement under the landing skids to ensure a kill.
Running a community server where explosive tactics are a regular part of your missions? Our dedicated Arma Reforger server hosting gives you full mission persistence, custom mod support, and the reliable uptime your squad needs for coordinated demolition ops. For server setup guides including mod configuration and game-master tools, visit the Arma Reforger documentation hub.
To round out your squad’s fighting capability, see our Arma Reforger Combat Roles Guide for choosing the right loadout around your explosive kit, and the Gadgets & Equipment Guide for field tools that complement demolition operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Arma Reforger have claymore mines in the base game?
No. As of mid-2026, directed anti-personnel mines (claymore-style devices) are not included in the vanilla game. All landmines in the base game are pressure-activated and trigger on vehicle weight. Claymore-type mines such as the MON-50 are available through Workshop mods — check your server’s active mod list to see if they are enabled.
Can any soldier use C4 and mines, or do you need a specific class?
Any soldier can place and disarm anti-tank mines — Reforger removed the engineer class restriction that existed in earlier Arma titles. However, both the US M34 Blasting Machine and the Soviet military KPM-3U1 require Sergeant rank or higher to equip; only the FIA’s KPM-3U1 variant is available from Private rank upward. Timed-fuse detonation is accessible to all ranks for both factions.
How do I safely fire an RPG-7 without killing my teammates?
Before firing, always verbally call “BACKBLAST CLEAR” and physically check that the area behind the launcher tube is free of teammates. The rocket exhaust extends several metres to the rear and can inflict lethal damage on anyone caught in that arc at close range. Additionally, never fire inside enclosed rooms or bunkers — the backblast will severely injure or kill the operator. Crouch or go prone in the open for the most stable firing position, and aim for the target’s engine bay or crew compartment rather than the frontal armour plate for maximum effect.
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