Arma Reforger is a demanding milsim, and a dedicated server has to simulate AI, vehicles and large player counts smoothly. Undersize it and you get rubber-banding and low server FPS. This guide covers the real Arma Reforger dedicated server requirements.
The short answer
| Players | RAM | CPU |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 32 | 8 GB+ | 4 fast cores |
| 64 | 16 GB+ | High single-thread CPU |
| 64–128 (heavy AI) | 16 GB+ | Top-tier single-thread |
The server executable uses roughly 3 GB of RAM just on startup, climbing as players and AI join. AI-heavy Game Master scenarios push CPU far harder than the player count alone suggests.
CPU is the bottleneck
Like most simulation games, Arma Reforger’s server is CPU-bound and leans on single-thread speed — the simulation, AI and networking run on limited cores, so raw clock speed matters more than core count or extra RAM. A server can have RAM to spare and still drop server FPS if the CPU can’t keep up with the AI and tick rate.
What drives the load
- AI count — Game Master and Conflict AI are the biggest CPU cost. Capping AI is the single most effective way to protect performance.
- Tick rate — higher tick rates are smoother but more demanding; many servers run a balanced rate.
- View distance —
serverMaxViewDistancedirectly affects load. - Mods — heavy mods add CPU and RAM overhead.
Size your server to your real scenario with our free Arma Reforger performance calculator, and see our server FPS optimization guide to keep it smooth.
The managed option
Our Arma Reforger server hosting runs on AMD Ryzen 9 7950X cores — the high single-thread speed Arma Reforger’s simulation actually needs — sized for the player counts above, with DDoS protection and instant setup. 30% OFF with code XGAMEON.
Frequently asked questions
How much RAM does an Arma Reforger server need?
8 GB+ for up to 32 players, 16 GB+ for 64. The server uses ~3 GB on startup before players and AI load.
Is Arma Reforger server CPU or RAM heavy?
CPU — specifically single-thread speed. AI and simulation peg the cores before RAM becomes the limit.
Why is my Arma Reforger server lagging with low player counts?
Usually AI load or tick rate, not players. Cap AI in your scenario and reduce view distance — the performance calculator helps you find the right settings.
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