# How to Use Game Master Mode on Your Arma Reforger Server (/docs/arma-reforger/game-master)





import { Step, Steps } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/steps';

Game Master (GM) mode lets a designated admin control the battlefield in real-time — spawning AI, placing objectives, triggering events, and managing players. It's the killer feature for organized milsim groups and dynamic events.

Enable Game Master Mode [#enable-game-master-mode]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Select a Game Master scenario [#select-a-game-master-scenario]

    In the [XGamingServer Panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com), open **Arma Reforger Config** and go to the **Game** tab. From the **Scenario** dropdown, choose a Game Master scenario:

    * **Game Master — Everon**
    * **Game Master — Arland**

        <img alt="Config Editor scenario dropdown" src={__img0} placeholder="blur" />

    The default GM scenario is a blank slate where the GM builds everything from scratch.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Set up admins [#set-up-admins]

    Add yourself (and any co-GMs) to the admin list. See [Admin Setup](/docs/arma-reforger/admin-setup) for details.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Save and restart [#save-and-restart]

    Click **Save Changes** and restart the server from **Console**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Enter Game Master In-Game [#enter-game-master-in-game]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Authenticate as admin [#authenticate-as-admin]

    Join the server, open chat with **C** (lobby) or **Enter** (in-game), and run:

    ```
    #login YourAdminPassword
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Access the GM interface [#access-the-gm-interface]

    Open the pause menu and select **Game Master**. You'll switch to a top-down strategic view with placement tools.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Game Master Tools [#game-master-tools]

| Tool                  | What It Does                                                                    |
| --------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **AI Spawning**       | Place infantry squads, vehicles, aircraft. Set faction, equipment, and behavior |
| **Waypoints**         | Order AI to patrol, defend, attack, or follow custom routes                     |
| **Objectives**        | Create capture points, defend zones, destroy targets, escort missions           |
| **Vehicles**          | Spawn cars, trucks, APCs, helicopters, jets                                     |
| **Buildings**         | Place fortifications, sandbags, tents, supply caches                            |
| **Environment**       | Change time of day, weather, lighting                                           |
| **Player Management** | Teleport players, monitor positions, kick/ban                                   |

Best Practices [#best-practices]

Planning a Session [#planning-a-session]

* **Pre-plan a rough scenario** — have an outline before the session starts
* **Start small, escalate** — open with a simple objective, build up complexity
* **React to players** — adjust difficulty based on how the group is doing
* **Narrate events** — use chat or VOIP to set the scene

Performance [#performance]

* **Limit AI count** — too many AI units crash server FPS. Aim for groups, not hordes
* **Clean up regularly** — remove dead AI and destroyed vehicles to keep entity counts down
* **Spawn squads, not individuals** — `spawn group` instead of placing units one by one
* **Monitor server FPS** — scale back if performance drops below \~30 FPS

Engaging Scenarios [#engaging-scenarios]

| Scenario Type        | GM Difficulty | Description                              |
| -------------------- | ------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| Patrol & contact     | Easy          | Players patrol; GM spawns enemy contacts |
| Base defense         | Medium        | Players hold a position; GM sends waves  |
| Multi-objective raid | Medium        | Multiple targets with varied defenses    |
| Dynamic campaign     | Hard          | Multi-session evolving narrative         |

Multi-GM Sessions [#multi-gm-sessions]

For large events, split GM duties between multiple admins:

* **GM 1**: AI placement and waves
* **GM 2**: Objectives and narrative
* **GM 3**: Environment and logistics

> **Tip:** Game Master is what makes Arma Reforger unique for organized groups. Spend time learning the tools in a solo session before running a live event.

> **Note:** Game Master scenarios start with no AI, so they use minimal server resources by default. Performance scales with how many entities you spawn.

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Admin Setup](/docs/arma-reforger/admin-setup)
* [Switch Scenario](/docs/arma-reforger/switch-scenario)
* [Performance Guide](/docs/arma-reforger/performance-guide)
* [Server Admin Tools](/docs/arma-reforger/server-admin-tools)