How to Use Game Master Mode on Your Arma Reforger Server
Set up and use Arma Reforger's Game Master mode to spawn AI, place objectives, and run dynamic scenarios in real-time.
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
Select a Game Master scenario
In the XGamingServer Panel, 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
The default GM scenario is a blank slate where the GM builds everything from scratch.
Set up admins
Add yourself (and any co-GMs) to the admin list. See Admin Setup for details.
Save and restart
Click Save Changes and restart the server from Console.
Enter Game Master In-Game
Authenticate as admin
Join the server, open chat with C (lobby) or Enter (in-game), and run:
#login YourAdminPasswordAccess the GM interface
Open the pause menu and select Game Master. You'll switch to a top-down strategic view with placement 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
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
- 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 groupinstead of placing units one by one - Monitor server FPS — scale back if performance drops below ~30 FPS
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
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.
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