How to Use Game Master Mode on Your Arma Reforger Server
Learn how to set up and use Game Master mode to create dynamic scenarios in real-time.
Game Master (GM) mode lets you control the battlefield in real-time — spawning AI, placing objectives, triggering events, and managing players. It's like being a dungeon master for military operations.
Enabling Game Master
Select a Game Master scenario
In Arma Reforger Config on the XGamingServer panel, go to the Game tab and select a Game Master-compatible scenario.
The default Game Master scenario provides a blank map where the GM builds everything from scratch.
Configure GM permissions
Set which players can access Game Master mode. This is typically controlled through admin roles in the server config.
Restart the server
Restart from Console to load the GM scenario.
Using Game Master In-Game
Enter GM mode
Join the server and access the Game Master interface:
- Press the GM keybind (check your keybindings)
- You'll get an overhead map view with placement tools
Place AI groups
The core GM feature — spawning AI units:
- Select faction and unit type
- Place on the map
- Set waypoints and behavior (patrol, defend, attack)
- AI will act autonomously based on their orders
Create objectives
Set up objectives for players:
- Capture points
- Defend locations
- Destroy targets
- Escort missions
- Custom objectives with triggers
Manage the environment
Control the battlefield:
- Weather — Change time of day, weather conditions
- Vehicles — Spawn and place vehicles
- Buildings — Place structures and fortifications
- Supplies — Drop ammo, medical, and equipment caches
Game Master Best Practices
Planning a session
- Pre-plan your scenario — Have a rough outline before the session
- Start small — Begin with a simple objective, then escalate
- React to players — Adjust difficulty based on player performance
- Communicate — Use text or voice chat to narrate events
Performance management
- Limit AI count — Too many AI units cause server lag
- Clean up dead AI — Remove corpses and destroyed vehicles periodically
- Monitor server FPS — Scale back if performance drops
- Use groups, not individuals — Spawn AI as squads, not one by one
Creating engaging scenarios
| Scenario Type | Description | Difficulty to GM |
|---|---|---|
| Patrol & contact | Players patrol, GM spawns enemy contacts | Easy |
| Base defense | Players defend, GM sends waves | Medium |
| Multi-objective raid | Multiple targets with varied AI | Medium |
| Dynamic campaign | Multi-session evolving story | Hard |
Multiplayer GM
Multiple Game Masters can work together:
- One handles AI placement
- One manages objectives and narrative
- One controls environment and logistics
💡 Tip: Game Master mode is what makes Arma Reforger unique for organized groups. Spend time learning the GM tools in a solo session before running a live event.
📝 Note: Game Master scenarios use fewer server resources by default (no pre-placed AI), but performance depends entirely on how many entities the GM spawns.
See also: Getting Started | Performance Guide
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