# How to Optimize Arma Reforger Server Performance (/docs/arma-reforger/performance-guide)





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

Arma Reforger servers can struggle as player counts and scenario complexity increase. Here's how to tune for the best balance of features and performance.

Quick Wins [#quick-wins]

| Setting                 | Default        | Optimization        | Impact                              |
| ----------------------- | -------------- | ------------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| `serverMaxViewDistance` | 1600           | Lower to 1200–1600  | Big — reduces simulation cost       |
| `aiLimit`               | -1 (unlimited) | Set to 50–80        | Biggest CPU win                     |
| `disableAI`             | false          | `true` for PvP      | Eliminates AI cost entirely         |
| `-maxFPS` startup param | unset          | 60–120              | **Critical** — prevents runaway CPU |
| `MaxPlayers`            | 64             | Match your hardware | More players = exponential load     |

Tune via Config Editor [#tune-via-config-editor]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Open the Config Editor [#open-the-config-editor]

    In the [XGamingServer Panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com), click **Arma Reforger Config** in the sidebar.

        <img alt="Config Tool in the sidebar" src={__img0} placeholder="blur" />
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Adjust player slots [#adjust-player-slots]

    Go to the **Game** tab and lower **Max Players** to match your hardware:

    | Player Count | Performance                            |
    | ------------ | -------------------------------------- |
    | 1–32         | Smooth                                 |
    | 32–64        | Moderate load — needs tuning           |
    | 64–128       | Heavy load, requires high-end hardware |
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Lower view distance [#lower-view-distance]

    In the **Properties** tab, reduce `serverMaxViewDistance` and `networkViewDistance`. See [View Distance](/docs/arma-reforger/view-distance) for recommendations.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Set an AI limit [#set-an-ai-limit]

    In the **Optional** tab → Operating settings, set `aiLimit` to a reasonable value (50–80 for most servers). For PvP-only servers, set `disableAI` to `true`. See [Disable AI](/docs/arma-reforger/disable-ai).
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Audit mods [#audit-mods]

    In the **Mods** tab, remove mods you're not actively using. Each mod adds processing overhead — keep your list lean.
  </Step>

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

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

Set the FPS Cap (Critical) [#set-the-fps-cap-critical]

The `-maxFPS` startup parameter is **the most important performance setting**. Without it, the server tries to use all available CPU.

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Open Startup [#open-startup]

    Click **Startup** in the panel sidebar.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Set max FPS [#set-max-fps]

    Find the **Max FPS** variable and set it to `60` or `120`. On XGamingServer, this is usually pre-configured to an optimal value.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Restart [#restart]

    Restart from **Console**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Memory Recommendations [#memory-recommendations]

| Players | Recommended RAM |
| ------- | --------------- |
| 1–32    | 4 GB            |
| 32–64   | 6 GB            |
| 64–128  | 8 GB+           |

Check **Activity** in the panel sidebar to monitor real-time resource usage.

Schedule Regular Restarts [#schedule-regular-restarts]

Long-running servers accumulate memory and entity drift. Use **Schedules** in the panel to restart every 6–24 hours depending on load. See [Automatic Backups](/docs/arma-reforger/automatic-backups) for the schedule UI.

Scenario Choice [#scenario-choice]

| Scenario        | Performance Cost                       |
| --------------- | -------------------------------------- |
| **Game Master** | Lowest — no pre-placed AI              |
| **Combat Ops**  | Moderate                               |
| **Conflict**    | Highest — full AI, vehicles, large map |

For lower-end servers, prefer Game Master or Combat Ops over Conflict.

Mod Performance Audit [#mod-performance-audit]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Baseline test [#baseline-test]

    Run the server with no mods and note the FPS in **Console**.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Add mods one at a time [#add-mods-one-at-a-time]

    Add a single mod, restart, and compare FPS.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Identify culprits [#identify-culprits]

    Mods that cause significant FPS drops should be removed or replaced. Some mods add complex simulations that scale poorly.
  </Step>
</Steps>

> **Tip:** Start with lower player limits and gradually increase as you optimize. A smooth 32-player server is better than a laggy 64-player one.

> **Note:** Arma Reforger performance improves with engine updates. Keep your server updated to benefit from Bohemia Interactive's optimizations — see [Update Guide](/docs/arma-reforger/update-guide).

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Server Configuration](/docs/arma-reforger/server-config)
* [View Distance](/docs/arma-reforger/view-distance)
* [Disable AI](/docs/arma-reforger/disable-ai)
* [Startup Parameters](/docs/arma-reforger/startup-parameters)
* [Troubleshooting](/docs/arma-reforger/troubleshooting)