Use our modpack — these versions are guaranteed to work with the server. Mixing in other mods or versions is the usual cause of "can't join the mod event."
What's in the pack
- CBA (
@CBA_CO) — Community Base Addons. Required to run the other mods. @adwasp— bundles ASR AI, TGW fixes, and WASP fixes (new thermal scopes and various gameplay fixes).@admkswf— Sidewinder reload-time fix.- JSRS 1.5 (
@JSRS1.5) — sound overhaul. Optional — it's purely cosmetic. If your download doesn't include it, or you prefer the vanilla sound, just leave@JSRS1.5out of the-mod=list; the server doesn't require it. - Blastcore Visuals R1.2 (
@Blastcore_Visuals_R1.2) — effects. Optional — it can cost a lot of FPS, so drop it on lower-end systems.
Download & install
- Download the modpack: Google Drive.
- Unzip it into the folder where
Arma2OA.exelives (default:C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Arma 2 Operation Arrowhead\). - Enable the mods — either via Steam launch options (below) or the in-game Expansions menu.
- After enabling
@admkswf, also enable the TGW Zeroing mods in-game, then restart once more.
Startup parameters
In Steam: right-click Arma 2: Operation Arrowhead → Properties → Launch Options, and enter:
-noSplash -malloc=system -world=empty -mod=@CBA_CO;@JSRS1.5;@adwasp;@admkswf;@Blastcore_Visuals_R1.2
Syntax: separate parameters with spaces, separate mods with ;. Without Blastcore:
-noSplash -malloc=system -world=empty -mod=@CBA_CO;@JSRS1.5;@adwasp;@admkswf
Keep
-malloc=system— it's what stops the game freezing/crashing every few hours.
Optional client mods
Some players run additional client-side mods that the server does not require and that do not affect gameplay balance. These are community-vetted as safe to load alongside the standard pack:
- STHUD / STGI — alternative HUD and ground indicators.
- NameTags — shows player names above units.
- No blur — removes post-process blur effects.
- DSAI — improved AI sounds (client-side only).
- GDT — Geometry Detail Textures, improves surface texture quality.
Check the Discord #mods channel for the current list and download links before adding any of these. Load them after the main modpack in your -mod= string. If a session event specifies a strict modpack, leave optional mods out for that event.
Low FPS after installing?
- Disable Blastcore first — it's the heaviest.
- ASR AI (inside
@adwasp) can also lower FPS, especially on lower-end systems. Most of its cost is server-side — server admins can tune it inuserconfig\ASR_AI\asr_ai_settings.hpp(see Performance). - More in Performance.
Mod-event join issues
If you've installed the mods correctly (the V10 pack is ~116 files) and still can't join a mod event, a simple reboot has fixed it for most people. If not, check Windows, BattlEye & launch fixes or ask in #support.