Arma 3

Bohemia Interactive celebrates the 16th anniversary of the Arma series with the releases of the free 5-vs-5 tactical first-person shooter Argo and the free Malden DLC for Arma 3.

Both Argo and the Arma 3 Malden DLC deploy players to a re-imagination of Malden – the iconic island terrain from the first Arma game, which was released today sixteen years ago on June 22nd 2001. The new Malden (also referred to as ‘Malden 2035’) spans 62 km2 of landmass, and with many of its unique locations having been designed to support Argo’s infantry focus, the new terrain is specifically suited for close-quarters combat. Malden 2035 features 15 towns and villages, and many other special points of interest such as an airfield, bunkers, a radio station, a goat farm, a fjord and rock formations, orchards and vineyards, a desert area, and more. In comparison to the original Malden, the number and names of the towns and villages, and all locations of hills, crossroads, gas stations, have remained the same. For those who do not remember or did not experience Arma’s first deployment to the island, Bohemia Interactive posted a new video in which someone people might know from the Cold War Crisis campaign, U.S. Special Forces veteran James Gastovski, shares his memories of his deployment to Malden back in 1985. View the Arma 3 Malden DLC Trailer HERE.

Graduating from Bohemia Incubator, Argo is an Arma-based hardcore tactical multiplayer first-person shooter, in which players fight as mercenaries over the remnants of a crashed space station. The game features three competitive 5-vs-5 game modes (Clash, Link, and Raid), and based on their performance, players earn experience points, which can be used to unlock new weapons, weapon attachments, and gear. The game also features a 10-player cooperative game mode (Combat Patrol), where players need to team up to fight against AI in an open-world setting. As a bonus, Argo includes a 3D Scenario Editor. Here players can set up their own military operations and alter or create game modes. Argo is available completely for free on Steam and will not require any form of payment to play the game. Those who would like to support the game do have the opportunity to purchase the Argo “Supporter’s Pack” at € 9.99 / $ 9.99 / £ 6.99 on Steam or the Bohemia Store. As a token of gratitude, this pack comes with a few special in-game rewards which do not affect gameplay: 13 exclusive animations for the MVP screen at the end of each match, a bundle of 23 unique apparel items, the ability to use vehicles in the 3D Scenario Editor, access to premium Argo Supporter servers, and the names of supporters are highlighted on the leaderboards. View the Argo Launch Trailer HERE.

The development of Argo also benefits Arma 3 players, who will today be receiving the free Arma 3 Malden DLC, and which is automatically added to their Steam Library. The Malden DLC features the re-imagined 62 km2 Malden terrain also used in Argo, plus a variant of Argo’s Combat Patrol cooperative sandbox mode, supporting up to 12 players. In addition, the Malden DLC delivers new structures and buildings to Arma 3 content creators, the ‘Escape from Malden’ and ‘Escape from Tanoa’ survival multiplayer scenarios, and orchestral renditions of the classic Arma Cold War Assault and Arma 3 main theme songs (music is available only to owners of the Arma 3 Digital Deluxe Edition, Arma 3 Extended Edition, Arma 3 Apex Edition, Arma 3 Special Edition, and Arma 3 Supporter Edition). Meanwhile, Arma 3 is currently on sale for the lowest price it has ever been on Steam and the Bohemia Store, with discounts up to 66% on the Arma 3 base game, Arma 3 Apex expansion, and Arma 3 DLC.

For more intel on Argo, please visit https://www.projectargo.net. More information about the Arma 3 Malden DLC can be found at https://www.arma3.com/dlc/malden.

In celebration of the successful Jets DLC take-off, Bohemia Interactive today published a brand new episode in the official Arma 3 Community Guide series (available on YouTube). The new video examines all of the aspects of jet employment in Arma 3, such as the various types of jets, munitions, sensors, threats, and tactics. In addition, the studio posted a new devblog, in which Creative Director Jay Crowe explains the role of jets in the Arma 3 sandbox, describes how the Jets DLC marked the first collaboration with a third-party development team, and offers a brief update on Arma 3′s 2017-2018 development roadmap.

Released two weeks ago, Arma 3 Jets is the first of several new DLC which Bohemia Interactive has planned for Arma 3′s fourth year of post-release support. Upcoming DLC packages include the Arma 3 Malden (free), “Orange” (working title), Tac-Ops, and Tanks. Compared to what was previously announced, the most notable change in the roadmap is that the “Orange” DLC has now been moved to the third quarter of this year. The free Malden DLC is still scheduled for release on the 16th anniversary of the Arma series; June 22nd – alongside Bohemia Interactive’s new (and free) tactical multiplayer shooter, Argo.

For more information on the Arma 3 Jets DLC, be sure to read the latest devblog, and visit the Arma 3 Jets DLC official website.

Celebrated with a launch trailer, Bohemia Interactive today released the anticipated Jets DLC for its tactical military shooter game, Arma 3. The Jets DLC delivers three air-superiority jets, an Unmanned Aerial Combat Vehicle, a new Showcase scenario, and more. The package is complemented by a free Arma 3 platform update, which introduces massive content (literally!) in the form of an aircraft carrier, and implements various new gameplay features related to fixed-wing aircraft.

Arma 3 Jets DLC Key Features

• F/A-181 Black Wasp II: The F/A-181 Black Wasp II is a fifth-generation, single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter jet. The aircraft was designed primarily as an air-superiority fighter, but also has ground attack capabilities. Its additional external hard points enable the aircraft to carry a wide variety of weapons configurations. The Black Wasp is fitted with the required equipment for carrier operations.
• To-201 Shikra: The To-201 Shikra is a fifth-generation, single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter jet. The aircraft was designed by a CSAT and Russian joint syndicate with the goal to build a highly agile and maneuverable air-superiority fighter. Similar to the F/A-181, the To-201 also has ground attack capabilities, and is able to support various weapons configurations via its conventional pylons, but also its internal weapons bay.
• A-149 Gryphon: The A-149 Gryphon is a fourth-generation, single-seat, single-engine, and all-weather tactical fighter jet. The aircraft was designed as a multi-role platform at an affordable cost, and unlike some of the larger air-superiority jets, it can also perform well in low-altitude flight. Despite its aging platform, the A-149 has still been upgraded with the newest sensors and weapons systems.
• Sentinel: The Sentinel is a fifth-generation, state-of-the-art, twin-engine, all-weather tactical Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV). The Sentinel was designed primarily as a reconnaissance platform, but can also perform precision ground attacks. It typically operates from an aircraft carrier.
• Showcase Fighter Jets: Take to the skies above Altis and engage in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat in a brand new Showcase scenario.

The Jets DLC is supported by the 1.70 platform update, which features new content and features. This platform update is free for all owners of Arma 3. Its highlights include:

• Sensor Overhaul: A new radar interface for targeting guided weapons, powered by advanced Active Radar and Infrared sensor technology.
• Extended Hitpoints: The damage model of fixed-wing aircraft has been upgraded to the level of detail of other vehicle classes in Arma 3.
• Dynamic Vehicle Loadouts: Players can now customize their vehicle’s armament. In the case of jets, this means you can choose what kind of ordnance each pylon carries.
• Other Improvements: Various audio enhancements, tweaked controls, several new scripted solutions such as ejection seat emergency procedures, and more.
• Aircraft Carrier “USS Freedom” (CVN-83): A nuclear-powered aircraft supercarrier which can carry various aircraft, and supports catapult take-offs and tailhook landings. The aircraft carrier is a static in-game object that can be positioned across the map via the 3D Scenario Editor, but cannot be ‘driven’.
• Surface-to-Air Weapon Systems: The USS Freedom is outfitted with 3 autonomous defensive weapon systems: Praetorian 1C AAA, Mk-49 Spartan SAM, and Mk-21 Centurion SAM.

The Jets DLC is available for purchase on the Bohemia Store and Steam at € 9.99 / $ 11.99 / £ 8.99. To already enlist for all planned upcoming Arma 3 DLC, players can purchase the Arma 3 DLC Bundle 2 (€ 22.99 / $ 24.99 / £ 19.99), which saves more than 25% over purchasing the Jets, and upcoming “Orange” (working title), Tac-Ops, and Tanks DLC separately. For a complete overview of the Arma 3 Jets’ content and features, check out the official website at www.arma3.com/dlc/jets.

All Arma 3 players receive aircraft carrier as free bonus content

In follow up to their latest dev diary, which discussed the planned new content for Arma 3 in 2017, Bohemia Interactive today announced the release date of the first upcoming DLC package: Arma 3 Jets. Available worldwide on May 16th 2017, the Jets DLC will enhance the combined arms experience by adding three new air-superiority jets, an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), a new Showcase scenario, and more.

As is protocol with each Arma 3 DLC release, the Jets DLC will be accompanied by a free platform update that improves the game for everyone. The main highlights of this update are the ‘sensor overhaul’ to improve targeting and target detection, an upgraded fixed-wing damage model with more hitpoints and new damage effects, dynamic vehicle loadouts, and various other jets-related improvements.

In addition, as a special surprise, Bohemia Interactive is proud to reveal truly massive bonus content in the form of the CVN-83 “USS Freedom” Aircraft Carrier (watch new trailer). This nuclear-powered aircraft supercarrier, which will be available for free to everyone who owns Arma 3, serves as a naval main operating base, and can carry various aircraft and helicopters on board. In terms of in-game functionality, the ship is a static object that can be positioned across the map via the 3D Scenario Editor, but cannot be ‘driven’. The carrier supports catapult take-offs and tailhook landings, and features functional autonomous defensive weapon systems.

Arma 3 Jets DLC Key Features

• F/A-181 Black Wasp II – The F/A-181 Black Wasp II is a fifth-generation, single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter jet. The aircraft was designed primarily as an air-superiority fighter, but also has ground attack capabilities. Its additional external hard points enable the aircraft to carry a wide variety of weapons configurations. The Black Wasp is fitted with the required equipment for carrier operations.
• To-201 Shikra – The To-201 Shikra is a fifth-generation, single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter jet. The aircraft was designed by a CSAT and Russian joint syndicate with the goal to build a highly agile and maneuverable air-superiority fighter. Similar to the F/A-181, the To-201 also has ground attack capabilities, and is able to support various weapons configurations via its conventional pylons, but also its internal weapons bay.
• A-149 Gryphon – The A-149 Gryphon is a fourth-generation, single-seat, single-engine, and all-weather tactical fighter jet. The aircraft was designed as a multi-role platform at an affordable cost, and unlike some of the larger air-superiority jets, it can also perform well in low-altitude flight. Despite its aging platform, the A-149 has still been upgraded with the newest sensors and weapons systems.
• Sentinel – The Sentinel is a fifth-generation, state of the line, twin-engine, all-weather tactical Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV). The Sentinel was designed primarily as a reconnaissance platform, but can also perform precision ground attacks. It typically operates from an aircraft carrier.
• Showcase Fighter Jets – Take to the skies above Altis and engage in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat in a brand new Showcase scenario.

The Jets DLC is now available for pre-order on the Bohemia Store and Steam with a 10% pre-order discount (original price: € 9.99 / $ 11.99 / £ 8.99). Alternatively, if they already wish to enlist for all planned upcoming DLC, players can purchase the Arma 3 DLC Bundle 2 on the Bohemia Store or Steam (€ 22.99 / $ 24.99 / £ 19.99), which saves more than 25% over purchasing the upcoming Jets, “Orange” (working title), Tac-Ops, and Tanks DLC separately.

For a complete overview of the Arma 3 Jets’ content and features, check out the official website at www.arma3.com/dlc/jets.

Celebrating the major milestone of more than 3 million Arma 3 copies sold, Bohemia Interactive today published a new video to offer a special first look at the upcoming Jets DLC and to discuss their plans for Arma 3 in 2017 and beyond.

In the video, Creative Director Jay Crowe provides a quick retrospective of Arma 3’s journey so far, and scans the horizon for what is currently in development.

Jay Crowe:

“It’s become something of a yearly tradition to share our plans for Arma 3 via a quick retrospective of progress, and a look ahead at the work in front of us. Although 2017’s no exception – it’s once again our pleasure to present our development, with a particular focus on the upcoming Jets DLC – this year is extra special, as we celebrate passing the 3 million milestone for the Arma 3 playerbase.”

• Penciled in for May 2017, the Arma 3 Jets DLC introduces three new fighter jets, a new Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV), a new Showcase scenario, Steam Achievements, and more. The Jets DLC will be accompanied by a free platform update introducing a sensor overhaul to enhance targeting, an improved fixed-wing damage model by extending the number of hitpoints and damage effects, dynamic vehicle loadouts, and various other jet-related improvements. Arma 3 Jets is the first Arma 3 DLC to be developed in partnership with a third-party external development team, BRAVO ZERO ONE Studios (which is led by Make Arma Not War winner Joshua “Saul” Carpenter).
• To celebrate the 16th anniversary of the Arma series, Bohemia Interactive will release the free Arma 3 Malden DLC on June 22nd 2017. This DLC includes a re-imagination of the classic Malden terrain featured in the very first Arma game. In addition, the studio will release a new (and free) cooperative multiplayer mode, named ‘Combat Patrol’. Here, players need to accomplish various objectives as part of an infantry team, and each playthrough will be different thanks to the mode’s heavily randomized nature.
• While the exact theme of the Arma 3 “Orange” DLC (working title) (est. Q3 2017) will be announced at a later date, this upcoming new package will explore an interesting and unique perspective on the battlefield. The Arma 3 “Orange” DLC will include new vehicles, new clothing and gear, new decorative objects, a mini-campaign, Showcase and Challenge scenarios, and more. In terms of size, the “Orange DLC” stands somewhere in between the Arma 3 Karts and Arma 3 Helicopters/Marksmen/Jets/Tanks DLC.
• The Arma 3 Tac-Ops DLC (est. Q4 2017) will deliver a set of ‘tactical operations’. These singleplayer scenarios will focus upon challenging, replayable, and authentic military gameplay – making the best use of Arma 3′s sandbox terrain, vehicles, and weapons.
• The Arma 3 Tanks DLC (est. Q1 2018) will build on the experience of armored combat in Arma 3 by delivering three new armored vehicles, new playable content, and more. The package will be accompanied by a free platform update, which will implement new features and improvements related to tracked and armored vehicles.

While the official release of the Arma 3 Jets DLC is scheduled for May 2017, Bohemia Interactive intends to make its contents available for public testing on Arma 3’s Dev-Branch in the next few weeks. To gain pre-release access, players should pre-order the Arma 3 Jets DLC on the Bohemia Store with a 10% pre-order discount (original price: € 9.99 / $ 11.99 / £ 8.99).

Alternatively, those who are already certain they want to enlist for all planned upcoming DLC can purchase the Arma 3 DLC Bundle 2 on the Bohemia Store or Steam (€ 22.99 / $ 24.99 / £ 19.99), which saves more than 25% over purchasing the Jets (€ 9.99 / $ 11.99 / £ 8.99), “Orange” (€ 6.99 / $ 7.99 / £ 5.99), Tac-Ops (€ 4.99 / $ 5.99 / £ 4.49), and Tanks DLC (€ 9.99 / $ 11.99 / £ 8.99) separately.

For more information about Arma 3, please visit www.arma3.com.

By Fraser Brown @ The Wargamer

ArmA 3 is a gargantuan toybox for military connoisseurs, as much a platform for the creation of diverse scenarios – from survival sandboxes to duelling tanks – as a game itself. ArmA 3: Apex, then, is a new compartment in that toybox. Slide out the drawer and you’ll be able to pick up and play with VTOLs, AK-12 assault rifles, Prowler light strike vehicles and sexy night vision goggles.

But it’s more than just these new toys, however. If you’ve grown tired of the idyllic but sometimes war-torn fictional Greek archipelago created for the core game, then good news! There’s a whole new set of islands to explore in the stunning South Pacific locale of Tanoa. Bid farewell to the gentle rolling hills and seemingly infinite fields of Altis and Stratis, and prepare to spend a lot of time in the humid jungle and striking beaches of your new home.

Read on…

Celebrated with a launch trailer, Bohemia Interactive today released the much-anticipated Apex expansion for their tactical military shooter game, Arma 3. For the first time ever in the series, players are deployed to a South Pacific warzone, reinforced with new vehicles, weapons, and gear to overcome the challenges of a hostile foreign terrain.

As reflected by the expansion’s name, Arma 3 Apex represents the pinnacle of over 15 years of Arma development. It builds upon the series’ signature large-scale authentic combat gameplay, where movement, shooting, and teamwork truly matter – and introduces fresh opportunities for all types of combat operations.

On the road to Apex, Bohemia Interactive released several free platform updates for Arma 3. The highlights of these updates include a major audio-visual upgrade, a 3D scenario editor, a new server browser and enhanced mod handling in the Launcher, Quick Play, vehicle-in-vehicle transport, weapon switching, spectator mode, and many user experience enhancements, such as a new main menu, a new default control preset, and more.

Arma 3 Apex is now available for purchase on Steam and the Bohemia Store (29.99 EUR / 24.99 GBP / 34.99 USD). Those who are new to Arma 3, but want to enlist for the complete experience at the best price, can choose to pick up the Arma 3 Apex Edition on Steam or the Bohemia Store for 59.99 EUR / 44.99 GBP / 69.99 USD.

For more intel on the Apex expansion, please visit the official Apex web page – where you can find a complete overview of its content and features.

Alongside a brand new trailer, which premiered during the PC Gaming Show at E3 2016, Bohemia Interactive has announced the release date for the much-anticipated Arma 3 Apex expansion. Launching worldwide on July 11th this year, Arma 3 Apex will bring players to the 100 km² South Pacific archipelago Tanoa, with a new arsenal of weapons and vehicles at their disposal, as well as additional armed forces, a co-op campaign, and more.

Calling all troops to the front lines, Bohemia Interactive also announced that, as of today (almost one month before release), everyone who pre-ordered Arma 3 Apex has Sneak Preview Access to all of the expansion’s content, except for the co-op campaign. To install the Apex Sneak Preview build, you simply need to right-click on Arma 3 in your Steam Library, go to ‘Properties’, visit the ‘BETAS’ tab, and use the drop-down menu to select and install the Apex Sneak Preview build. This build represents a work-in-progress version and is not yet fully representative of the final Arma 3 Apex release.

With its distinct geographical features and varied locations, Apex’s South Pacific island archipelago of Tanoa introduces fresh opportunities for all types of combat operations. Making use of 13 new weapons (providing a mix of classic and near-future firearms), and 10 new vehicles (including new vehicle classes such as VTOL aircraft and LSVs), players can engage in authentic combat on a massive scale, where movement, shooting, and teamwork truly matter. The new 1-4 player co-op campaign sees players take on the role of NATO CTRG special operators, who are sent to Tanoa in order to prevent a humanitarian disaster, but quickly find themselves facing a far bigger threat than they bargained for.

Representing the pinnacle of over 15 years of Arma development, Bohemia Interactive has published a brand new developer diary video about their major upcoming expansion for Arma 3: Arma 3 Apex. In the video, Project Lead Petr Kolář and Creative Director Jay Crowe unveil the expansion’s setting and content.

Arma 3 Apex is now available for pre-order with a 20% discount for 23.99 EUR / 19.99 GBP / 27.99 USD (regular price: 29.99 EUR / 24.99 GBP / 34.99 USD) on Steam and the Bohemia Store. Those who are new to Arma 3, but want to enlist for the complete experience at the best price, can choose to pick up the Arma 3 Apex Edition for 59.99 EUR / 44.99 GBP / 69.99 USD.

For more information about the Apex expansion, please visit the official web page where you find a complete overview of its content and features.

Source: Blue’s News

Another game is free this weekend as you can play Arma 3 on Steam through Sunday afternoon with no obligation. Here’s word:

Spread the word: you can play Arma 3 for FREE this entire weekend on Steam!

Be deployed to the Mediterranean Republic of Altis & Stratis, and enlist for Bootcamp, create your own scenarios in the 3D Editor, or head straight into multiplayer with friends. How? Just visit your Steam Library, search for “Arma 3″, and LMB fire at that Install button.

In addition, to sign up for extended duty, this weekend you can purchase Arma 3 at its lowest price ever. Take advantage of the massive 50% discount on the Arma 3 base game (which was already reduced in price just 3 weeks ago), or 33% off the Arma 3 Apex Edition (includes Arma 3 + DLC + Apex). And if you already own Arma 3, you can now also get the Karts DLC, Helicopters DLC, and Marksmen DLC (or all of them together in the DLC Bundle) at half price!

Get more game info at the official Arma 3 website.

Official mod, Update 1.58, permanent price drop

In support of the Arma 3 Steam Workshop, Bohemia Interactive deployed an ‘official mod’ in the form of the free ADR-97 Weapon Pack. A new trailer, which accompanies the ADR’s release, demonstrates how easy it is to install user-created content from the Arma 3 Steam Workshop.

The ADR-97 Weapon Pack consists of a collection of variants of the ADR-97 submachine gun. Inspired by the iconic FN P90, the ADR is a lightweight, highly maneuverable firearm with a high rate of fire, which stands out due to the 50-round magazines positioned on top of the weapon. The ADR-97 comes with inbuilt collimator sights, but some variants can also be fitted with custom optics.

To add the ADR-97 Weapon Pack to their game, players simply need to visit the official mod’s page on the Steam Workshop (via their web browser or the Steam Client), and click on the green ‘Subscribe’ button, as is demonstrated in the video. Then, when they start Arma 3 from their Steam Library, they can enable the ADR-97 Weapon Pack (and other mods they have installed) via the ‘Mods’ tab in the Arma 3 Launcher, and run the game. The ADR-97 is now reasy for use; give it a go in the new 3D Scenario Editor!

In addition, while marching forward on the #RoadToApex, Arma 3 today also received a significant platform update. Highlights of Update 1.58 include the new Apex control preset, the ability to switch between weapons while in movement, an overhaul to Arma 3′s difficulty options, an improved system for assigning and managing in-game ‘tasks’, and continued support for the recently released Eden 3D Editor, as well as a range of other improvements and fixes. The complete changelog is available on the Arma 3 Dev Hub.

Last but not least, for the first time since its official release in September 2013, Bohemia Interactive has announced a permanent price drop for Arma 3 and all of its DLC released so far. The new price for the Arma 3 base game is 34,99 EUR / 29.99 GBP / 39.99 USD (before it was 44.99 EUR/35.99 GBP/59.99 USD). The Arma 3 Helicopters DLC and Arma 3 Marksmen DLC are now 9.99 EUR / 7.99 GBP / 11.99 USD (before it was 12.99 EUR/10.99 GBP/15.99 USD). The price of the Arma 3 DLC Bundle, which includes the Karts, Helicopters, and Marksmen DLC has been reduced to 16.99 EUR / 14.99 GBP / 19.99 USD (before it was 19.99 EUR/16.99 GBP/24.99 USD). Those who are new to Arma 3, but want the most complete experience for the best price, can still choose to pick up the Arma 3 Apex Edition for 59.99 EUR / 44.99 GBP / 69.99 USD, which includes the Arma 3 Digital Deluxe Edition, Karts, Helicopters, and Marksmen DLC, and the upcoming Apex expansion. All Arma 3 editions and DLC are available for purchase on the Bohemia Store and Steam.

For more information about Arma 3, please visit the games official website.