Optimizing AI Behavior and Performance on an Arma 3 Server

AI units in Arma 3 can heavily impact server performance, especially in large-scale MILSIM, PvE, or co-op missions. By optimizing AI behavior, you can improve server FPS, enhance combat realism, and reduce unnecessary resource usage.

This guide will walk you through adjusting AI settings, reducing CPU load, and fine-tuning AI difficulty using VolticHost Game Panel.

📌 Prerequisites

• An Arma 3 server purchased at VolticHost.com

• Access to VolticHost Game Panel

• (Optional) A mission file (.pbo) to modify AI behavior

1️⃣ Adjusting AI Skill and Difficulty

The AI difficulty settings control how accurate and responsive AI soldiers are.

1. Log in to VolticHost Game Panel.

2. Navigate to File Manager.

3. Open the server.cfg file:

   /A3Server/config/server.cfg
   

4. Modify the AI difficulty settings:

   skillAI = 0.75; // Default is 0.5, higher values make AI more skilled
   precisionAI = 0.3; // Lower values reduce AI aimbot-like accuracy
   

5. Save the file and restart the server.

✅ Your AI is now more balanced for a realistic experience!

2️⃣ Reducing AI CPU Load for Better Performance

Excessive AI calculations can cause server lag, especially with hundreds of units.

1. Open:

   /A3Server/config/server.cfg
   

2. Add the following settings to reduce unnecessary AI calculations:

   maxUnits = 100; // Limits total AI on the server
   autoAI = false; // Prevents AI from being automatically added to missions
   

3. Save the file and restart the server.

✅ Your server will now run smoother with reduced AI strain!

3️⃣ Using Headless Clients to Offload AI Processing

If you use large AI battles, a Headless Client (HC) can help distribute AI load across multiple CPU threads.

1. Follow the Headless Client setup tutorial (previously provided).

2. Assign AI to the Headless Client in the mission file (init.sqf):

   if (!isServer && !hasInterface) then {
       while {true} do {
           _units = allGroups select {side _x == east || side _x == west};
           {
               if (!isNull _x) then {
                   [_x] joinSilent (group HC_Unit);
               };
           } forEach _units;
           sleep 10;
       };
   };
   

3. Save and restart the server.

✅ AI units will now be handled by the Headless Client, reducing main server CPU load!

4️⃣ Disabling Unnecessary AI Features

Some AI features can be disabled to further reduce CPU usage.

1. Open the server.cfg file again.

2. Add the following lines:

   disableRemoteSensors = 1; // Reduces AI tracking calculations
   disableAI = "FSM"; // Disables AI Finite State Machines (reduces unnecessary AI movement logic)
   

3. Save and restart the server.

✅ Your AI is now optimized for both performance and realism!

5️⃣ Restarting the Server to Apply Changes

1. Navigate to the Console tab in VolticHost Game Panel.

2. Click Stop to shut down the server.

3. Wait a few seconds, then click Start to relaunch with the optimized AI settings.

✅ Your Arma 3 server now runs AI more efficiently with improved performance!

🎉 Conclusion

You've successfully optimized AI behavior, reduced CPU load, and fine-tuned AI difficulty using VolticHost Game Panel! Your Arma 3 server will now have smoother performance and more immersive AI battles. 🚀

For more assistance, contact VolticHost Support.