Arma 3 is a realism-based and open-world military tactical shooter published by Bohemia Interactive. Although the game is quite realistic, there are mods out there that will improve the immersion or the playtime quality; or will simply change the game into a whole different universe. You wouldn’t believe how much the community works to improve this game, and you should try the content they bring out.

That being said, this is the list of mods that I believe will give the best playing experience: 

 

25. CBA_A3

CBA_A3 (Community Based Addons) is a mod created for mission designers and addon-makers. It compiles a large number of features to improve the game's performance, scalability and localization.

Many mods or fixes are being created via CBA as it allows the users to easily modify the UI, create events and keybinds for new animations the content creators bring into the game. 

So if you are a mission designer, an addon-maker or a mod user you should have this on your list.

Get the mod here:

https://steamcommunity.com/workshop/filedetails/?id=450814997

 

24. BettIR

Difference between Default and BettIR

Do you like night ops? Do you feel excited when you are in a special forces operation at night, using night vision goggles? Well, I do, and I love the visuals of night goggles and how thrilling it can be at close combat in the dark. But the Arma 3 default goggles don’t feel realistic or enough. 

With BettIR you will see much better visuals and in more detail. You will easily see the difference in the image how much it changes the game.

Get the mod here:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2260572637&searchtext=

 

23. Advanced Rappelling

Advanced rappelling is another very basic mod, but very useful for immersion. Arma 3 does not have a rappelling from a heli feature and this mod fills that gap. If you would like to quickly deploy with a heli, but cannot land due to obstacles, you can now rappel down as the soldiers would do.

A very small mod, but useful tool, another tool that you should keep on your toolbelt.

Get the mod here:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=713709341&searchtext=

 

22. Enhanced Movement 

A soldier who goes through training every day should be able to climb walls or jump over obstacles, right? Or we would call them lazy.

This is exactly what this mod is for. Arma 3 doesn’t have a feature allowing you to climb walls, jump over obstacles or jump out of windows. Enhanced movement allows you to do all of these, allowing you to choose a better route and flank that enemy machine gun aiming at the gate.

And since this mod adds immersion to your gameplay and changes the accessibility, all Arma 3 players should have this in my opinion.

Get the mod here:

https://steamcommunity.com/workshop/filedetails/?id=333310405

 

21. ACE3 (Advanced Combat Environment) 

This mod brings in a new interaction system and new mechanics to the game to improve your realistic experience. As well as it improves the game performance on your PC, it also gives you advanced and improved medical, explosives, captivity and weather systems. 

You have no idea how much detail there is in this mod. All rocket launchers now have a backblast, causing damage to anybody who stays behind it. You will slowly go deaf from shooting an LMG for a while without earplugs. Once shot, you will have to find your bleeding body part and bandage that specific area with the correct type of bandage.

It also has a lot more additional features that you will love and is definitely a game-changer mod, therefore it is a must have for those who are seeking improved quality playtime.  

Get the mod here:

https://steamcommunity.com/workshop/filedetails/?id=463939057

 

20. Enhanced Map

Difference between Vanilla and Enhanced

Created by the user named Hoplite, Enhanced Map is more of a visual improvement than a realistic improvement. It modifies the maps to be more readable with its clearer topographical features and enhanced colours.

You will notice the difference from the picture above, and it is much easier to see the highways and terrain in the enhanced version. Especially if you're a pilot, get this mod to make your gameplay much easier.

Get the mod here:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2467589125&searchtext=

 

19. There is Only War

Are you a fan of the Warhammer 40K series? Well then, this is a perfect mod for you. 

There is Only War is the Warhammer 40K asset mod, and contains 3 maps; units and vehicles from Tau Empire, Chaos, Goblins, Space Marines and Imperial Forces.

Although the assets are not too detailed, you can still feel like an Imperial trooper fighting for the Emperor with this mod and any Warhammer 40K fan should try this mod out to see what it would be like realistically.

Get the mod here:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1160452826&searchtext=

 

18. JSRS

JSRS is a sound mod that will change the game soundscape and make the game sounds more immersive. The default explosions or weapon firing might make it sound boring, or repetitive and JSRS tweaks the sounds to be a more movie-like soundscape, giving you the feeling of being on a real battlefield.

I would definitely give it a try as realism and immersion make this game better.

Get the mod here:

https://steamcommunity.com/workshop/filedetails/?id=861133494

 

17. Advanced Towing

 

Although it is a basic mod, advanced towing is a very useful mod. As you will understand from the name, it allows you to tow multiple vehicles and take them away. It’s very good in survival and “Invade and Annex” servers, and is supported in both MP and SP.

While going in a convoy, your vehicle takes a hit, and now the engine is incapacitated. Why abandon the vehicle while you can take it back to base and repair it. Or you get stuck on a hill and can’t move, just call for another call to tow you to rescue you.

Although you might think you will never use it, it’s always handy to carry a tow cable.

Get the mod here:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=639837898

 

16. RHS

RHS is another large mod that brings new and realistic modern-era military assets to your games. RHS has published four different mods for four different factions. These are as below:

• RHSUSAF is the United States Armed Forces mod pack and it focuses on the USA military equipment from 2010 to the present date. It contains dozens of vehicles, units and weapons, modeled and textured with the finest details and features. 
• RHSAFRF is the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation mod pack and it focuses on the Russian military equipment from the mid 2000’s to the present date. As the USA mod pack, it contains dozens of vehicles, units and weapons with the finest details and features. 
• RHSGREF is the Green Forces mod pack and focuses on various independent fictional and real factions that fall outside the scope of USAF and AFRF. It contains accurate uniforms for units, new custom vehicles and tons of new weapons for the green faction. This mod requires both USAF and AFRF mods.
• RHSSAF is the Serbian Armed Forces mod pack and focuses on the realistic modern Serbian Army Equipment and uniforms. It contains uniforms, vehicles and weapons that represent the Serbian Armed Forces.

If you want to have a war in the modern era, these mods are the ones to have to get the best visual and realism in Arma 3.

Get the mods here: 

(RHSUSAF)https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=843577117&searchtext=

(RHSAFRF)https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=843425103&searchtext=

(RHSGREF)https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=843593391&searchtext=

(RHSSAF)https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=843632231&searchtext=

 

15. EPOCH

The Epoch mod is a game mode where you have to survive by scavenging, building bases and exploring the empty world that went through extinction.

The Epoch mod explanation is as follows:

Epoch is set just two years after a massive worldwide extinction. The exact cause is unknown and the only people left are clones with no memory of the past. Documents found in the world tell us that before the mass extinction event, The largest technology corporation had made great breakthroughs. This technology changed the world in many ways and is thought to be the cause of the extinction. Those that remain are left with remnants of a once technological society. Try to survive, build, or explore your way through the harsh dynamic environment.

What does this mean? 

You will spawn in an empty world with a few other players and AI missions and you have to wander around the map to find food, water, building supplies, weapons, ammunition and clothes or do AI missions around the map. But beware; other players might not be friendly and might want to steal your resources. And let’s not forget the hostile AI antagonists wandering around.

Will you be able to survive this chaos and become a strong man in this world? Why not go ahead and try it for yourself?

Get the mod here:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=421839251&searchtext=

 

14. TFAR

Task Force Arrowhead Radio is a mod that will bring ingame realism to the next step. TFAR is an integration with TeamSpeak and allows the players in a server to radio in other players around the map like a real radio would.

Once you load into a server, you pick a radio and set up the frequency. Once on the right frequency with your team, you can start chatting and team playing. TFAR makes it even more realistic by creating a range for the radios, so the further you are, the less clear the message will be. Radios can also be jammed, and that can change the fate of the battle.

If you are playing with a team, or group of friends, you all should definitely download this.

Get the mod here:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=620019431&searchtext=

 

13. UNSUNG

Unsung is another huge mod that brings the Vietnam War to your doorstep. This is a full conversion mod for Arma 3, that is featuring 12 maps, 12 factions, 130 weapons, 1000 uniforms, 11 tanks, 20 trucks, 16 jets, 15 helicopters, 20 traps, 20 static weapons, Vietnam era music and radio, a fantastic Vietnam War atmosphere and intense jungle combat.

With these detailed and unique assets, you can relive the time era between 1955 to 1975 and see what it is like to fight in dense jungles.

The mod is 14GB, which is a lot of space for a mod, but it is worth trying it. I personally love flying the “Huey” helicopters; and if you are a Vietnam War fan, you will love this mod.

Get the mod here: 

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=943001311&searchtext=

 

12. Star Wars Opposition

Join the battalions of clone troopers in the Galactic Republic, or fight for the Galactic Empire as a stormtrooper, or maybe fight for freedom under the Rebellion as a rebel. Maybe you will just be a bounty hunter and hunt bounties around the open world.

Star Wars Opposition is a huge mod that allows you to convert your Arma 3 experience into a Star Wars realism simulator. It contains a large variety of models, weapons, ships and vehicles and maps from all Star Wars episodes.

So if you would like to be in the Star Wars universe, this is a mod that I would greatly advise you to download.

Get the mod here:

https://www.moddb.com/mods/star-wars-opposition-main-pack/downloads/swop-main-v20 

 

11. Dynamic Universal War System

DUWS is a mod that procedurally generates a mini campaign. DUWS is supported both on SP and MP, allowing you to directly jump into a random campaign without having to create a campaign from scratch, or modify a map through the editor. 

DUWS has many features, and here is a short list of them:

• You can play as a lone wolf, or a squad or manage several squads to take back the map.
• Unlock new abilities as you progress.
• Every location on the map is randomly generated.
• Random side missions are generated.
• Several support options can be unlocked. (UAV, Arty, VAS and more)
• Dynamic Weather
• And several other features…

So if you directly want to jump into action; solo or with friends, this is a perfect mod to generate your map.

Get the mod here:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=167274881&searchtext=

 

10. Zombies and Demons

This mod is a basic mod that allows you to place and play zombies and demons with custom animations. They can be placed via the mission editor and they will attack anybody except their own faction. So if they are placed under Bluefor, they will attack Opfor and Independent)

It is a great mod for survival campaigns and content creators, allowing the mission editor to send waves of zombies for players or AI to defend. All zombie and demon attributes can be customized; such as damage, health and more.

Get the mod here:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=501966277&searchtext=

 

9. TITUS

TITUS is a military troop transport that is served in 3 different versions. Unarmed, armed and police versions can be found in the mod. 

Each version has multiple colourings, a working GPS; and a beautiful, detailed interior. There are working mirrors and cameras on board, and the doors or hatches are animated. And lastly, there is a UAV terminal for the commander seat on the vehicle.

This is a very cool mod; and honestly, I love to have this vehicle in my collection. Although there are APCs that allow you to carry troops, this vehicle gives a different feeling for transportation. 

Get the mod here: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1341958961&searchtext=

 

8. PlayerUnknown’s Battle Royale

Similar to the game PUBG, PlayerUnknown’s Battle Royale is a mod that forces the player to fight to the death with the equipment found on the map. There can only be one winner, so gear up fast and start killing everyone!

Although I haven’t had the chance to test this mod, many Arma 3 players love this mod, and if you like Battle Royale games, you should try this out. 

Get the mod here: 

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=421900169&searchtext=

 

7. Breaking Point

Breaking Point Banner

Breaking Point is a Zombie Survival Mod, focusing on PVP with some PVE elements, using the Arma 3 engine. Similar to the Epoch mod; you wander around the world full of zombies, searching for resources such as food, ammo, building supplies and trying to stay alive by fighting against zombies and other players.

This mod contains modern and historic weapons, vehicles and events such as heli crashes and supply drops that will give you new weapons or a large number of resources for your survival. 

Can you survive the horde and defend yourself from other survivors? It is time to try out!

Get the mod here:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=426629791&searchtext=

 

6. Kunduz, Afghanistan 

A screenshot from Kunduz

Kunduz, Afghanistan mod is just a map mod. But it is in our best mods list because the creator of this map has done a hell of a good job. The visual and landscape in this map are amazing, you have scenery that looks so similar to the documentaries on the US forces in Afghanistan. If you would like to recreate the US fighting the Taliban in the Kunduz region you should download this mod.

Get the mod here:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=421620913&searchtext=

 

5. FA-18 Super Hornet

The iconic plane of the US Navy; the Super Hornet is now back in action. The Boeing F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet is a twin-engine carrier-based multirole fighter aircraft variant based on the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. This mod provides the F/A-18 E and F Super Hornet variants with in-depth clickable cockpits.

The mod includes:

• 20+ squadron skins
• Clickable cockpit
• Detailed interior
• Realistic start-up procedures
• Functional Digital Display Indicators
• Realistic JHMCS 
• And more…

If you are interested in flying, especially taking off from aircraft carriers, this is a must have mod with incredible detail.

Get the mod here:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=743099837&searchtext=

 

4. IFA3_AIO_LITE

Iron Front is a mod that brings the World War II Eastern Front into life in Arma 3. This mod contains five maps; a large variety of very high quality and historically accurate units, weapons and vehicles; a german and russian singleplayer campaign and advanced gameplay features.

If you want to spend your time in a realistic 2nd World War era, you should download this mod and play the singleplayer campaign. There are also online servers that allow you to play in a team.

Honestly, this is an impressive mod, allowing you to drive historic tanks and fly planes with visuals of old towns and detailed terrains which is a 5-star rating.

Get the mod here:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=660460283&searchtext=

 

3. OPERATION: TREBUCHET

Would you like to join the UNSC and fly a pelican? Or are you here to drive the Scorpion tank? Either way, you are in the right place!

OPTRE is a mod that allows you to become an UNSC trooper with the armor and weapons provided and use Halo assets such as the Pelican gunship or the Warthog vehicle around maps in Arma 3. I can guarantee you, if you are a Halo fan, you will love this mod. In case you want to be the main hero of the Halo universe in the game, you can use the Master Chief model to become one.

With all of this being said, there is one missing thing. Unfortunately, there are no Covenant units in this mod, and you will have to improvise to create an OPFOR team. But do not worry, they have brought out a mod named Operation: Trebuchet First Contact for this reason which brings in Covenant assets.

With the amazing visuals and the environment change, I personally love to have this mod. Just being able to fly the pelican gives me joy.

Get the mod here:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=769440155

 

2. Hebontes Military Training Ground

Our next entry is a map. But not an ordinary map. This is a realistic map where you have many areas for training; a runway for aircraft take-off and landing, a harbor for ships and firing ranges for snipers, grenades, automatic rifles, tanks, and artillery. 

This is an amazing map with the scenery, hills, harbor, towns and signs. This map even has its own history.

STORY OF HEBONTES

In 1957, the Republic of Altis and Stratis was in need of a dedicated training ground for their recently deployed forces, the AAF. Since the island of Hebontes was nearby and only populated by a handful of fishermen, the decision finally has been made to resettle the population of Hebontes to Altis and Stratis. After 60% of Hebontes population had been resettled, the transformation began. Shooting ranges were built, a training camp was established and the "Hebontes Command and Control" began their service in 1970. 

In 1981, the first NATO Forces, especially the USA, Germany and France deployed battalions for training aside from the AAF. 

During the Civil War, Hebontes was used as a headquarter as well as a hub for resupply and reorganization. 

So if you need a map for training, and you want a large open area with good visuals, download this map and test it.

Get the mod here: 

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1412917989&searchtext=training

 

1. CUP

The Community Upgrade Project brings all content from Arma, Arma 2 Combined Operations and Arma 2 ACR and modifies them to work in the Arma 3 feature set. In short, it allows all weapons, vehicles, maps and units to be used in Arma 3.

If you miss the old Arma content but want to play with the Arma 3 engine and graphics, download these mods to relive the old days with more performance and detail.

Each pack has a different link, so if you only want the old weapons, you can directly install them via the weapons pack.

Get the mods here: 

(Core Pack) https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=583496184&searchtext=cup

(Units Pack)

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=497661914&searchtext=cup

(Vehicles Pack)

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=541888371&searchtext=cup

(Weapons Pack)

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=497660133&searchtext=cup

(Maps Pack)

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=583544987&searchtext=cup

(Expansion Pack)

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=853743366&searchtext=cup

 

This is the list of the best and most used 25 mods of Arma 3. I hope you will like them and find them useful. Hope to see you all in my next article. Chao!

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