Headless Client Arma 3 for performance

Headless Client Arma 3 for performance

The Headless Client (HC) Arma 3 unloads the main server by running AI, simulations or heavy script parts on a separate instance. Indispensable for life missions, IA invasions or large co-op servers, it improves FPS server and stability.

What is a Headless Client?

It is an Arma 3 client without graphic rendering that connects to the dedicated server and receives ownership of IA groups or simulated objects via setGroupOwner / Editing modules.

Prerequisite

• Arma 3 main server, start
• HC compatible mission (HC slots or IA transfer script)
• Additional CPU/RAM resources (second instance on same VPS or dedicated machine)

Deploy a HC on hosting

1. Create a second instance Arma 3 or HC slot depending on your offer
2. Run with headless settings:
   • -client or headless profile according to version
   • Same modlist as the server (-mod= identical)
   • -connect=IP:PORT Main server
   • -password if protected server
3. In the mission, assign AI to HC (Headless Client module in editor or script framework)
4. Check in logs that HC is connected and has the groups

IA optimisation

• Limit number of IA units active simultaneously
• Use caching mission (IA deactivation away from players)
• Several HCs possible for very large missions, spread by area

Frameworks life (Altis Life, etc.)

See the doc of your framework: dedicated HC slot, profile name, login key. Many automate the transfer to mission startup.

Supervision

• HC disconnected = IA return main server = lag striker
• Watch for RAM HC, possible mission script leaks
• Restart HC after long session (>24h)

Troubleshooting

• HC does not connect, mod mismatch, wrong port, password
• IA still, ownership not transferred, module misconfigured
• Crash HC repeated, mission script, reduce IA load

Links: missions, mods, BattlEye.