Skip to main content
The mission editor is one of Arma Reforger’s most powerful features, allowing you to create custom scenarios, objectives, and environments. This guide will teach you the fundamentals of mission creation from concept to deployment.
This guide assumes you’ve already set up your server. If not, start with our Basic Setup Guide.

​
Understanding Missions

​
What is a Mission?

An Arma Reforger mission consists of:
  • Map/Terrain - The environment where gameplay takes place
  • Entities - Players, AI units, vehicles, and objects
  • Objectives - Goals and tasks for players to complete
  • Logic - Scripts and triggers that control mission flow

​
Mission Types

Fixed story-driven experiences
  • Predetermined objectives and outcomes
  • Scripted events and sequences
  • Best for: Campaign-style gameplay, training scenarios

​
Getting Started with the Mission Editor

​
Accessing the Editor

1

Launch Arma Reforger

Open the game from your Steam library
2

Open Mission Editor

From the main menu, select Mission Editor (formerly called “World Editor”)
3

Choose Your Starting Point

  • Create New Mission - Start from scratch
  • Load Existing - Modify an existing mission
  • Templates - Use pre-built mission templates

​
Interface Overview

The mission editor interface consists of several key areas:
Main editing area where you:
  • Place and position entities
  • Navigate the terrain
  • Preview your mission layout
  • Test entity interactions
Navigation Controls:
  • WASD - Move camera
  • Mouse - Look around
  • Shift - Move faster
  • Ctrl - Move slower
Catalog of available objects:
  • Characters - Player spawns, AI units
  • Vehicles - Cars, trucks, helicopters, tanks
  • Structures - Buildings, fortifications, props
  • Weapons & Equipment - Armaments and gear
  • Logic - Triggers, objectives, scripts
Organization of mission elements:
  • View all placed entities
  • Group related objects
  • Manage parent-child relationships
  • Quick selection and navigation
Configure selected entities:
  • Position, rotation, scale
  • Entity-specific settings
  • Scripting parameters
  • Visual appearance options

​
Creating Your First Mission

​
Step 1: Choose Your Map

Select an appropriate map for your mission:

Everon

51km² island terrain
  • Varied landscapes and elevations
  • Multiple towns and settlements
  • Ideal for large-scale operations
  • Best for: Open warfare, exploration missions

Arland

Smaller forested region
  • Dense woodland terrain
  • Limited open areas
  • More intimate combat scenarios
  • Best for: Infantry operations, stealth missions

​
Step 2: Place Player Spawn Points

Every mission needs spawn points where players enter the game:
1

Find Player Spawn in Entity Browser

Navigate to Logic → Spawn Points → Player Respawn Point
2

Place Spawn Points

  • Click to place in the 3D viewport
  • Position away from immediate danger
  • Consider team-based spawning for multiplayer
3

Configure Spawn Settings

In the Properties panel, set:
  • Faction (if team-based)
  • Respawn Type (once, unlimited, etc.)
  • Spawn Protection duration

​
Step 3: Add AI Units

Populate your mission with computer-controlled characters:
1

Select Unit Type

Browse Entities → Characters and choose:
  • Infantry - Soldiers with various equipment
  • Crew - Vehicle operators
  • Specialists - Medics, engineers, officers
2

Place and Configure

  • Position unit in desired location
  • Set faction allegiance
  • Configure equipment loadout
  • Adjust behavior settings (aggressive, defensive, etc.)

​
Step 4: Place Vehicles and Equipment

Add vehicles and equipment to enhance gameplay:
Types available:
  • Transport - Trucks, jeeps, helicopters
  • Combat - Tanks, armored vehicles
  • Support - Medical, repair, supply vehicles
Placement tips:
  • Position on roads or clear terrain
  • Ensure adequate space for movement
  • Consider fuel and ammunition supplies
Essential items:
  • Weapon Caches - Additional armaments
  • Ammunition Boxes - Resupply points
  • Medical Supplies - Health restoration
  • Communication Equipment - Radios, command posts
Strategic placement:
  • Near objectives or key locations
  • Protected but accessible positions
  • Consider balance between teams

​
Step 5: Define Objectives

Create goals that give your mission purpose:
1

Access Objective System

Find Logic → Objectives in the Entity Browser
2

Choose Objective Type

Common objective types:
  • Destroy Target - Eliminate specific entity
  • Capture Area - Control geographic location
  • Escort Mission - Protect moving target
  • Collect Items - Gather intelligence/supplies
3

Configure Objective Parameters

Set in Properties panel:
  • Title and Description for players
  • Success Conditions - What triggers completion
  • Failure Conditions - What causes mission failure
  • Time Limits - Maximum mission duration
4

Link Objectives to Entities

Connect objectives to relevant mission elements:
  • Target buildings or units to destroy
  • Areas to capture or defend
  • Items to collect or deliver

​
Advanced Mission Elements

​
Environmental Effects

Enhance immersion with dynamic environmental conditions:
Configure dynamic weather:
  • Time of Day - Dawn, day, dusk, night cycles
  • Weather Patterns - Clear, cloudy, rain, fog
  • Visibility Effects - Fog density, darkness levels
  • Wind Conditions - Affects ballistics and sound

​
Trigger Systems

Create dynamic events that respond to player actions:
1

Place Trigger Entity

Find Logic → Triggers and select appropriate type
2

Define Trigger Area

  • Shape - Sphere, box, or custom polygon
  • Size - Coverage area dimensions
  • Activation - Enter, exit, or presence conditions
3

Set Activation Conditions

Configure what activates the trigger:
  • Faction Filter - Specific teams only
  • Unit Type - Infantry, vehicles, or both
  • Player Count - Minimum/maximum requirements
4

Define Actions

Set what happens when triggered:
  • Spawn Entities - Reinforcements, enemies
  • Modify Objectives - Update mission goals
  • Environmental Changes - Weather, lighting
  • Audio/Visual Effects - Explosions, messages

​
Testing Your Mission

​
Initial Testing

1

Save Your Mission

Use Ctrl+S or File → Save to preserve your work
2

Enter Play Mode

Click the Play button or press F5 to test your mission
3

Basic Functionality Check

Verify that:
  • Player spawns work correctly
  • AI units behave as expected
  • Objectives display and function
  • No immediate crashes or errors occur
4

Return to Edit Mode

Press Escape and select Exit to Editor to make adjustments

​
Comprehensive Testing

Monitor system performance:
  • Frame rate stability
  • Memory usage patterns
  • Network performance (multiplayer)
  • Loading time benchmarks
Optimization strategies:
  • Reduce entity count in dense areas
  • Limit simultaneous AI activities
  • Optimize texture and model complexity
Evaluate player experience:
  • Objective clarity and progression
  • Difficulty balance and fairness
  • Player engagement and pacing
  • Multiplayer team balance
Common issues to check:
  • Unreachable objectives
  • Overpowered or underpowered AI
  • Confusing navigation or instructions
  • Unbalanced resource distribution
Test with multiple players:
  • Spawn point distribution and fairness
  • Objective scaling with player count
  • Team communication and coordination
  • Server stability under load
Specific multiplayer concerns:
  • Network synchronization issues
  • Player collision and interference
  • Spectator mode functionality
  • Reconnection handling

​
Publishing Your Mission

​
Preparing for Release

1

Final Quality Check

  • Complete thorough testing process
  • Fix any identified bugs or issues
  • Optimize performance as needed
  • Gather feedback from test players
2

Create Mission Documentation

Prepare information for players:
  • Brief Description - Mission overview and goals
  • Player Requirements - Recommended count, skill level
  • Special Instructions - Controls, mechanics, rules
  • Credits - Acknowledge contributors and sources
3

Package Mission Files

Ensure all required files are included:
  • Main mission file (.enf)
  • Custom scripts and configurations
  • Required assets and dependencies
  • Installation instructions

​
Distribution Options

Steam Workshop

Official distribution platform
  • Built-in download and installation
  • Automatic updates for subscribers
  • Community ratings and feedback
  • Integrated with game browser

Community Forums

Community-driven sharing
  • Direct file downloads
  • Detailed discussion and feedback
  • Version control and updates
  • Custom installation procedures

​
Best Practices for Mission Design

​
Design Principles

Always prioritize the player:
  • Clear objectives and instructions
  • Appropriate difficulty progression
  • Multiple approaches to objectives
  • Meaningful choices and consequences
Maintain engagement without frustration:
  • Scale difficulty to player skill level
  • Provide adequate resources and support
  • Include optional objectives for variety
  • Test with players of different skill levels
Ensure smooth performance:
  • Limit simultaneous complex operations
  • Use LOD (Level of Detail) systems effectively
  • Optimize script execution frequency
  • Monitor and reduce memory usage
Create believable scenarios:
  • Logical unit placement and behavior
  • Realistic equipment and loadouts
  • Consistent faction relationships
  • Immersive environmental storytelling

​
Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Performance Killers:
  • Placing too many AI units in small areas
  • Overusing complex particle effects
  • Creating excessive trigger overlaps
  • Ignoring frame rate optimization
Gameplay Issues:
  • Unclear or impossible objectives
  • Unfair AI advantage or player disadvantage
  • Poor spawn point placement
  • Inadequate testing with real players

​
Next Steps

With the basics mastered, consider exploring these advanced topics:

Advanced Mission Design

Learn dynamic events, AI customization, and complex scenarios

Scripting Guide

Master Enforce Script for custom behaviors and interactions

Custom Assets

Import your own textures, models, and sounds

Multiplayer Missions

Design engaging multiplayer scenarios and events
Mission creation is an iterative process. Don’t expect perfection on your first attempt. Each mission you create will teach you new techniques and help you develop your skills as a mission designer.
Need help with mission creation? Join our Discord community to connect with other mission creators and get real-time support.