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The Linux beta of Arma 3 [Steam] is once again up to date with the Windows client at version 1.80 (meaning for now multiplayer with Windows gamers is possible), this also brings compatibility with the Tac-Ops Mission Pack.

"Wait, what? Arma 3 isn't on Linux!"—yes it is. The Linux (and Mac) versions aren't advertised on Steam as they're considered "experimental ports" by Bohemia Interactive. The porting work is being done by Virtual Programming, with the Linux version usually updated once a new version is already out for Windows. Buying it on Steam will allow you to install and play it like any other Linux game. See more on that here.

This latest update to Arma 3 for us adds support for the Arma 3 Tac-Ops Mission Pack [Steam], which includes 3 Singleplayer Operations (spread across 7 missions) for the experienced Arma player.  There's a lot of other changes too, which you can read about here. Most of the big stuff came in Arma 1.78 which we've skipped over to 1.80.

It's really good to see Bohemia Interactive continue to contract Virtual Programming to keep the ports updated, I know plenty of people who've had a lot of fun with them. Even I've recently come to quite enjoy it and I would never have if it wasn't on Linux.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Tags: Action, Beta, FPS, Steam
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herrorange 6 Mar 2018
  • Supporter
Since linux version is *mostly* behind of windows version it would be great to see a dedicated linux server maybe? Provided we there are enough of interested people :) Since last big update when they've switched to 64-bit client I enjoy Arma 3 so much, it's a great game all shortcomings considered.
sonic 6 Mar 2018
Since linux version is *mostly* behind of windows version it would be great to see a dedicated linux server maybe? Provided we there are enough of interested people :) Since last big update when they've switched to 64-bit client I enjoy Arma 3 so much, it's a great game all shortcomings considered.

It already exists:
https://armaonunix.gitlab.io/

When Windows and Linux versions were out of sync, on this server were max 10 players at the same time if I remember well. Not sure how it is going now.
g000h 6 Mar 2018
You mentioned Arma 3 as running on Linux, even though in the Steam Store, it is not visible as a Linux / SteamOS title. I'm quite keen to get a list of other similar titles which aren't shown as working on Linux but still work (e.g. Linux experimental betas, etc).

Quite often I buy bundles, and in some cases I'm pretty sure the game is listed as Windows-only, but there's a Linux version lurking there too, if only I knew about it! I tend not to install the Windows games in bundles, unless I really like the game or I know the game works on Linux.

A good example is Everspace, which doesn't show the Linux/SteamOS icon on Steam store, but there is a working Linux version available.


Last edited by g000h on 6 Mar 2018 at 8:40 pm UTC
GustyGhost 6 Mar 2018
Do they plan for it to ever move out of "experimental" status?
Al3s 6 Mar 2018
I'll consider buying it when they list it as linux compatible
omer666 6 Mar 2018
You mentioned Arma 3 as running on Linux, even though in the Steam Store, it is not visible as a Linux / SteamOS title. I'm quite keen to get a list of other similar titles which aren't shown as working on Linux but still work (e.g. Linux experimental betas, etc).

Quite often I buy bundles, and in some cases I'm pretty sure the game is listed as Windows-only, but there's a Linux version lurking there too, if only I knew about it! I tend not to install the Windows games in bundles, unless I really like the game or I know the game works on Linux.

A good example is Everspace, which doesn't show the Linux/SteamOS icon on Steam store, but there is a working Linux version available.

[Here you are](https://steamdb.info/linux/)
g000h 6 Mar 2018
You mentioned Arma 3 as running on Linux, even though in the Steam Store, it is not visible as a Linux / SteamOS title. I'm quite keen to get a list of other similar titles which aren't shown as working on Linux but still work (e.g. Linux experimental betas, etc).

Quite often I buy bundles, and in some cases I'm pretty sure the game is listed as Windows-only, but there's a Linux version lurking there too, if only I knew about it! I tend not to install the Windows games in bundles, unless I really like the game or I know the game works on Linux.

A good example is Everspace, which doesn't show the Linux/SteamOS icon on Steam store, but there is a working Linux version available.

[Here you are](https://steamdb.info/linux/)

Yes, I found that page as well... but... It shows all the working Linux games (2500+) including the ones which have the Icon showing on Steam store. I want to filter out just the ones which work on Linux but don't show a Linux/SteamOS icon on the store.
emp64 6 Mar 2018
There is mixed Linux and Mac community around Arma 3 port here [https://armaonunix.gitlab.io/](https://armaonunix.gitlab.io/) as @sonic said and you can find the dedicated server here [https://www.battlemetrics.com/servers/arma3/461807](https://www.battlemetrics.com/servers/arma3/461807).

Most of the players are on Linux afaik and we have also our discord channel and steam group (you can find it on the bottom of the page). The community is pretty active on discord channel [https://discord.gg/p28Ra36](https://discord.gg/p28Ra36)
scaine 6 Mar 2018
  • Contributing Editor
  • Mega Supporter
You mentioned Arma 3 as running on Linux, even though in the Steam Store, it is not visible as a Linux / SteamOS title. I'm quite keen to get a list of other similar titles which aren't shown as working on Linux but still work (e.g. Linux experimental betas, etc).

Quite often I buy bundles, and in some cases I'm pretty sure the game is listed as Windows-only, but there's a Linux version lurking there too, if only I knew about it! I tend not to install the Windows games in bundles, unless I really like the game or I know the game works on Linux.

A good example is Everspace, which doesn't show the Linux/SteamOS icon on Steam store, but there is a working Linux version available.

Here you are

Yes, I found that page as well... but... It shows all the working Linux games (2500+) including the ones which have the Icon showing on Steam store. I want to filter out just the ones which work on Linux but don't show a Linux/SteamOS icon on the store.

The only one I know about it The Swindle, which I wrote about a while back on this site. There are likely to be others, but you really just to hear about them through word of mouth.
TheRiddick 6 Mar 2018
Did they resolve the Battleye compatibility issue? or are they just allowing linux players to connect without the need to authenticate (how many Mac and Linux users would write their own memory hacks to cheat? not much risk)
14 7 Mar 2018
  • Supporter Plus
I'm glad we can play this. My Windows buddies are kind enough to opt into the legacyports branch so they can always play with me. We play the co-op missions. They can be unforgiving, which forces you to play well. It's a fun challenge. Not every shooter has to be arcade-like with fast respawns.
g000h 7 Mar 2018
The only one I know about it The Swindle, which I wrote about a while back on this site. There are likely to be others, but you really just to hear about them through word of mouth.

Well, here's a few from me - Everspace (already mentioned), Event[0], Diluvion, Stasis, The Banner Saga, Toren, The Silent Age (and Arma 3) - Games which work on Linux but do not advertise themselves as Linux-playable via Linux/SteamOS Icon on Steam Store.

Who knows any more????
freerunnerlive 7 Mar 2018
Same Problem with Altis life. Its buggy when you talk with many other people. Its same problem with 1.76.

BUT I like that Game ! Stable to play with friends in windows and Linux !
Eike 7 Mar 2018
  • Supporter Plus
Does buying the experimental Linux port of Arma 3 count as a Linux game sale? I don't dual boot with Windows but I ask because the Steam Store page of Arma 3 only shows the Windows icon.

I guess so (there's been reports about sales accounted as Linux for games that had no Linux version at all), but user jaycee should be able to clarify.
Adamfx990 7 Mar 2018
They say its experimental, but it seems to run pretty bloody well. Its only the version difference that's an issue really.
gojul 7 Mar 2018
This release brought some error messages to me about textures which did not happen before. Apart from this the game is great (except when it comes to drive drones)
Brisse 7 Mar 2018
Has the flickering foliage LOD transition texture issue thingy been fixed yet?
pete910 7 Mar 2018
  • Supporter Plus
Has the flickering foliage LOD transition texture issue thingy been fixed yet?

The white tree issue due to LOD transition is fixed is that what you meant ?
gojul 7 Mar 2018
This release brought some error messages to me about textures which did not happen before. Apart from this the game is great (except when it comes to drive drones)

Please report the problems on their forums:
https://forums.bohemia.net/forums/forum/196-arma-3-ports/


Okay a non-issue : simple file corruption on my machine due to a HDD change.
riusma 7 Mar 2018
Does the game have a "solo campaign" that make it worth its price? Would love to give it a try in multi but I'm afraid I will never have the time at the right moment for that... :(
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