FROM: High Command TO: Arma 3 Users INFO: Contact (Post-)Release, Update 1.96, Documentation PRECEDENCE: Flash
SITUATION It has been some time since we've published one of these reports. So, let's take this opportunity to catch you up on all that happened since we've released Contact expansion about two months ago, and also take a look at what's coming up with update 1.96 and beyond.
As of September 12, it's been six years since we released Arma 3 version 1.0 on Steam. In celebration of this milestone, we're sending you this musical birthday card – featuring a new remix of the Arma 3 "This Is War" theme song, plus a special illustration by community artist Greenfist. Just hit the video play button below (and be sure to watch with sound)!
But that's not all! The party carries on this entire weekend with a festive Arma 3 Anniversary Sale (September 12-16). Save up to 66% on the base game and its DLC, and be sure to check out the new Apex, Contact, DLC Essentials, and Ultimate Edition bundles for double discounts!
Since its official release, Arma 3 has evolved massively, with 80+ free platform updates that introduced new content, gameplay features, and other improvements. Moreover, there have been 2 free and 10 premium downloadable content (DLC) packs, whereas Arma 3’s community content creators have shared more than 65,000 items on the Steam Workshop. As of today, the Arma 3 base game has sold over 5 million times, 89% of its Steam user reviews are positive, and the average playtime per user is approximately 150 hours. The game’s playerbase is still highly active with over 450,000 unique users launching the game during August this year.
None of this would have been possible to achieve without you, our amazing community. So, on behalf of everyone at Bohemia Interactive, thank you for six splendid™ years of Arma 3. Have a good one, soldiers – and enjoy your weekend R&R!
We’ve recently refreshed the Arma 3 purchase options, so that whether you’re a new or existing player, there’s now always a discount bundle for you. Jump into Arma 3 with the Apex or Contact Edition – or complete-your-collection with the DLC Essentials or Ultimate Edition bundle!
To ensure a valid build, consider verifying the integrity of the local game cache using Steam client.
Content Fixes:
Added: DLC information to all Campaign missions Added: aiBurstTerminable = true to all Machine Gun type weapons firing modes Added: burstRangeMax to all Machine Gun type weapons firing modes Added: ZSU23 and FlakPz1 FCS setup Added: Additional 500 Rounds AP for ZSU 23-4 Changed: T140639 License plate numbers set through the GM functions can now also be obtained by using the getPlateNumber scripting command Changed: ZSU23 and FlakPz1 Main weapon split into AP and HE muzzle Changed: Animation display names adjustment for BMP-1 SP2 Changed: Cleanup of weapon modes Fixed: Adding missing gm_coutermeasure_expl sound file Fixed: Duplicate weapon for East German tank crew Fixed: Maljutka AI max range reduced from 5000m to 3000m Fixed: Mass of Grenades Fixed: Popup when switching to passenger seat in some vehicles Fixed: T140351 Unable to enter the rear compartment of the East German medical truck
If you encounter any issues, please, do not hesitate to report them to our Feedback Tracker
These addons also serve as samples on how to make use of the GM DLC to create your own addons (please read the Workshop descriptions for more information on their license).
Declassified just a few weeks ago (watch announcement trailer), Arma 3 Contact arrives with a military science fiction singleplayer campaign that asks one huge question: what if humanity suddenly discovers extraterrestrial intelligence on Earth?
In the Arma 3 Contact campaign, you take on the role of a NATO drone operator deployed to the (fictional) Eastern European country of Livonia. After the discovery of an unknown subsurface object and the sudden arrival of a massive alien vessel, you are sent out on a reconnaissance mission to investigate the extraterrestrial presence. The priority: to learn who they are and find out why they are here. However, amid all the tension and chaos, armed conflict inevitably unfolds.
On top of the campaign, the Arma 3 Contact expansion brings with it many additions to the wider Arma 3 platform (watch sandbox trailer). The biggest of all is a new 163 square kilometer terrain, which covers the militarized and partly abandoned Nadbór region inside the Polish-speaking country of Livonia. This temperate summer environment is composed of forests, farmland, towns, railroads, the Biela river, and various special landmarks
Other highlights are the additional armed forces, namely the Livonian Defense Force and Russian Spetsnaz, 5 weapons, 2 vehicles, various gear, and a range of free bonus content for all Arma 3 players, including 100+ new decorative props and terrain objects. Furthermore, many of Arma 3’s official multiplayer modes can be played on the expansion's Livonia terrain as well, with new scenarios for Zeus Game Master, Combat Patrol, and Warlords.
To start making first contact, you can now pick up the Arma 3 Contact expansion on Steam with a temporary 10% discount until August 1st. If you are entirely new to Arma 3, we advise getting the Arma 3 Contact Edition or the newly introduced Arma 3 Ultimate Edition, which bundle the Arma 3 base game and downloadable content at a significant discount.
So, when you're ready, let's go say hello to our alien visitors. Enjoy!