BACK
Overview
We have outsourced the development of a client port of Arma 3 to Mac. This port is available as a complementary service to anyone who owns Arma 3 for Windows. It is not guaranteed the port will ever be fully featured without limitations, so it is considered experimental.
While we have previously also offered a similar experimental client port for Linux, we have now decided to stop its development. This outdated port is no longer available on Steam. Players on Linux can use the crowdsourced Proton solution. Our thanks go out to Valve and Proton's excellent community of people who continuously improve Proton itself, as well as game support. Please see this guide on how to use this solution for Linux.
We will do our best to monitor how Arma 3 works on these platforms and to solve issues where feasible.
The experimental Mac port has several significant limitations. Please review them before you use the port, but especially before you purchase the game specifically for Mac!
We also recommend checking Arma 3's ProtonDB page for compatibility topics and solutions on Linux!
Limitations
- Restricted update cycle - the port has been updated to version 2.14, and we strive to keep it up-to-date, but we cannot make any guarantees.
- Limited multiplayer compatibility - the port technically supports multiplayer connections with the Windows version. However, the server and clients need to be the same version. We offer special legacyports branches on Steam for Windows to downgrade to the compatible version (access code: Arma3LegacyPorts for Arma 3 and Arma 3 Server).
- No Launcher - the game's own launcher is not available.
- Please refer to this guide on how to load optional (Creator) DLC and mods on Mac.
- No Advanced Flight Model - helicopter simulation via RotorLib is not available.
- No custom extensions - various mods use their own DLL extensions for advanced functionality. Unfortunately these do not work on Mac due to strict notarization required by Apple. This also applies to head-tracking libraries.
- No Steam branches - it may be possible to select different branches, such as Dev-Branch, but most of them will not download data or be incompatible.
- Limited User-Generated Content compatibility - custom scenarios and mods technically can work in the ports, but it is likely their authors will pursue compatibility with the primary Windows version instead.
- Non-native - the ports use specialized porting technology developed by our partners Virtual Programming.
- There is an even more experimental native Mac port available, but it does not support BattlEye anti-cheat, so multiplayer is more restricted. Curious players can try this port via the Steam launch options window when launching the game on Mac.
- Performance - based on our tests, you may experience up to 30% degraded performance in comparison to the Windows version.
- Requirements - please check the modified minimum requirements for the Mac port.
Access
The Mac port is published as the Arma 3 main branch on Steam for this platform. If you own Arma 3 and install it on Mac, Steam will download the data for this platform. No special Steam branch needs to be selected. More installation help can be found here.
For Linux, we refer you to this Proton guide.
F.A.Q.
Where can I track the currently known issues?
Besides the Feedback Tracker, we're collecting the biggest known issues here.
Did these ports affect the team working on the primary Arma 3 version?
No, these ports were developed by an external company.
Why are you not advertising the ports as Steam Play?
Due to the limitations (some of which will never be overcome), we do not feel we can provide a full experience on the port platforms at this time.
If after reading about the limitations, I purchase the game on a port platform, do I own it on all platforms?
Yes, you are purchasing the game for Windows and given a complementary Mac version and vice versa. Linux via Proton uses ownership of the Windows version.
What has happened to the Linux client port you used to offer?
We have decided to discontinue its development, because the Proton-based solution became very capable, thanks to its developers and contributors.
Where can I share feedback about the ports?
- Please post issues to the Feedback Tracker, and submit the relevant version and OS information.
- You can also discuss the ports generally on the Arma Discord (#linux_mac_branch channel) or in this sub-forum.
Will you update the ports in the future?
Currently we support only version 2.14 (which covers Karts DLC, Helicopters DLC, Marksmen DLC, Jets DLC, Apex expansion, Laws Of War DLC, Tac-Ops Mission Pack, Tanks DLC and Contact expansion, as well as Global Mobilization - Cold War Gemany, S.O.G. Prairie Fire, CSLA Iron Curtain, Western Sahara and Spearhead 1944 Creator DLC). There may be future updates of the ports, but it is not yet confirmed.
Will you also port the game to consoles?
No, Arma 3 will remain a PC-exclusive.
Why is the majority of servers listed in red?
The ports may be outdated when compared to the Windows version. You can only join servers of the same version (green in the list). Also check for mod compatibility between your client and the server.
Can I connect to Windows servers at all?
- As long as the Windows and Mac versions are the same version, you should be able to connect as normal.
- In case the Windows version is meanwhile newer, it is still possible to host special Windows legacyports branch servers and connect to them in the client ports (see details above).
How do I load optional (Creator) DLC and mods on Mac?
Unfortunately the Windows Launcher is not available on Mac, so you'll need to use alternative methods (Steam launch options, Terminal or Apple Script Editor). See this guide.
LINUX SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
| MINIMUM | |
|---|---|
| OS | Linux via Proton |
| PROCESSOR | Intel Core i5 2.4 GHz or better |
| GRAPHICS | OpenGL 4.1 compliant GPU (NVIDIA GeForce GTX 440 or AMD HD 7470 or better) |
| GPU MEMORY | 1 GB |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| HARD DRIVE | 45 GB |
| RECOMMENDED | |
|---|---|
| OS | Linux via Proton |
| PROCESSOR | Intel Core i7 3.4 GHz or AMD FX-8350 4 GHz or better |
| GRAPHICS | OpenGL 4.1 compliant GPU (NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 or AMD Radeon HD 7850 or better) |
| GPU MEMORY | 2 GB |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| HARD DRIVE | 130 GB |
MAC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
| MINIMUM | |
|---|---|
| OS | macOS Big Sur 11 |
| PROCESSOR | Apple M1 or 2-core Intel Core i5 1.4 GHz or better |
| GRAPHICS | Intel HD Graphics 5000 or better |
| GPU MEMORY | 1 GB |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| HARD DRIVE | 45 GB |
| RECOMMENDED | |
|---|---|
| OS | macOS Big Sur 11 |
| PROCESSOR | Apple M2 or 6-core Intel Core i5 3.7 GHz or better |
| GRAPHICS | AMD Radeon Pro 580X or better |
| GPU MEMORY | 2 GB |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| HARD DRIVE | 130 GB |
