Advice for a complete noob to ARMA2 multiplayer

[rich1977_2000]

Welcome to the Arma community Dragoon. You are always more than welcome to jump on the iOGC server mate. I sent you my contact details in a PM so we can get a game going.

Hello mate I'm looking to get into this too can you help me out? Cheers.

[Dale]

Well for the most part if the mission the server is hosting is any good, you can press map and then help, this will bring info up for you to read about that mission and what to do in it.

For the most part have a look online for custom control setups, if you plan to get serious into MP then there are certain things you can do such as swapping your V and K controls as calling out a target is much more frequent than stepping over items (and you wouldnt want to do that during a firefight anyway and also reduces accidental pushing).

A lot of players also reassign their push to talk keys so that they can talk in different channels without the need to cycle.

As an overall try to find groups who aren't going to press gang you into service, iOGC is a good group to play with as they don't hold you accountable if you decide you want a break like so many people do, a lot of clans will feel hurt if you decide to go somewhere else also its silly really because your just trying to find the best MP experience.

Thats why we at RGG get on with them because they aren't in your face about joining or merging just because you said you wanted to be friends

So yeah give iOGC a try

[Onjin]

Found the right thread. Thank you for the tips. I will be sure to check all the suggestions out.

Instant addiction. And I've only played 3 hours on the Demo. Buying it asap.

[7th_Serf]

biggest thing I can recommend to new players is to read the name of the server before joining it. A lot of the time the server name will give you a webpage or other information (ACE, ACRE, Mods) and this will be a hint at what might be required to play on the server. Some units use passwords to protect their server - and the password can either be found on their webpage or by joining their TS and asking what is required to get on the server.

Most groups are always recruiting and are usually very happy to help. Some groups have 'recruiting' servers that are open to the public and there they attempt to get to know you (and you them) other groups (like my own) don't have the funds or time to run a public server so we get folks to come on TS and then help them get their games up and running so they can join in with us.

When coming onto Teamspeak - always wait for a pause and say "hello". A lot of us who have TS turn off the announcements (they drive you crazy after a few hours) so if you don't say anything I'll never know you are on my channel.

Good luck finding a group to join - there are tons of them out there for every taste.

[Mandrake5]

1. Appreciate that this is a complex, strategic game unlike conventional shooters; in the Armaverse you are only ever a small cog in a vast wheel. Really understand this. Now think about it some more. Act accordingly, i.e. leave big strategic decisions (such as deploying valuable assets; choppers, tanks, MHQ etc) to more experienced players until you have learned the ropes. Realise that by misusing your side's key assets you can easily RUIN the game for EVERYONE. Say this out loud.

2. Use voice comms whenever possible (default key is CAPS LOCK). Announce your intentions (using SIDE or GROUP channel, NEVER on Global!) and MARK the map (again using side channel) with your intended waypoints, targets, enemy units you have spotted etc. Use your compass (K key) to give accurate bearings to team mates. Remember, if you mark the map when Global Channel is selected, the enemy can see your markings. DO NOT use voice comms to give us a running commentary on your day - only mission-critical information please!

3. Listen and respond positively to advice, criticism from more seasoned players. Ignore unhelpful abuse from grumpy 'vets'. Apologise promptly for your mistakes, especially if wounding or killing friendlies. You will be forgiven. For a while. So learn fast.

4. KEEP MOVING. I can't stress this enough. Don't sit still for long periods - the enemy will find and kill you. Even if you are sniping, relocate after every few shots. Ignore this at your peril. BE AGGRESSIVE; deny ground to the enemy. Work with your squad to take the initiative. BE THE FLANKER NOT THE FLANKEE: this game is brutal and you will find it endlessly frustrating if you try to 'get comfy'. GO THE LONG WAY AROUND: adapt your route to use natural cover (hills, woods etc.); making a bee-line straight to the objective is almost NEVER a good idea.

5. Always move from cover to cover. Trees, bushes, rocks, walls and even shadows are best. Never fire from open ground. You are committing suicide. Never run in a straight line, always zig zag. Go prone as much as possible. If 3rd person view is enabled, use it (NUMPAD ENTER) to get a better view of your surroundings, hold LEFT-ALT to pan the camera without moving your player. Use SOUND to detect nearby enemies; headphones are great for this, but speakers, if loud enough, will do. LEAN around walls to shoot instead of just walking out.

6. Stamina. Don't always sprint everywhere - you will arrive breathless and unable to shoot straight. Allow yourself some walking time before arriving at your next waypoint so you are ready to fight immediately. When nearing enemies, walk crouched to lower your visibility (X key).

7. Select the best weapon for the job. When choosing an assault rifle: 7.62 gives more chance of a one hit kill, but they only hold 20 rounds, so for CQB, e.g. clearing compounds, where full auto is your friend, 5.56 x 30 round mags give more 'shoot time'. If crosshair is disabled, press NUMPAD / to enable CQB sights if your weapon has them. Hold LEFT SHIFT to walk slowly with weapon sights up (never just run into a building or around a corner). If you’re a Machinegunner, think that you’ll need to be prone for accurate automatic fire, i.e. avoid long grass as you can’t see sh*t. If unsure, take a 5.56 assault rifle with an ACOG (RCO); it’s probably the best ‘jack-of-all-trades’ weapon. Avoid suppressed weapons (SD) against human enemy if the server is set to regular difficulty (enemies visible on map); your stealth is pointless as they can just press M to see your location. Also remember that SD weapons are considerably less powerful than their unsuppressed brethren. Practise with weapons, esp. AT launchers, in the editor (first double-click to create a player unit, then select 'empty--->ammo' and drop a few crates around. Hit 'preview' and you're good to go).

8. Be patient. This game has a steep learning curve; many of the players around you have been mastering it for years. Respect this.

[Sweetaw]

and have fun