User Add-On Guide for more Realism and Immersion (ACE2-based)

[Alex72]

I keep all my islands in a mod folder called @ISLANDS and for example units, vehicles and weapons i have @GEAR, and AI enhancements i have a folder called @AI.

I dont know how it works with servers yet but im going to set one up later. But cant the server have most addons in 1 single folder? Use SixUpdater or Yoma to get everything down easy and then have that extra folder you move everything new to. So in theory you could have 1 single folder you move everything into. Just an idea wich i dont know if it works with tons of *all* mods but so far when ive done it that way i never encountered any problems.

[pwnage_51]

@MadMike.48

"C:\Program Files\Bohemia Interactive\ArmA 2\arma2server.exe" -port=2302 -maxmem=1280 -cpucount=2 -config=S\server.cfg -cfg=S\Arma2.cfg -profile=S\default.arma2profile -mod=beta;@CBA;@ACE;@ACEX;@ACEX_PLA;@GL4;@LFX;@JTD; @48AI;@MAD;@OMONU;@OMONR;@Thirsk;@48SK

You should be able to combine at least the last six of those mods into one folder. Also, I notice there is a space between @JTD; and @48AI, I'm not 100% sure if that makes any difference, but you might want to get rid of it. Another thing I noticed is that you have @JTD in there. If all you are using are the JTD Fire and Smoke addons, then I don't think they are required on the server, I believe they are client-side addons.

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@The.D
Don't the JTD and WARFX addons do the same thing? Is it possible that they are conflicting in any way?

[CMB Unit 01]

Nice thread. I think it would help new members of the community if it was stickied. If they actually chose to read it, though :P

[MadMike[Brig2010]]

@The.D

MadMike.48th: could this be related to GL4's force move feature? I am going to upload new configs* with the force move disabled by default to prevent this from happening (although it's a good feature in itself, it won't do any good in our casual coops).

I tried the same mission with FORCE MOVE disabled - the same thing happens. Two soldiers left my squad and regrouped as their own little squad. The same mission without the SLX-pbo´s and this never happens, so the error has to be on the SLX-side. But i recognized that i got one pbo more used as you wrote in your SLX-lite list. It´s the "slx_findcover.pbo". So if noone encountered the same problem before i maybe have to delete it.

[The.D]

Katipo66 & MadMike.48th: About the limited "Target" shotcut line in Wind'ohs: Yup, merging files that are not dependent on userconfigs into a common folder à la "@Misc" would be very advisable!

pwnage_51: That's intersting, I noticed the same behaviour. SLX, even in it's "lite" set-up seems to be causing more issues than I first expected. In combat, AI (allies & enemies alike) will still lean around corners and make very good use of obstacles / defenses etc. (GL4 + Zeus) but the "idle" and "stay alert" modes are more static. Don't ask me what causes this, though ^^

MadMike.48th: Thanks for testing the presumably SLX-induced group split-ups and letting us know!

I'd dearly miss SLX' features but after all we should consider the possibility of removing if altogether... is the FOV stand-alone? but then again, the quicker player animations are very important as well... ah... all these choices.. I am still busy atm but I will give SLX a more thorough test later on!

CMB Unit 01: :-D Yeah - might be a good idea. I wrote a similar, more basic and more extensive guide for ArmA1 but I'd say this here is a "suggestive list of possible add-ons to use for more advanced ArmA2 fans" - or something... :-P

[pwnage_51]

@The.D
The more I mess with this stuff, the more I like just using ACE2, SLX, WARFX, and the the sound mod of my choice. I add the SLX_NoSurrender, SLX_NoFirstAid, and slx_birds from the optional stuff. This way I can use either the ACE2 or ArmA2 first aid systems and the ACE2 surrender system.

I'm just trying to figure out what overrides what from the original post. I mean, doesn't GL4, SLX, JTD, and WARFX all have there own special effects and even sound mods in some of them? Its all very confusing, lol.

[The.D]

pwnage_51: Yes, indeed - very basic graphical and few sound effects (such as very accurate super sonic bullet cracks) are added by GL4 and SLX. I tuned them way down, though, so they are more "supporting" effects for whatever "main" FX add-on you might choose to use. Feel free to turn them off altogether, especially if you feel you get a system overload (max no. of particles reached etc).
From personal coop experiences I cannot confirm having had any problems with all the effect mods turned on, but for larger battles, it might be a good idea to dismiss things like WarFX and disable GL4's effects initialization. What's sure is: These mod, if anything, work cooperatively and look amazing when used together - there's no compatibility problem with either of them (if properly configured).
By the way: I highly and sincerely recommend to use GL4 + Zeus AI - the battles against AI and their corresponding evasive actions and maneuvers are almost frighteningly close to human behaviour at times!

EDIT: I just had time for a very quick test run with an even further reduced SLX set-up. It looked quite promising. In the test game, I couldn't detect any additional or "abnormal" AI behaviour. Check the first post and let me know what you think. For the "Casual ArmA Players": Please use this new SLX_lite set-up in our next gaming session - hopefully, it'll work a lot smoother!

[pwnage_51]

@The.D

By the way: I highly and sincerely recommend to use GL4 + Zeus AI - the battles against AI and their corresponding evasive actions and maneuvers are almost frighteningly close to human behaviour at times!

So when you use these two together, do you still give the enemy AI waypoints or do you just let them do there own thing? When using full SLX, I don't have to give the AI any waypoints or anything, I just put them down in a town or village and they automatically enter buildings and somewhat disperse themselves around the area.

[TimRiceSE]

Regarding the group splitups... are you sure its not just when theyre low/out of ammo? GL4 feature.

[Daniel]

Great to see this back The.D.

Can I recommend this for @Misc?

http://www.armaholic.com/page.php?id=7137

Night Lighting Effects by Sakura_Chan

Greatly improves atmosphere during night missions. No performance hit.