What are ARMA2 mods?

[Fox]

What are mods

Mods are obviously programs, scripts, graphic and sound files that change your gaming experience - hopefully for the better. There are two types of mods for ARMA2 that gamers need to be aware of :-

Client side Mods

These are mods that you can download and install and they affect only your game/PC. These are usually things like modified HUDS and sound effects. These are the 'cosmetic' things that don't affect game play (mostly) and quite a lot of people don't care if you run them or not as it doesn't affect others people gaming experience (pvp excepted).

Server side mods

These mods need to be installed on the server and are often built into the mission design. A new map is server side and it must be installed on the server and a mission must be designed specifically for that map. Server side mods MUST be installed on the client as well otherwise the client can not connect to the server. Mods that affect flight ballistics is server side as that affects the game engine and everyone around that effect. Skins/uniforms are server side as they are built into the mission at design time.

Mod security

There are three levels of security a game server can be configured for
- no mods
- all mods
- advertised list of mods

You often can't tell what mods are permitted/required until you connect to a server and read a possible error message. That error message will tell you what mods are required for that server/mission.

How are some mods allowed and others rejected?

Most modes come with a 'sign' file or signature. This signature file verifies the integrity of the mod it is linked to and ensures that mod has not been tampered with or altered. A server admin that is happy to permit a mod can install the signature file on the server and anyone with that mod (and signature file) will be permitted to connect if that mod is active.

Activating a mod

To activate a mod you need to download it to your computer and then activate it by changing your Arma shortcut so there is a -mod=xxx. Most mods have installation instructions inside the zip file. There are also small utility programs called "Mod launchers" that make enabling and disabling mods as easy as clicking checkboxes. Google that subject for further information.

Deactivating a mod

If you have an active mod that is not permitted on a server then you need to quit the game and remove the -mod=xyz section on your shortcut. This will remove the mod from your game and you will be permitted to join the server. You do not need to delete the mod off your hard drive.

Are mods mandatory?

Server side mods must be installed by every client wishing to connect. If a designer designs a mission with server side mods (ADF skin/uniform) then every client will need to have that mod installed.

Client side mods are optional but generally enhance the gaming experience.

Which Mods are good?

The only way to pick the good one's from the bad are to either install and try them or to measure community comments and feedback. The two mods I like are client side mods called Shak Tac Hud and Digital Compass. Remember some servers disallow these mods so make sure you know how to disable them if you need to.

Is it the same as hacking?

Server side mods that allow hacking will naturally be banned from any self respecting server. Client side mods can be used to hack and for these reasons all client side mods are usually disabled in PVP games or the list of allowable mods is tghtly vetted and controlled and well advertised in advance.