ArmA2 tuning (controls, performance etc.)

[stilpu]

Couple of tuning tips you PR guys might want to try: unbind evasive forward (2xW) and bind Turbo to a key for BF2-style sprint (Turbo key + W), set Smoothing to min, put headbob to 1/6. You might also want to give Aiming deadzone = 1/6 a chance. I also have Zoom In bound to Mouse 4 (doesn't hold breath) and Zoom Out Toggle to Mouse 5 for room clearing.

As for performance, check that postprocessing is set to low or disabled, 3D and interface resolutions are identical, make sure you defrag'd your hard-drive after patching or adding mods and don't run overboard with the viewdistance (between 1.5km and 3km should be more than enough for infantry). Also please be aware that ArmA2 Red Harvest campaign is more CPU hungry than usual missions.

More tips coming soon, please feel free to share your settings and experience.

[[R-MOD]BabylonCome]

Whenever I get in game, the first thing I do is double tap left-shift. This then makes W default walk and to run you hit shift+W >> PR style...

I've also rebound my flight control keys to match PR, makes life much easier when flying the choppers...

[TomDackery]

3D and Interface resolutions do NOT have to be identical. They can be, sure. I run my interface at 100%, and 3D at 1480x768 (83%).
If you get really low FPS at your resolution, try lowering that.

[Burton]

Originally Posted by stilpu

unbind evasive forward (2xW), put headbob to 1/6.

As for performance, check that postprocessing is set to low or disabled, 3D and interface resolutions are identical, make sure you defrag'd your hard-drive after patching or adding mods

I actually use Evasive forward alot, it gets me from prone to running a lot quicker than having it unbound.
Headbob makes me feel sick so is set to 0.

Postprocessing - hmm, I guess it's computer specific, but if you can run it may as well, but any higher than "Normal" and the game looks pants (IMO)

Defrag - i do it every week, not just on installs. You delete and move stuff a lot more than you may realise.


I guess the best thing to say is that it's all based on personal preference and system performance with regards to graphical settings, and again it's personal preference on controls. I've got my controlls pretty stock, x & c are swapped, freelook (alt, alt2x) unbound..

[stilpu]

Turbo key = Sprint from BF2. So Turbo + W = evasive forward (when standing/crouching) The only problem with it is that sometimes (very rarely) evasive left and evasive right get triggered, which are some uninteruptable sidestepping anims, but they get triggered just as fine with 2xW. PR should probably remove/redefine those anims.

If you play multiplayer in organized communities, unbind the default VoIP key (or move it in a less used area of the keyboard) and bind separate Direct, Group and Command channel keys. Please be aware you can use key combinations as well. (Caps Lock for Group, Ctrl+Caps Lock for Command channel VoIP). If you insist on using the default key (although you're asking for comms chaos :P), at least unbind the 2xCaps Lock = VoIP toggle.

When you get into a car, press 2xAlt to toggle freelook. You'll be able to drive with the keys (a la BF2) and look around with the mouse. Just don't forget to untoggle it when getting out You might find it useful to bind a key to Get Out as well (and perhaps Ctrl + 2xkey to Eject)

Please be aware the last 3 postprocessing settings in ArmA2:OA (and Combined Operations) enable SSAO, causing quite a bit of performance hit.

Rewrite: you shouldn't use a larger 3D resolution than the interface resolution. That's full screen anti-aliasing and it will eat frames really fast.

[BrownBadger]

Originally Posted by stilpu

When you get into a car, press 2xAlt to toggle freelook. You'll be able to drive with the keys (a la BF2) and look around with the mouse. Just don't forget to untoggle it when getting out

Freelook in vehicles and on foot are not linked, I always have freelook on in vehicles, especially good for flying.

[kju]

Excellent recommendations stilpu

You find the same in more detail in Game configuration [PvPscene].

[Eagleone]

In Arma 2 (Arma 2:OA) v-sync is enabled on default, and you cant disable it in game, but you can disable v-sync for Arma 2 and Arma 2:OA in "Nvidia control panel" and similar programm for ATI cards.
Game will be running more smoother.

[Drav]

Good tips guys, thanks....

[MadTommy]

Map easy to reach buttons for 'get out' and 'eject'. it will save your life numerous times! By default these are not mapped. And getting out under fire you do not want to be scrolling through the menu.