Arma 3 (2013): runs on Windows 11, Mac, Linux, Steam Deck?

Gamicality score 82 / 100

Playability today ★★★★★ 3.5

Runs today5 / 5
Design today1.5 / 5
See the checks

Steam user reviews Very Positive

283,264 reviews90% positive
Steam store page

Released: 2013
Developer: Bohemia Interactive
Genre: Action, Simulation, Strategy
Runs on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Steam Deck
Last checked: October 31, 2026

Does Arma 3 run on Windows 11, Apple Silicon Macs, Linux and Steam Deck?

Windows 11	Expected to work. It is sold for Windows today and no problem is on record. SourceNo player reports yet
Mac (Apple Silicon)	Steam sells a Mac version. Not yet confirmed on Apple Silicon. SourceNo player reports yet
Linux	Through Proton: ProtonDB rates it Gold (runs perfectly after tweaks). SourceNo player reports yet
Steam Deck	Playable, as rated by Valve: it works, but may need some manual configuration. SourceNo player reports yet

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Synopsis

A large-scale military simulator set on huge open islands, where infantry, vehicles, aircraft and boats fight across battlefields many kilometers wide. Players can follow a single-player campaign, build their own scenarios in the editor, or join community servers that run anything from realistic squad operations to custom game modes, often built from Steam Workshop mods.

What people say

Critics in 2013 admired its scale, realism and editor but found the launch content thin and the single-player campaign uneven. More than a decade of updates, expansions and mods has made it a long-lived platform with a devoted community. Players praise its depth and freedom, while the most common complaints are a steep learning curve, an overwhelming interface, clunky mechanics and poor performance in busy scenes. Online play can also suffer from desync and high ping.

Playability today

Playability runs from 1 to 5. It is the average of two parts. Each part starts at 1 and climbs to 5 as more of its checks pass. Read the method.

Runs today: 5 / 5

✓Sold today from an official store
✓Runs on Windows 11 without fan patches
–Single-player works without an internet connection
–All of its content still works (servers, DLC, unlocks)
–Supports modern resolutions and widescreen
–Full controller support or remappable controls
✓Steam Deck Verified or Playable
✓No intrusive DRM or required third-party launcher account
✓No pay-to-win or pushy microtransactions
–No known game-breaking bugs in the current version

Filled in from the Steam store and Valve’s Steam Deck rating. Checks marked – are unknown and do not count until someone checks them.

Design today: 1.5 / 5

✗Controls feel natural on a modern controller or mouse and keyboardNew players commonly find the dense control scheme complex and some call the mechanics clunky, even if veterans value the realism. Source: vaporlens.app.
✗Menus, text and interface are clear on today's screensPlayers frequently describe the interface and menus as overwhelming, which raises the barrier for newcomers. Source: vaporlens.app.
✓Saving is fair: free saves or frequent checkpoints, little lost progressThe campaign and scenarios use checkpoints and saves without notable complaints, though evidence on saving is thin and mods can slow it down. Source: vaporlens.app.
✗It teaches itself: no guide needed to make progressA steep learning curve and unintuitive design are among the most common complaints, and most players learn from outside guides or communities. Source: vaporlens.app.
✗Pacing holds up: little grind, filler or forced backtrackingThe slow tactical pace suits its fans, but reviewers criticize repetitive single-player loops and long stretches of travel. Source: vaporlens.app.
✗Camera and movement never fight the playerMovement is often described as clunky and heavy by modern standards, though evidence on the camera itself is thin. Source: vaporlens.app.

Judged against games made today, from complaints that recur in recent Steam reviews and discussions, forums, PCGamingWiki and community wikis. Each reason links to where it comes from.