Importance Score: 15 / 100 🟠
Arma Reforger Update 1.3 “Fire Support” Introduces Destructible Environments and New Vehicles
The military simulation title Arma Reforger has received a significant enhancement with its Update 1.3, dubbed “Fire Support,” marking a substantial evolution since its initial launch in 2022. This update enriches the multiplayer military experience, bringing fully destructible buildings and trees, alongside new armored personnel carriers (APCs), helicopters, and mortar systems. Considered a crucial step for both Arma 3 fans and those anticipating Arma 4, this refresh addresses earlier community feedback and delivers impactful gameplay alterations.
Game-Changing Destructible Environments
Bohemia Interactive heralds Update 1.3 as “game-changing,” primarily due to the introduction of complete environmental destruction. While the addition of new vehicles like the US LAV-25 and Soviet BDRM-2 APCs are noteworthy, the ability to obliterate cover and alter the battlefield dynamically stands out as the most impactful feature.
Dynamic Battlefield Alterations
“Solid cover is now temporary,” Bohemia emphasizes in their update announcement. Players can now witness and leverage:
- Building Demolition: Structures can be entirely destroyed, removing enemy positions and creating new lines of sight.
- Forest Clearance: Entire wooded areas can be levelled, eliminating concealment and opening up avenues of attack.
- Sightline Expansion: Destroying terrain features allows for a more comprehensive view of the battlefield.
- Chokepoint Bypassing: Obstacles and bottlenecks can be eliminated through destruction, enabling flanking maneuvers.
Images accompanying the announcement vividly showcase the destruction system, revealing buildings reduced to rubble, leaving combatants vulnerable.
New Offensive Armaments: Helicopters and Mortars
To capitalize on the new destruction mechanics, Update 1.3 equips players with enhanced offensive capabilities, including new aerial and artillery assets.
Aerial Gunships
Two new “offensive helicopters” bolster player arsenals:
- Mi-8: A versatile Soviet gunship.
- UH-1H: A classic US utility helicopter adapted for combat.
These gunships are outfitted with:
- Fully adjustable collimator sights for precise targeting.
- Detachable rocket pods for ground suppression.
- Diverse ammunition options to engage various targets.
Immersive Mortar Systems
For indirect fire support, the update introduces “realistic and immersive” mortars, enabling players to:
- Coordinate with spotter teams for accurate targeting.
- Hinder enemy progress by shelling key areas.
- Disrupt enemy supply lines through targeted bombardments.
- Level urban areas to clear entrenched enemies.
- Support friendly forces from a safe distance.
Beyond Destruction: Single-player and Arsenal Tweaks
While destruction is a core element, Update 1.3 also includes enhancements for solo players and modifications to in-game logistics.
Single-Player Elimination Scenario
A new single-player scenario provides content for players who prefer solo engagements. Players take on the role of a US Special Operations soldier tasked with eliminating a high-value Soviet officer.
Vehicle and Arsenal Adjustments
Further improvements include:
- Increased vehicle supply capacity, enabling extended operations.
- Ammunition depot overhaul, requiring players to progress to access advanced equipment, designed to mitigate “arsenal spam” and encourage strategic resource management.
Positive Community Reception and Future Outlook
The impact of Update 1.3 on player sentiment is already apparent. Arma Reforger‘s Steam rating has steadily improved since its initial release. Starting with a “Mixed” reception in 2022, the game now boasts a “Mostly Positive” aggregate score from over 23,000 reviews. Recent player feedback is even more encouraging, with a “Very Positive” rating derived from approximately 2,000 reviews within the last month.
This positive trend suggests Arma Reforger is successfully gaining player trust, which is particularly significant as fans anticipate the eventual arrival of Arma 4. The comprehensive changelog for Update 1.3 is available for those seeking a detailed breakdown of all additions and modifications.