Arma 3 beta brings more vehicles, larger scale

Also next gen fish AI, beating CoD: Ghosts to the punch

Arma 3 is officially in beta, with four new showcase missions, two new multiplayer missions, and a bunch of new vehicles — helicopters, transport trucks, minisubs — in tow. Full beta details follow after the break. The extra realistic military shooter/simulator is available through Steam and its own store. Purchases give you access to the present beta as well as the eventual full release.

My favorite addition over the alpha is the nighttime solo mission that tasks you with wreaking havoc and then slipping away, mostly because when I fail miserably I don’t have to worry about the enemies seeing the look of embarrassment on my face.

I’m quite terrible at Arma 3, but I definitely appreciate the nods towards realism and higher stakes it carries. There’s natural pacing in the running around and doing military things between actual engagements, chronicles by some amusingly stilted voice acting, and cowering behind a rock for ages is a welcomed strategy. Plus on one mission your squad mate keeps addressing a “Nichols,” but it totally sounds like he’s saying “pickles.” I laughed every time. This is why I wasn’t allowed in the military.

Key Features in the Arma 3 Beta

Stratis Island
Take your first steps in Arma 3 by exploring the 20 km² island of Stratis. Navigate its rugged terrain, expansive forests and man-made airbase.

Showcases & Challenges
Enjoy a taste of Arma 3’s diverse gameplay by completing a selection of 8 showcase missions. Or run through the competitive firing drills to hone your shooting and movement skills.

Multiplayer Scenarios
Form a squad and team up to fight against your enemy in 4 co-operative multiplayer scenarios.

Vehicles & Weapons
Master air, land, and sea with the 8 vehicles featured in the Beta; choose your gear, pick from a collection of weapons, customize your loadout.

Content Creation
Start creating your own experiences with the powerful scenario editor; create mods for others to play; and join our creative community.

Revamped Engine
Navigate the battlefield with fluid new animations; feel the devastating power of combat with the upgraded sound engine, new ragdoll simulation and PhysX™-supported vehicles.