Official ArmA 2: Operation Arrowhead Steam FAQ

[Dwarden]

note: Following entries are subject to change and atm. work in progress

This page contains Frequently Asked Questions about ARMA 2 game release on STEAM.
Note: TBA - To Be Announced, TBD - To Be Determined

Q: What actual version of ARMA 2: OA is now on STEAM ?
A: It's version 1.52.71612
A: It's version 1.55.75556
1.59.79384
A: It's version 1.60.87580

Q: Do i need use retail update for my STEAM version of game
A: No, not at all. If you do, it will break Your game.

Q: I have problem to run game, what i can do?
A1: Try run STEAM with "Run as Administrator"
A2: You might try to disable or uninstall security software which may interfere with STEAM/OA like e.g. F-Secure, ZoneAlarm, Comodo etc.

Q: Can I gift one of the titles if I already own ARMA 2 or ARMA 2: Operation Arrowhead and then buy ARMA 2: Combined Operations package?
A: No You can't. The STEAM A2: CO package don't give You additional key for gifting.

Q: Who is in control of game updates on Steam?
A: Bohemia Interactive.

Q: What copy protections are used in Steam release?
A: Steam copy protection and BI internal solution.

Q: Are there any activation limits for the Steam version?
A: No, only the standard Steam account limitations apply.

Q: What is size of the Steam version download?
A1: ~9 GB
A2: ~18 GB if A2:CO mode (size of A2:OA + A2)

Q: Can we use our retail keys to register on Steam?
A: No

Q: Will Steam offer beta patches?
A: TBD, yet most likely not

Q: Can we expect demo on Steam?
A: Yes, availabe on STEAM
(warning: it's old build and not represent the actual state of game)

Q: What language versions of game will be on Steam?
A: English, Czech, French, Italian, Spanish

Q: What Steam features works already?
A: Steamclient VOIP, Steamclient overlay and Steamclient browser inside overlay, Steamfriends in Steamclient.

Q: Can we expect use of SteamWORKS (VAC, Cloud, etc.) features?
A: No, not at time of release but some features may become used later in future.

Q: Are there any feature drawbacks of Steam version compared to retail version?
A: No, all features are same. As with any other version, community-made addons and scenarios work with the Steam version.

Q: Is Steam version compatible in multiplayer with retail version?
A: Yes, absolutely

Q: Will the Steam version work offline?
A: Yes, via Steam offline mode.

Q: Is Steam version supporting commandline like switches like retail?
A: Yes.
warning: STEAMclient don't support more than 255 characters in the Launch options dialog
note: STEAM beta client has now long commandline support!


Q: Is there complete A2: OA manual included with STEAM release?
A: Yes, it will be available as PDF download from STEAM.

Q: Can I combine A2: OA with STEAM version A2 (A2: Combined Operations)
A: Yes, You can (there is provided UI option in STEAM interface)
Note: You need first run ARMA 2 to force it write path into registry
Note: the actual solution is workaround, there will be full merge of the installs in future (most likely together with patch)

Q: Can i use retail version of A2 with my STEM A2: OA ?
A: Yes, You can as long as the language is supported and ARMA 2 is updated to version 1.08
Note: might not work with Polish and Russian retail releases

Q: Is there Window dedicated server binary available on STEAM?
A: The dedicated server binary is available on STEAM in TOOLS section!

Q: My Game isn't starting with Key invalid / missing, what I do?
A: Restart STEAM and try run game again
Note: If that fails, re-validate file cache, restart steam and try run game again

Q: Is it possible obtain British Armed Forces (BAF) DLC?
A: Yes, it is available to all owners of STEAM version of ARMA 2: OA on STEAM service
from http://store.steampowered.com/app/33960

Q: Is it possible obtain Private Military Company (PMC)) DLC?
A: Yes, it is available to all owners of STEAM version of ARMA 2: OA on STEAM service
from http://store.steampowered.com/app/65720

Q: Is it possible purchase STEAM DLCs for non-STEAM product?
A: No, You need own title on STEAM to be able purchase DLC for it.

[Dwarden]

FAQ were updated 28.12.2010 (to include non-STEAM DLC question)
FAQ were updated 27.11.2010 (to reflect forum split between A2 and OA)