Arma 4 is a premium open-world military tactical game from Bohemia Interactive. In this action sequel, players can expect a variety of single-player and multiplayer modes. More importantly, fans and modders can expect different in-app development tools to help them create their own content, which they can share with the franchise’s committed player base. 

Aside from its community-centric features, expect next-generation graphics from Arma 4 especially since this was a long time coming, following the 2013 title Arma 3. If you’re looking for large maps and open-world gameplay, check out DayZ, Insurgency: Sandstorm, or the preview release, Arma Reforger.

A well-deserved Arma 3 sequel

Arma 4 follows the heavily modded, content-extensive Arma 3. The 2013 tactical shooter game has more than a dozen downloadable contents, plus a wide variety of user-created mods. While it has generated a library of near-limitless content, it is becoming old and superseded by modern titles utilizing more recent technologies. With the fourth iteration, however, the entire franchise is back on the table.

The first and perhaps most notable upgrade is that the fourth entry has upgraded visuals, thanks to its Enfusion engine. This leads to a more lifelike environment, smoother animation, and a cinematic-like quality to the entire game. With this visual upgrade, though, comes heftier system requirements. Also, in terms of comparison, the latest game is definitely larger in scale compared to its proof-of-concept demo, Arma Reforger.

Aside from its resource-intensive game engine, expect a steep learning curve—something the Arma franchise has retained ever since its first release. Unlike most military games with simple point-and-shoot mechanics, this game goes far beyond that. Expect a challenging couple of games as you try to adapt to its combat and equipment systems. For experienced players and modders though, it will be a fun and exciting experience.

The next stage in military gaming

If you’re looking for realistic military action games, few can match Arma 4. Building on everything that fans loved about its predecessor—an easily moddable environment, top-tier approach to game realism, and a complex gameplay system—and taking it to the next level by using a modern game engine. Meanwhile, it doesn’t seem like it has taken extra steps to make it friendlier for beginners or lower-end systems.