Halloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run ScanHalloween DealsAmazon USOctober picks are moving - compare before checkoutAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

Arma Reforger Server Mod Load Order Explained

Arma Reforger server load order is the ordered game.mods array in config.json. Build it from the Mod Manager, include every dependency, remove duplicate IDs, choose a version policy, and troubleshoot conflicts methodically.
Length7 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Arma Reforger does not use a separate load-order screen for dedicated servers. The order is the sequence of objects in the game.mods array inside config.json. Each object identifies a Workshop mod and can include its name, version, and required status. A clean order helps administrators review the file, but dependency completeness is more important than alphabetical sorting.

For a dependable server, generate the mod list from the in-game Workshop Mod Manager, check every author-declared dependency (including dependencies of dependencies), remove duplicate Workshop IDs, decide whether to follow current releases or pin versions, back up the working file, and only then restart the server.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What “load order” means in Arma Reforger

In a dedicated-server configuration, “load order” means the ordered JSON array assigned to game.mods. Bohemia Interactive defines this array as the list of mods required by clients joining the server. An entry uses a Workshop GUID in modID and may also contain a human-readable name, a version, and a required flag.

The array is therefore both a content manifest and an administrative checklist. Its sequence is visible when you audit the file, but it should not be treated as a universal priority system. A mod author’s dependency declarations and compatibility requirements determine what must be present; placing an unrelated mod first does not make it compatible.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Gaoye Blue Light Blocking Glasses
  • BLUE LIGHT BLOCKING GLASSES: Our blue light glasses for women boast UV400 protection, blocking harmful blue rays from computer screens. With these bluelight glasses women, you can enjoy gaming, reading, or watching TV with no worries of eye strain.
  • EYE RELIEF: Our blue light glasses are engineered to reduce blurry vision or strain caused by prolonged screen time. These womens blue light glasses aid in better sleep by preventing blue light from disrupting your natural sleep cycle, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful night's sleep, making them the perfect christmas present.
  • COMFORTABLE: Crafted from durable material, our trendy blue light glasses for woman or blue light glasses men ensure long-lasting comfort. The high-transmittance lenses accessories, gamer gifts for men, help keep your eyes relaxed. Perfect stocking stuffers, gifts for gamers men, christmas gifts for men, halloween costumes.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT: These clear blue light glasses feature a lightweight frame, meaning they’ll stay comfy for long-term wear. Perfect as blue blockers glasses for women or mens blue light glasses, these non-prescription fake glasses for men can be worn throughout the day. The blue light blocking glasses women feature polycarbonate HD lenses, which are anti-reflective and restore true color.
  • WORRY-FREE PURCHASE: If you experience any issues, our support team is ready to assist you quickly. These are the perfect costume glasses for cosplay dressing up.

What belongs in each entry

Field Purpose Maintenance guidance
modID The Workshop identifier the server and clients use. Copy it from the Mod Manager-generated JSON or Workshop metadata. Keep each ID only once.
name A readable label for administrators. Retain it even though the ID is authoritative; names make reviews and rollback easier.
version Controls which published version is requested. If omitted, the server uses the latest published version. A pinned value requires planned upgrades.
required Records the required status for the entry. Preserve the value produced by the Mod Manager unless you have a specific configuration reason to change it.

How dependencies affect the effective mod set

Dependencies are declared by mod authors, not inferred from the order you type into the file. Workshop downloads include the dependencies a mod needs. A dependency chain can be transitive: if mod A requires mod B and mod B requires mod C, the server’s effective set includes A, B, and C.

That is why the practical answer to “Do dependencies need to be listed in config.json?” is to treat every dependency reported by the Mod Manager as part of game.mods. Do not assume that listing only the top-level scenario or gameplay mod is sufficient. Before deployment, inspect the Workshop metadata and the Mod Manager output, then confirm that the complete chain is represented once in the array.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Dependency order versus category order

A readable convention is to place shared frameworks and libraries first, followed by gameplay systems, maps or scenarios, factions, vehicles, weapons, equipment, audio, and utilities. This grouping is an administrator-maintenance convention: it makes a long file easier to inspect and compare with a change log. It is not proof that every item in an earlier category must initialize before every item in a later category.

When a documented dependency relationship exists, keep the dependency before the mod that uses it when possible. If the Mod Manager emits a different but valid sequence, preserve that generated sequence rather than re-sorting it blindly. Dependency correctness and a complete set matter more than alphabetical order.

Rank #2
Windex Gaming Cleaning Wipes, Pre-Moistened Wipes to Instantly Clean all Gaming Gear and Electronics, Resealable Packaging for a Freshness Lock, 25 count (Pack of 1)
  • WINDEX GAMING WIPES: effortlessly clean all your gaming gear and gaming electronics in one easy step with our new Windex Gaming Wipes
  • AMMONIA FREE: our ammonia-free formula is safe to use on all of your favorite gaming equipment like consoles, headsets, controllers, screens, keyboards, and more
  • PRE-MOISTENED WIPES: each wipe instantly removes dust, dirt, and stubborn smudges and fingerprints leaving a streak-free shine
  • ANTI-STATIC: great for cleaning and wiping down your gaming gear and electronics leaving behind no visible residue
  • COMPACT RESEALABLE PACKAGE: store your pack of Windex Gaming Wipes anywhere in your home for whenever a quick and easy wipedown is needed

How to build or change the server mod list

1. Make a rollback copy

Copy the currently working config.json before editing. Give the copy a date or release label and store it separately from the live file. A backup lets you distinguish a content problem from an editing mistake and gives you a known-good configuration to restore after a failed restart.

2. Generate the authoritative list in the Mod Manager

  1. Activate the required mods in the Arma Reforger Workshop.
  2. Open the Mod Manager.
  3. Switch to the JSON tab.
  4. Copy the generated string for the active set.

This workflow is preferable to manually transcribing Workshop IDs because it reflects the set the game recognizes and exposes dependency information that may not be obvious from a scenario’s name.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

3. Replace or merge the game.mods array

Open the server’s config.json and locate game.mods. Replace the old array with the generated entries, or merge additions carefully if the server contains other deliberately retained content. Keep the JSON syntax intact: quoted property names, commas between objects, and square brackets around the array.

During a merge, compare IDs rather than names. Two entries with slightly different spelling can still refer to the same Workshop item, while a renamed mod can retain the same ID. Remove duplicate IDs and retain readable name values so the next administrator can audit the file without looking up every identifier.

Rank #3
Sale
LISEN Cell Phone Stand Phone Holder for Desk, Office Decor Gadgets for Men
  • Ergonomic & Adjustable Design: Fight "text neck" and improve your posture. Designed for comfort, it offers an adjustable height (7.1in-8.5in) (1.4in adjustable range) and angle (5°-85°) Please note: cell phone stand is only 9 inches tall—the length of a standard pencil
  • Without blocking subtitles Perfect for office desk Tiktok Face Time Zoom video—this is the ultimate kitchen desk essential for phones! Perfect viewing experience while reducing neck back strain, A must-have for gamers streamers desk, and anyone who values both style and support!
  • Sleek & Stable Design fits Otterbox Case: Say goodbye to bent cables, tangles, and tip-overs! LISEN’s stylish adjustable desk phone holder features a built-in charging hole and smart cable management, keeping your phone secure and your workspace clutter-free cool gadgets for men
  • ANTI-SLIP DESIGN free hands: The under 10.00 items easy gadgets back and the bottom of this kitchen essentials for women are fully covered by anti-skid silicone, which LISEN stand up desk decor can provide maximum protection device from any scratches and slides
  • Your Perfect Viewing Companion:If your product arrives damaged or breaks within 365 days, reach out to LISEN for a quick and hassle-free solution. Struggling with assembly, like tightening the screw? We’ve got your back! Your experience matters to us. (Product including: phone Holder stand*1, screw*1, hexagon screwdriver*1, specification*1)

4. Apply a deliberate ordering convention

  1. Shared frameworks and libraries.
  2. Core gameplay systems.
  3. Maps and scenarios.
  4. Factions and content packs.
  5. Vehicles and weapons.
  6. Equipment and audio.
  7. Utilities and administrative tools.

Move an item only when you understand its relationship to the rest of the set. A category-based order is useful for maintenance, but it cannot repair a missing or incompatible dependency.

5. Choose version behavior

Leaving version out follows the latest published version. That reduces manual update work, but a publisher update can change the server’s effective content without a corresponding edit to your file. Pinning a version makes restarts more reproducible and can protect a scheduled event from an unexpected update; the trade-off is that you must deliberately change the pin when a mod needs an upgrade.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

6. Validate, restart, and verify

Check that the file remains valid JSON, that every intended ID appears once, and that the dependency set is complete. Restart the server using your normal administration procedure, then test a client connection with the same scenario and content. Keep the previous configuration until players have joined successfully and the server has remained stable.

Latest versions and pinned versions compared

Practice What the server requests Strength Cost or risk
Omit version The latest published version of each listed mod. Less manual maintenance and quicker access to updates. Content can change between restarts; a new release may introduce incompatibility or additional downloads.
Pin version The specified published version. More reproducible deployments and easier event preparation. Upgrade work is deliberate and ongoing; an old pin may become incompatible with other updated content.

Choose one policy per server and record it in your change log. Mixing an unpinned framework with several old pinned content packs can be valid, but it increases the number of combinations you must test.

Rank #4
Ledagic IC+RGBW USB Powered Led Light Bar with App & Remote Control, 2 Pack
  • Easy Installation: Our gaming lights have been designed to enhance your entertainment experience. Simply position the led light bar next to your TV or game console to create a game room environment with ease. They come with USB power and a 60 inch cord for direct mounting and mobility
  • Audio Syncing & Extensive Mode: The built-in high-sensitivity music sensor allows you to sync the TV led lights to your favorite music. Lights react and move to the beat of music, film and game audio, creating an incredible immersive sound and light experience – and all without the need for an additional hub. You can choose from 64+ patterns, including strobe, illusion, jump, energy, gradient, running, chasing, fluttering mode etc. Each mode can be applied to different scenes
  • 64+ Chasing IC+RGB & W Effect: The independent control design of IC+RGB and white all-in-one multifunctional rgbw led bar lights monitor backlight allows you to easily switch the led lights for desk between IC+RGB and white to enjoy a variety of lighting effects, you can choose white lighting mode with high brightness for better illumination when working, etc. Choose IC+RGB lighting mode when you need to create an entertaining atmosphere for the light show, 16 million colours of Color changing rgb light bar let you dance to the beat and create a dynamic party atmosphere
  • Dynamic and Dimmable Lights: 1%-full brightness free brightness adjustment gives you the flexibility to adjust dimmable led light bar for room decorations or a variety of occasions
  • USB Powered: USB light bars for room can be powered by powernank, usb charger, TV, Monitor, laptop PC mainframe, making behind TV led lighting bar easy to install in any location.TV led lights are powered by the TV usb interface / PC mainframe, can be turned on/off synchronously with TV / PC

What clients download when they join

Bohemia Interactive states that the game “will automatically start downloading any required mods or load any previously downloaded required mods from your SSD.” Clients therefore need the server’s required set, not merely the map or scenario name.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The same guidance says: “You cannot pick and choose which mods you want to download for a specific server (i.e., all players in a server must use the same mod set required by the server).” A player cannot omit one required utility to shorten a download and still join that server. The practical burden is the total size of the required set plus any version changes that trigger another download.

Why two servers can download different versions

Different servers may require different versions of the same Workshop mod. A client that already has one version can be asked to download another for a second server. This is expected behavior when the configurations specify different version requirements; it is not evidence that the client randomly selected a bad load order.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Troubleshooting version mismatches and ADDON_LOAD_ERROR

Check the manifest before changing order

  • Compare the live game.mods array with the Mod Manager-generated list.
  • Confirm every Workshop ID is unique.
  • Look for a missing transitive dependency.
  • Check whether a pinned version is older than the version required by a dependent mod.
  • Verify that a recent Workshop update did not alter the dependency chain.

These checks address the common causes of a mismatch without destroying a known-good arrangement. Reordering a complete, compatible set rarely fixes a stale version or a missing dependency.

Best Value
Sale
HUANUO FlowLift™ Dual Monitor Stand, Fully Adjustable Gaming Monitor Desk Mount for 13–32″ Computer Screens, Full Motion VESA 75x75/100x100 with C-Clamp & Grommet Base, Each Arm Holds 4.4 to 19.8 lbs
  • Compatible with Wide Screens - To ensure compatibility with the dual monitor mount, your each monitor must meet three conditions at the same time: First, computer screens size range: 13 to 32 inches. Second, screen weight range: 4.4 to 19.8 lbs. Third, the back of the monitor screen must have VESA mounting holes with a pitch of 75x75mm or 100x100mm.
  • Regarding the compatibility with desks - Your desk must meet three conditions at the same time: First, desk material: Only wooden desks are recommended, plastic or glass desks cannot be used. Second, desk thickness range: 0.59" - 3.54". Third, the bottom of the desk should not have any cross beams or panels, as this will interfere with installation. We recommend carefully checking that your desk and monitors meets all above conditions before purchasing.
  • Dual C-Clamp Hold - Worried your dual monitors might wobble or slip? Our upgraded base uses a larger platform plus a dual C-clamp structure to lock the dual monitor arm firmly to your desk. Each arm safely keeps your screens steady while you type, click and game—no shaking, no sliding, just a clean and secure setup you can trust every day. It also provides Grommet Mounting installation choice, both options ensure stable and secure fixation for your 0.59" - 3.54" desk.
  • Full-Motion Adjustment For Comfortable View - Pull the screen closer when you’re deep in a spreadsheet, push it back to watch videos, or rotate to portrait for coding — moving everything smoothly with just one hand. The monitor stand offers +85°/-50° tilt, ±90° swivel and 360° rotation. Raise your monitor up to 15.75″ to support a healthy sitting posture. Whether you’re working from home, gaming through the night, or switching between video calls and documents, getting the screens to your natural line of sight helps relieve neck, shoulder and back strain so you can stay focused longer with less fatigue.
  • Keep Your Desk Organized: By lifting both screens off the desktop, this dual monitor stand opens up valuable space for your keyboard, notebook, docking station or a simple, clutter-free work area. Built-in cable management guides wires along the arms, keeping cords out of sight and out of the way. Enjoy a tidy, modern workstation that looks as good as it feels to use.

Isolate a conflicting mod

If the server or clients report ADDON_LOAD_ERROR or show unexpected behavior, use Bohemia Interactive’s isolation approach: disable mods one by one until the error disappears. The last disabled item, or its relationship with the remaining set, identifies the conflict to investigate. Re-add compatible content incrementally rather than restoring the entire list at once.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Recover safely

  1. Stop the server and preserve the failing configuration for diagnosis.
  2. Restore the last known-good config.json backup.
  3. Restart and confirm that the baseline scenario loads.
  4. Reintroduce the changed mod or version alone.
  5. Test again, then add the remaining changes in small groups.

This procedure separates a malformed edit, a newly published version, and a genuine mod conflict. Keep a short record of the ID, version, order position, and observed error for each trial.

Maintenance practices for larger communities

Use names and grouping as an audit system

Readable names and category grouping let another administrator answer three questions quickly: what changed, which content is foundational, and which item should be tested first. Keep a change log beside the configuration with the date, reason for the change, and whether versions were pinned or refreshed.

Plan around client download churn

Every additional required mod increases the content clients must obtain, and a version change can trigger another download even when the Workshop ID is unchanged. For scheduled events, freeze the tested versions long enough for players to connect, then schedule an explicit update window rather than allowing an unreviewed change immediately before play.

Keep recovery artifacts

  • The current production configuration.
  • The previous known-good configuration.
  • The Mod Manager-generated JSON used to create the release.
  • A note identifying pinned versions and intentional exceptions.
  • Test results from a client connection after the last restart.

These artifacts make rollback and diagnosis faster than reconstructing the list from memory.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Decision checklist

  • Have you generated the set through Workshop and the Mod Manager’s JSON tab?
  • Are all author-declared dependencies, including transitive ones, represented?
  • Does each Workshop ID appear exactly once?
  • Are names retained for auditing?
  • Is your latest-versus-pinned version policy intentional?
  • Did you back up the working configuration before editing?
  • Did you test a real client join after restarting?
  • If an error appeared, did you isolate mods one at a time before changing the whole list?

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. How to Set Up a RedM (RDR2) Server in 2026: License Key, txAdmin and server.cfg, Step by StepBlog11min
  2. Best RedM (RDR2) Server Hosting in 2026: Comparing Four Hosts on Slots, Memory and PriceBlog10min
  3. How to Host a Mindustry Server in 2026: server-release.jar, Port 6567 and the Commands That MatterBlog7min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.