“Conflict” is the most populated and main PvP game mode in Arma Reforger. When dropping into the field for the first time, beginners might be confused and think, “What am I supposed to do on this huge map?”
In this article, we will broadly explain the overview of the Conflict mode. (Detailed guides for each element will be explained in separate articles by theme!)
💡 Note: Since update 1.6, the official mode name has been changed to “Conflict HQ Commander”, but on this site, we will use the familiar, traditional name “Conflict” for simplicity.
🎯 What Kind of Mode is Conflict?
It is a large-scale PvP (Player vs Player) territory control game where players are divided into two factions, the US Army and the Soviet Army, fighting over “Victory Point Bases” scattered across the map. The faction that captures a certain number of “Victory Point Bases” first and holds them for a specific amount of time wins.
💡 Terminology Note: The official English term for the bases required for victory is “Control Points”, but to make it easier for beginners to understand, we might refer to them as “Victory Point Bases” or “Purple Bases” (because their names are displayed in purple on the map).
🗺️ The Flow of Battle
A single match generally progresses in the following flow:
- 【Start】 The US Army and the Soviet Army each start with one “Main Operating Base (MOB)”. All other bases are occupied by a third faction, the “FIA” (Partisans).
- 【Early Game: Expansion】 At first, both the US and Soviet factions defeat the NPC FIA forces, capture bases, and expand their respective controlled territories.
- 【Mid to Late Game: US vs Soviet Clash】 As territories expand, the frontlines of the US and Soviet forces will eventually collide. This develops into fierce offensive and defensive battles over the “Victory Point Bases” at strategic points on the map, and the fight continues until the victory conditions are met.
🏝️ Victory Conditions by Map
Currently, there are 3 maps playable in Vanilla (base game without mods), and the number of “Victory Point Bases” and required holding times differ for each.
- Everon: Capture 5 out of 7 Victory Point Bases, and hold them for 15 minutes.
- Kolguyev: Capture 5 out of 7 Victory Point Bases, and hold them for 15 minutes.
- Arland: Capture 2 out of 2 Victory Point Bases, and hold them for 25 minutes. (A highly contested area on a small map)
🎖️ The Factions
- 🟦 US Army (US): Starts with 1 Main Operating Base (MOB). Their base color on the map is “Blue”.
- 🟥 Soviet Army (USSR): Starts with 1 Main Operating Base (MOB). Their base color on the map is “Red”.
- 🟩 FIA (Independent Armed Forces): Their base color on the map is “Green”. They have no victory conditions and act whimsically to interfere with both the US and Soviet factions.
- (Note: Previously an AI-only NPC faction, but since update 1.7, players can now join as the FIA! However, their mechanics are unique and complex, so we will explain them in detail in a separate “FIA Guide” article.)
📡 The Absolute Rule of Territory Control: “Radio Range”
This is the most core (important) element in Conflict mode.
In this game, you cannot capture a base simply by going there and eliminating all enemies. A base can only be captured if it is within the range of your faction’s “Radio Network” signal.
- Connecting the Network: You must expand your controlled territory by connecting a radio network from your Main Base (MOB) acting as the parent station, out to your Forward Operating Bases (FOBs).
- Losing Signal Means Losing Control: Even if you capture a base, if the network is interrupted later (e.g., an antenna at a preceding base is destroyed), you will instantly lose control of that base.
Always Build an Antenna (Radio Relay Station)!
The default radio communication range (signal reach) of a base is only 1km. However, if you build a “Radio relay station” inside the base, you can extend the communication range to 2km. Whenever you capture a new base, you must always build at least one “Radio relay station”. This is the ultimate ironclad rule that every beginner must learn.
📦 The Blood of War: “Supplies”
Building structures in bases, calling in vehicles (cars or helicopters), players respawning, equipping strong weapons… every action in this game requires “Supplies”.
- If supplies run out, you will no longer be able to deploy from that base, and the frontline will collapse.
- Players need to go to supply points scattered across the map, load supplies into transport trucks, and deliver them to friendly bases.
- Transporting supplies by truck to enrich friendly bases might be a tedious task, but its contribution to victory is massive.
🔼 Player Rank
All players start as a “Private”. By taking actions that contribute to the team’s victory—such as defeating enemies, transporting supplies, transporting troops, and capturing/defending bases—you earn “XP” (Experience Points) and rank up.
As you get promoted to Sergeant or Lieutenant, you unlock more advanced tactical options, such as requesting heavy vehicles (APCs, etc.), helicopters, and even deploying “Friendly AI Soldiers” to defend positions.
