Arma Reforger PS5: A Hardcore Military Sim Like No Other

As a 40-year-old veteran of the virtual battlefield, I’ve played my fair share of military shooters. From the “popcorn action” of Call of Duty to the gritty realism of Hell Let Loose, I’ve tried them all. But let me tell you, nothing quite prepared me for Arma Reforger. This game isn’t just a shooter; it’s a military simulation on steroids. Strap in, folks, because this isn’t your average run-and-gun game. Let me walk you through my experience—the highs, the lows, and the “what the heck just happened?” moments.

A Legacy of Military Realism

The Arma franchise has been a staple for PC gamers for over two decades, carving out a niche for ultra-realistic military simulations. From its beginnings to the late-80s setting of Arma Reforger, this series has consistently delivered authenticity and complexity. Reforger isn’t just a spin-off; it’s a technological precursor to the eagerly awaited Arma 4, which is still a few years away. But now, the Cold War experience has finally made its way to consoles, bringing the franchise to the PS5 for the first time.

Not Your Average Military Shooter

First things first: if you’re coming into Arma Reforger expecting Call of Duty or even Battlefield, let me stop you right there. This game is more like Hell Let Loose but cranked up to 11. It’s hardcore. It’s realistic. It’s the kind of game that makes you appreciate a simple map and compass.

Oh, and did I mention the tutorials? They’re about as helpful as a wet paper map in a thunderstorm. Sure, the game gives you multi-hour tutorials, but you’ll likely learn more from a 10-minute YouTube video. Believe me, I did. And if you’re a solo player? Well, buckle up because this game is about as welcoming as a drill sergeant on his bad day.

The Art of Getting Lost (and Loving It?)

One of the first things you’ll notice is that the game doesn’t hold your hand. At all. Want to know where you are? Pull out your map, whip out your compass, and start navigating like it’s 1985. I’ll admit, I initially found this frustrating. But…there’s something oddly satisfying about learning the landmarks and finally not feeling like a lost tourist in a warzone. Pro tip: if you’re the squad leader, you get a marker on the map. Use it.

Speaking of squads, playing solo in Arma Reforger is a steep uphill battle. This game thrives on teamwork. Hate relying on other players? Skip this one. Don’t want to use a mic? Don’t even bother. This isn’t a game for lone wolves; it’s for tactical pack animals.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work (Sometimes)

When you find a good squad, it’s magic. I’ll never forget one particular match where me, a buddy, and two random players rolled out in a Humvee to capture a point. We were led by a guy on comms barking orders like he was auditioning for Full Metal Jacket. It was glorious.

We secured the objective, but then two enemy helicopters showed up. Cue chaos. RPGs flying, bullets whizzing, and our fearless leader yelling for backup that never came. We didn’t survive, but man, what a story. Moments like these are where Arma Reforger truly shines.

But here’s the catch: not every game is like that. Sometimes you’ll get teammates who couldn’t care less about tactics, and those matches? Not so fun. It’s a coin flip, really.

Bringing the Cold War to PS5

For the first time, Arma Reforger has landed on PlayStation 5, and it’s clear that a lot of effort went into making the experience as smooth as possible. Bohemia Interactive has implemented adaptive triggers with varied resistance for each weapon type, haptic feedback, and even motion controls to enhance precision. The DualSense controller’s advanced capabilities truly shine here, adding immersion like never before. Explosions, gunfire, and environmental cues are all communicated through the controller in ways that are both intuitive and thrilling.

The game also boasts over 61 square kilometers of maps across two islands: Everon and Arland. Whether you’re navigating dense forests or storming beaches, the scale of the game is staggering. And with the inclusion of the Game Master mode, players can create their own scenarios, customizing everything from weather to enemy placements.

Performance on PS5: The Good, the Bad, and the Janky

On PS5, Arma Reforger performs reasonably well, though it has its hiccups. Frame drops happen, especially in intense battles. The menus? Let’s just say they’re not user-friendly. Inventory management feels like solving a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. But there’s a silver lining: the DualSense controller.

The haptic feedback and adaptive triggers are phenomenal. Every gun feels distinct, and explosions… oh, the explosions. The feedback lets you feel their direction and distance in a way that’s almost spooky. It’s some of the best use of haptics I’ve seen.

Game Modes: What’s on the Menu?

There are four main modes in Arma Reforger:

Conflict

The main event. Two teams battle for objectives across massive maps. This is where the game shines. Teams must not only engage in combat but also build structures and run logistics to secure a foothold.

Game Master

Think “dungeon master” but for war. You can create custom scenarios, tweak weather and time of day, and keep things dynamic. It’s cool but definitely geared towards PC players due to the menu complexity.

Combat Ops

A cooperative or single-player mode where players must complete dynamic objectives and battle to extract from the islands. This mode provides a fresh experience every match but lacks the intensity of Conflict.

Capture & Hold

A rapid-fire, high-pressure mode that distills the immersive gameplay into shorter, more intense matches. Perfect for those who want a quicker taste of Arma Reforger‘s unique style.

One big gripe: no proper social system. Want to play with friends? Good luck finding each other’s servers. It’s a baffling omission for a console game.

Final Verdict: Worth the Effort?

Arma Reforger on PS5 isn’t for everyone. It’s hardcore, unforgiving, and occasionally frustrating. But if you’re willing to invest the time to learn its systems and embrace its quirks, it can be incredibly rewarding.

For me, it’s been a wild ride. I’ve had moments of pure frustration and moments of pure joy. And at the end of the day, isn’t that what gaming is all about?

So, if you’re up for a challenge and want a military sim that pushes you to the limit, give Arma Reforger a shot. Just don’t forget your compass… and maybe a squad of friends.

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Arma Reforger PS5 $39.99 / £39.99

What are your thoughts on Arma Reforger? Have you had any “water-cooler” moments in the game? Share them in the comments below!

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