How To Enable Joystick Arma

To enable joystick Arma support, you need to connect a compatible joystick or HOTAS, install its drivers, and configure it within the game's control settings. This process differs slightly between Arma 3 and Arma Reforger, but both titles allow you to map flight and vehicle controls for more precise input.

What you need to enable a joystick in Arma

Before you begin, ensure you have a compatible joystick or HOTAS connected to your PC. Install the latest drivers from the manufacturer's website. You also need to know which Arma title you are playing, as the configuration process varies between Arma 3 and Arma Reforger. Using joysticks for PC gaming gives you finer control over helicopters, planes, and ground vehicles compared to keyboard and mouse.

How to install joystick drivers and connect your device

1. Visit your joystick manufacturer's website and download the latest driver package for your specific model.
2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver installation.
3. Connect your joystick to your computer using a USB cable, or pair it via Bluetooth by following the manufacturer's pairing instructions.
4. Restart your computer to ensure the drivers are properly loaded.

How to enable and configure your joystick in Arma 3

1. Launch Arma 3 and go to the main menu.
2. Select Options, then choose Controls.
3. Click the Joystick tab and ensure the "Enable Joystick" checkbox is checked.
4. In the same menu, you can map joystick buttons to specific actions. Select an action from the list, then press the corresponding button or axis on your joystick to assign it.
5. Adjust sensitivity and deadzone sliders to your preference. Sensitivity controls how responsive the joystick is, while deadzone eliminates unwanted movement when the stick is centered.
6. Click OK to save your settings.

How to fine-tune Arma 3 joystick sensitivity via the config file

For precise control, you can edit the joystickSensitivity array in your ARMAPROFILE file. This file is located in the user folder created during game installation. Joystick sensitivity can be adjusted in ArmA: Armed Assault since version 1.02. The sensitivity values are located in the user's ARMAPROFILE file, found in the user folder created during game installation. The joystickSensitivity array in the ARMAPROFILE file contains these values.

1. Navigate to your Arma 3 profile folder, typically found at %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Arma 3.
2. Open the ARMAPROFILE file with a text editor.
3. Find the line containing joystickSensitivity. It contains sixteen values inside curly braces.
4. The first eight values control the positive part of the axes (AXIS_X_POS, AXIS_Y_POS, AXIS_Z_POS, ROT_X_POS, ROT_Y_POS, ROT_Z_POS, SLIDER_1_POS, SLIDER_2_POS). The last eight values control the negative counterparts (_NEG).
5. Each value is a sensitivity multiplier applied using the formula: value = pow(raw_value, 1 / sensitivity). Lower values make the axis more responsive, while higher values reduce sensitivity.
6. An example array looks like: { 0.500000,0.500000,0.500000,0.500000,0.500000,0.500000,1.000000,1.000000, 0.500000,0.500000,0.500000,0.500000,0.500000,0.500000,1.000000,1.000000 }.
7. Save the file and restart Arma 3 for the changes to take effect.

Note: It is not possible to configure the sensitivity for the full left/right/up/down position (referred to as 'circle 3' in the documentation), as this position makes the helicopter react as it is.

How to enable and configure a HOTAS in Arma Reforger

Arma Reforger uses an official browser-based configuration tool to create custom HOTAS/joystick configuration files.

1. Connect your HOTAS or joystick to your computer.
2. Open your web browser and visit the configuration tool at hotas.deltafarce.win.
3. Click "Start Configuring" to begin.
4. Assign actions to your joystick buttons and axes by selecting an action from the list and moving the corresponding control on your device.
5. When finished, click to download the generated .conf file.
6. Save the downloaded file to %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\ArmaReforger\profile\.save\settings\customInputConfigs.
7. Launch Arma Reforger. The custom configuration will load automatically.

How to test your joystick and fix common issues

After configuration, launch your Arma title and verify joystick functionality by moving the axes and pressing buttons. The game should respond immediately.

If buttons do not map correctly, return to the control settings menu and remap them. For calibration issues like drift, adjust the deadzone slider in the game's control settings. If problems persist, check your manufacturer's software for additional calibration tools or consult community forums for device-specific solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a joystick alongside keyboard and mouse in Arma?

Yes, Arma supports simultaneous input from multiple devices. You can use a joystick for vehicle control while keeping keyboard and mouse for infantry actions and menu navigation.

What joystick brands are compatible with Arma?

Arma works with most standard joysticks and HOTAS systems, including Logitech, Thrustmaster, and Saitek models. Ensure your device has Windows-compatible drivers installed.

Why is my joystick not detected in Arma 3?

First verify the joystick is recognized in Windows' Game Controllers settings. If detected there but not in Arma, ensure the "Enable Joystick" checkbox is checked in the game's Controls menu and restart the game.

Does Arma Reforger support joystick configuration without the browser tool?

No, the official browser-based tool is required to generate custom configuration files. Manual editing of configuration files is not supported for Reforger.

How do I reset my joystick settings to default?

For Arma Reforger, delete the custom .conf file from the customInputConfigs folder and restart the game.