Arma 3 Tools
community.bohemia.net
What it is
Arma 3 Tools is a free Windows suite for producing content for the Real Virtuality engine used by Arma 3. Terrain Builder lets creators construct virtual worlds, while Object Builder creates, edits, and configures 3D models. Addon Builder converts source data into engine-readable formats and packages it into one archive; it can also sign PBOs with a digital key for secure servers. Publisher sends complete mods to Steam Workshop. Game Updater is intended to simplify switching between Steam branches, and Tools Launcher checks parts of an installation, runs suite tools, and can detect and interact with Mikero’s tools and Poseidon Tools. Distributed through Steam, the suite supports terrain, model, addon, mod, and script-related workflows, with PBO and FSM formats listed. Installation requires a valid Steam account, internet connection, and at least 1.1 GB of free disk space. Use is free for non-commercial work; commercial use requires Bohemia Interactive permission and acceptance of the BI Tools EULA.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- Arma 3 Tools is a suite for producing content for the Real Virtuality game engine powering Arma 3.Read 5 Oct 2026 · store.steampowered.com
- Intended users
- The suite is intended for creating Arma 3 content, including terrains, models, addons, and mods.Read 5 Oct 2026 · store.steampowered.com
- 3D models
- Object Builder creates, edits, and configures 3D models made for Arma 3.Read 5 Oct 2026 · community.bohemia.net
- Addon packaging
- Addon Builder converts data into formats readable by the Real Virtuality engine and packs it into a single archive.Read 5 Oct 2026 · community.bohemia.net
- Branch switching
- Game Updater aims to make switching between Steam branches easier by avoiding additional downloads each time.Read 5 Oct 2026 · store.steampowered.com
- Installation requirements
- The installation manual lists a valid Steam account, internet connection, and at least 1.1 GB of free disk space as prerequisites.Read 5 Oct 2026 · community.bohemia.net
- Integration
- The suite is distributed through Steam, and Publisher integrates with Steam Workshop to publish mods.Read 5 Oct 2026 · store.steampowered.com
- License restriction
- The tools are offered for free non-commercial use; commercial use is prohibited without Bohemia Interactive's permission, and users must accept its Tools EULA.Read 5 Oct 2026 · community.bohemia.net
- Platform
- Steam lists Windows operating systems in the system requirements for Arma 3 Tools.Read 5 Oct 2026 · store.steampowered.com
- Signing
- Addon Builder can sign PBOs with a digital key so signed addons can be added to secure servers.Read 5 Oct 2026 · community.bohemia.net
- Steam Workshop publishing
- Publisher publishes whole mods onto Steam Workshop for use with the game.Read 5 Oct 2026 · community.bohemia.net
- Terrain creation
- Terrain Builder lets users build their own virtual worlds from scratch.Read 5 Oct 2026 · community.bohemia.net
- Tool launcher
- Tools Launcher checks some aspects of the installation, runs tools in the suite, and can detect and interact with Mikero's tools and Poseidon Tools.Read 5 Oct 2026 · community.bohemia.net
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Builds terrains and 3D models
- Packages and signs PBO addons
- Publishes mods to Steam Workshop
- Includes installation and branch tools
- Free for non-commercial use
Limits
- Windows and Steam required
- Needs at least 1.1 GB free space
- Commercial use requires permission
- BI Tools EULA acceptance required
Who it suits
It suits creators building Arma 3 terrains, models, addons, scripts, or mods on Windows. Steam distribution and Workshop publishing fit users already working in that ecosystem.
Verdict
Arma 3 Tools covers the main production and publishing stages for Arma 3 content. Its free license is limited to non-commercial use, with Steam and Windows prerequisites.
Where Specifiction places it
- Game Modding Tools#8 of 257.9