Deal | Steam: "an outstanding co-op experience" – tactical shooter with 215K reviews (90% positive) now under $5
Instead of delivering explosive action movie moments, Bohemia Interactive’s tactical shooter Arma 3 (released in September 2013) offers a brutally realistic take on modern warfare. Players step into the boots of regular infantry soldiers and engage in combat scenarios that feel strikingly authentic. Every shot matters and a single mistake can end a mission – charging ahead without coordination will get you taken out before you can yell “Enemy contact!” Set across two vast Mediterranean islands, Altis and Stratis, the game world spans over 104 square miles, making it one of the largest and most expansive environments in the shooter genre.
The single-player campaign unfolds across three acts, following the journey of ordinary soldier Ben Kerry as he becomes entangled in a growing conflict between NATO and an authoritarian alliance. Starting out as a confused rookie, players witness his transformation into the leader of a special forces unit – through ambushes, defensive operations and guerrilla warfare. While the campaign delivers diverse gameplay and tactical challenges, its storytelling and presentation remain relatively understated.
But Arma 3 truly shines in multiplayer. Whether you're a sniper, medic or in another role, the variety supports countless play styles. The powerful mission editor also keeps the experience fresh by enabling players to create and share custom scenarios. It’s important to note: Arma 3 isn’t a casual shooter – it’s a military sandbox built for tactics enthusiasts willing to invest time and effort. Players willing to invest time will discover intense battles and remarkable gameplay depth, while those looking for a quick, accessible shooter may feel overwhelmed.
Reviews: Built for serious tacticians, not casual players
The German gaming magazine GameStar reviewed Arma 3 and highlighted its immersive atmosphere and impressive realism, especially in multiplayer. The sense of being right in the thick of battle stands out as one of the game’s strongest features. However, several issues hold it back. The AI often behaves unpredictably, performance demands are high and newcomers may find the steep learning curve and lack of tutorials overwhelming. The solo campaign doesn’t quite meet expectations and occasional physics glitches and bugs can lead to frustration. The review sums it up as follows: “The game has two faces – frustrating and inaccessible for beginners, but a fantastic co-op experience for organized players.”
GameStar gave Arma 3 a solid 79 out of 100. On Metacritic, the tactical shooter holds a Metascore of 74 and a User Score of 7.6. Steam users are even more enthusiastic: out of more than 215,000 reviews, 90% are positive.
84% discount on Steam
Arma 3 usually costs around $28 on Steam, but until June 22, it’s available at an 84% discount, dropping the price to about $4.80. It's a solid deal, though not the lowest ever – according to SteamDB, the game was 90% off back in June 2024.
The Deluxe Edition and Ground Edition of Arma 3 are also currently discounted. The Deluxe Edition is 77% off, priced at $8.80 instead of $38. It includes the base game along with digital extras such as the official soundtrack, high-resolution maps, a tactics guide and the classic Arma: Cold War Assault – a package suited for players interested in additional content and series history. The Ground Edition, aimed at players seeking a more complete experience, is 59% off at $24.60 instead of $60. It comes with the main game plus major expansions Apex, Contact and Karts, as well as the soundtrack, maps and tactics guide.
Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.
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