First things first, you will need the actual Exile mod.

http://www.exilemod.com/downloads/

Download the client file from one of the mirrors, NOT via the Arma 3 Launcher (Not using the launcher is the main reason for this guide, its fine if you want to use it but heres why I don't: Its slow as ♥♥♥♥ to download larger files and it doesnt have all the mods I needed to play on the servers I wanted to)

Once the zip file is downloaded, extract it and drop the @Exile folder into your Arma 3 directory. Then fire up Arma # and in the launcher select Mods -> select local mod folder -> select the folder you have your mods in. Exile should then be available for selection in the mods tab of the launcher.

The most confusing part of getting into modded servers in Arma for new players is identifying which mods and versions are required for the server you wish to play on. This is the major benifit in using a third party launcher over doing it all yourself, but once you have the hang of it its better doing it yourself IMO.

Most servers list the mods required in their name on the server browser or you can look up their website, most of the decent servers will have details and instructions for joining on their website as well as links to the mods needed. Shout out to [ARC] clan for the great guys that operate the helpdesk in their Teamspeak.

To find out what you need to play, look at the server you want to join in the server browser.


Single click the server in the list and look at the bottom right of the server browser screen, you will see a list of mod names with either red or green dots next to them. Ignore the ones for the official DLC (Helicopters, Marksman, Carts etc) and check the mods listed below them.



The mods you need will be listed here and have either:

RED dot - The mod isnt installed or it is either corrupt or the wrong version of the mod is loaded compared to the version running on the server. You can fix this by downloading the mod and making sure its running.
Check the version you have loaded compared to the one the server is running - If its a steam mod sometimes unsubscribing and then resubscribing to the mod will help. Servers will sometimes not be updated to the latest versions of mods so you may need to track down the version you need.

GREEN dot - All good

Steams Workshop is probably the most straightforward way to get the mods you will need to play on servers that aren't just running the vanilla Exile mod on the Altis terrain.

Theres a couple of mods you will have to get from Armaholics/teh Internets but most are taken care of. They're also easy to install, simply click the link to the mod you need and click the subscribe button. Some mods, such as CUP Weapons, will be dependant on others that they use as a foundation and Steam should prompt you to subscribe to these as well.

This list is not complete I'm sure but here's the ones I've compiled so far. If anyone has others that should be added to the list please leave it in a comment below.

TRYK's multiplay Uniforms
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=453577279

CUP Units pack
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=497661914

CBA_A3 (Community Base Expansion)
http://steamcommunity.com/workshop/filedetails/?id=450814997

CUP Weapons pack
http://steamcommunity.com/workshop/filedetails/?id=497660133

MASSI's NATO & Russian Weapons
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=500929500

MASSI's NATO & Russian Vehicles
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=501552467

Ryans Zombies & Demons
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=501966277

ASDG Joint Rails
http://steamcommunity.com/workshop/filedetails/?id=445567454

Esseker Map
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=498101407

Some of the mods you may want to run are not available on the Steam Workshop.

http://www.armaholic.com/list.php?c=arma3_files

Armaholic.com is where to get them. Armaholic is a fantastic resource for not only Arma 3 but has cool ♥♥♥♥ for the entire Arma series. Most, if not all the mods available in the Steam Workshop will be available here as well.

Install these mods the same way we covered installing Exile above.

EDIT: To clarify, after you've downloaded and extracted the mod you want copy it (the folder starting with @) to your Arma 3 directory, so that the launcher sees it without having to add mod files from multiple directories

All in Arma terrain pack, which you'll need to play on any of the cool maps that were made for Arma 2 and for maps like Esseker, Bornholm & Australia.

AiA Terrain Pack
http://www.armaholic.com/page.php?id=26682

RHS: Armed Forces of the Russian Federation
http://www.armaholic.com/page.php?id=27150

RHS: United States Armed Forces
http://www.armaholic.com/page.php?id=27149

Lingor A3 v3.0 beta
http://www.armaholic.com/page.php?id=29469

Island Panthera v3.35
http://www.icebreakr.info/files/islandpanthera_v335.7z


Once again, if anyone has any other that should be on this list, let me know