Command Unresponsive: Examining AI Squad Behavior in Arma Reforger

Arma Reforger, developed by Bohemia Interactive, stands as a technical platform and gameplay evolution that bridges the legacy of the Arma franchise with its future in Arma 4. Released in 2022 as an early access title, Reforger brings a detailed Cold War-era setting and a robust Enfusion engine with dynamic gameplay systems. Among the many mechanics under scrutiny, the behavior of AI-controlled squad members remains one of the most crucial and controversial aspects, particularly in single-player and cooperative environments. This article delves deeply into the nature of AI squad responsiveness in Arma Reforger, exploring its technical framework, practical gameplay implications, and potential paths for improvement.

1. Background: Arma Reforger and AI Evolution

From Arma 3 to Reforger

The Arma series has long been praised for its realism, but AI squad behavior has frequently been cited as a point of frustration. While Arma 3 utilized complex scripting and mod support to compensate for AI weaknesses, Reforger starts anew with the Enfusion engine, promising enhanced flexibility and modularity. However, with the reboot came setbacks in AI decision-making and responsiveness.

Enfusion Engine Capabilities

Reforger's Enfusion engine introduces real-time physics, modern rendering, and a dynamic world. The engine also supports modding and scripting through Workbench, enabling community solutions to AI shortcomings. But core AI behavior remains a central developer responsibility.

2. Structure of AI Command Systems in Reforger

Command Interface and Interaction

Players issue orders to AI squads via a radial menu and contextual interactions. These include commands like move, engage, hold fire, and regroup. Voice feedback and animation cues accompany these interactions for realism.

Decision-Making Processes

AI in Reforger operates on goal-oriented action planning (GOAP). This architecture allows agents to make decisions based on predefined behaviors and world states, although in practice, many actions are inconsistent.

3. Common Problems in AI Responsiveness

Delayed or Ignored Commands

One major issue is the AI's frequent failure to execute movement or engagement commands. Squad members may stand still, respond with incorrect voice lines, or wander into danger without reacting to threats.

Navigation and Pathfinding

Terrain awareness is limited. AI soldiers struggle with basic pathfinding, often getting stuck in buildings, foliage, or water bodies. This breaks immersion and impacts mission outcomes.

4. AI Combat Behavior and Targeting

Reaction to Enemies

In firefights, AI reaction times vary widely. Some engage enemies on sight, while others take cover without returning fire or expose themselves unnecessarily. The inconsistency undermines tactical planning.

Use of Cover and Suppression

While AI will sometimes seek cover, their ability to maintain fire superiority or suppress enemies is lacking. They rarely flank or use team tactics, leading to predictable and ineffective combat outcomes.

5. Cooperative Play and AI Limitations

Fallback When Players Disconnect

When players drop out of cooperative sessions, AI takes over their squad roles. However, this transition is often buggy. AI rarely performs at a level comparable to human players.

Sync Issues in Multiplayer

AI-controlled units in multiplayer face synchronization issues, failing to follow commands or interact with dynamic objects. This erodes confidence in using AI during large-scale operations.

6. Community Feedback and Workarounds

Modding the AI

Community-driven mods attempt to patch AI behavior, introducing smarter pathfinding, reaction logic, and better formations. However, mods are inconsistent and may break with each update.

Developer Acknowledgment

Bohemia Interactive has acknowledged AI shortcomings and released patches addressing some issues. However, the fixes are incremental, and core problems persist across updates.

7. Tactical Impact of Unresponsive AI

Mission Design Challenges

Mission creators must design around AI limitations. Objectives requiring precision teamwork are difficult to execute reliably with AI squads, leading to frustration for solo players.

Emergent Gameplay Disruption

The hallmark of Arma—emergent gameplay—is hindered when AI fails to react appropriately. Ambushes fall flat, reinforcements don’t arrive, and scenarios lose their tension.

8. Comparing Arma Reforger to Industry Standards

Other Tactical Simulations

Compared to titles like Squad or Insurgency: Sandstorm, Reforger’s AI lacks polish. These games lean more on human players but still feature rudimentary bots that follow basic commands more reliably.

Legacy vs. Innovation

Bohemia’s legacy AI system was flawed but functional with scripting. Reforger aimed to improve but launched with less reliable systems. The innovation is promising, but current results fall short of expectations.

9. The Future of AI in Arma and Tactical Gaming

Roadmap and Developer Intentions

Bohemia has outlined a roadmap for Reforger and Arma 4, with AI improvements listed as a priority. As the Enfusion engine matures, better pathfinding, decision-making, and responsiveness are expected.

Community’s Role in Evolution

Modders and content creators will likely continue to push AI innovation. Their contributions may serve as prototypes for official updates. Close collaboration between developers and players is essential to close the AI gap.

Conclusion: 

Arma Reforger represents a bold step forward in engine design and sandbox realism, but its AI squad behavior remains a substantial hurdle. The disconnect between player commands and AI actions threatens the tactical immersion the series is known for. While hope lies in future updates and community collaboration, the present experience is marred by unpredictability and frustration. For the Arma franchise to truly evolve, AI must move from being a liability to becoming a tactical asset once again.