By Craig Pearson on March 15th, 2013 at 3:00 pm.

Bohemia Interactive is doing smart things at the moment. The first smart thing they did was to give me access to Arma 3 before everyone else had it, which made me happy. That is a smart thing, because I am very important person, and my mum says I am handsome. The second smart thing they did was to release the Arma 3 Alpha to people who are not me, because it makes multiplayer games a lot more fun, and it means they can get to work with optimising their Greek pixels. The third smart thing was just launched: everyone who owns a copy of the Arma 3 Alpha has copies of the Lite edition to give away. Check your Steam Gifts, everyone. A heavily armed Santa Claus has been!
The Lite edition has some clipped wings, though. Here’s what you have to give away.
STRATIS
3 FACTIONS
8 VEHICLES
12 WEAPONS
WEAPON ATTACHMENTS
CUSTOMIZABLE GEAR
4 SINGLEPLAYER SHOWCASES
SCENARIO EDITOR (LIMITED)
What’s missing? Multiplayer and modding. It makes sense to not give everything away, but when the alpha is only going to be live for a limited time, I thought it would make sense to let those welcomed in to have it all. Then, when the alpha ends, they’ll want more and buy seventeen copies. I like the single-player and fiddling with the editor (just hopping in a chopper and flying around in an empty map is a joy), but the true experience is found in the community. Not that I wouldn’t snap a copy of the Lite edition up if I didn’t have access, but I’m just a wee bit surprised that Bohemia aren’t showcasing the game to its fullest.
However, let’s view it is a generous way to let people freely test the game out before they consider a purchase. Feel free to use the comments to set up swapsies, though the Arma forum might be a better place to offer and ask.
This is what you’re missing out on.



15/03/2013 at 15:10 jackthename says:
My steam name is neonblackjack. I’d love to try this out if anyone’s got one to give away.
15/03/2013 at 16:41 sharks.don't.sleep says:
Sorry for hi-jacking your post, but people who are interested in a key might also check out the RPS Kindness Club thread.
http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/forums/showthread.php?63-The-RPS-Kindness-Club-Rides-Again/page71
20/03/2013 at 13:01 scareygman1405 says:
I have one more so message me back if you still want one
15/03/2013 at 15:11 Dood says:
I still have to copies of the Lite version left. I’ll gladly give them to the first to commenters to reply.
15/03/2013 at 15:27 changeling101 says:
That would be sweet, my steam name is changeling101, anyone who is kind gets a whole lotta gratitude
15/03/2013 at 15:30 jackthename says:
I’d appreciate one, good soul.
15/03/2013 at 15:31 jackthename says:
Uhm. Steam name: neonblackjack
15/03/2013 at 15:40 Smarag says:
My Steam name is Smarag and I would be very grateful if you would send me one (:
15/03/2013 at 16:14 Dood says:
You know, you guys actually have to be online and accept my friend request if you want me to gift it to you.
15/03/2013 at 17:42 Phendron says:
Jumping on the bandwagon hopefully, my steam ID is Sperpurber.
15/03/2013 at 21:46 WIBBICK says:
i would appreciate one please my steam account is mtroxel2
17/03/2013 at 17:41 imsocool123456789 says:
id like 1 my steam name is IMA KILL U TONY. thank u very much!
17/03/2013 at 17:47 imsocool123456789 says:
id love to have arma 3 :alpha lite thank u very much! my steam name is IMA KILL U TONY
15/03/2013 at 15:15 Kaen says:
k4en is my steam name, i would love to try this game!
15/03/2013 at 15:16 bzizi says:
I’d love to get a copy! donat474
15/03/2013 at 15:18 pheonix says:
I’d greatly appreciate one if someone can spare it, I’ve just got into playing ARMA 2.
http://steamcommunity.com/id/gravetracer
15/03/2013 at 18:41 jonfitt says:
I see you playing Just Cause 2. You might want to hit pause and accept a friend request if you want a key.
15/03/2013 at 18:57 jonfitt says:
Done.
15/03/2013 at 15:21 davejenkins says:
That’s an Awesome Arma 3 video man, wicked :)
15/03/2013 at 15:23 Frijj says:
Looking for one too, been wanting to try this one out & see if it runs
Steam Name: Frijj007
Thanks! :)
15/03/2013 at 15:23 davejenkins says:
When’s this game out on sale?
http://www.software-games.co.uk
15/03/2013 at 15:24 VelvetFistIronGlove says:
I’ve got three copies of Lite to give away. Reply to me with your steam community id (like pheonix did above), and I’ll send them through tonight.
15/03/2013 at 15:28 Frijj says:
http://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198015726221/ :)
15/03/2013 at 19:32 VelvetFistIronGlove says:
I’ve sent you a friend request (I’m vfig) so I can give you the game.
15/03/2013 at 15:30 moorsey says:
Mines hans_gruber if you have any left! Mucho thanks
http://steamcommunity.com/id/hans_gruber
15/03/2013 at 19:33 VelvetFistIronGlove says:
I’ve sent you a friend request (I’m vfig) so I can give you the game.
17/03/2013 at 07:29 moorsey says:
That’s awesome, thanks! Didn’t get the request here (weird?!), so added you just now.
15/03/2013 at 15:31 changeling101 says:
http://steamcommunity.com/id/changeling101
15/03/2013 at 19:33 VelvetFistIronGlove says:
I’ve sent you a friend request (I’m vfig) so I can give you the game.
15/03/2013 at 15:32 norfolk says:
cbliss100
http://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198012122909
You’re the best! Woot!
15/03/2013 at 19:34 VelvetFistIronGlove says:
Sorry, I only have three invites, and you were the fourth to reply.
20/03/2013 at 02:20 Goregeous says:
Sent you a friend request, have a copy of a3 lite left if ya want. Look for the name fireinthesky
15/03/2013 at 15:33 moorsey says:
oops, and the link of course!
http://steamcommunity.com/id/hans_gruber
15/03/2013 at 15:29 Atmosphere says:
If anyone has a spare to give i would greatly appreciate it
http://steamcommunity.com/id/Atmospheres
15/03/2013 at 15:38 Knufinke says:
Can someone mod Arma 3 into a vacation simulator, please?
15/03/2013 at 16:06 Ansob says:
Doesn’t require any mods to do so! Just create a mission with no enemy AI where the players are wearing civilian clothes.
15/03/2013 at 15:39 Rawns says:
ARMA3 Alpha makes me warm and fuzzy. :)
15/03/2013 at 15:41 Sephanor says:
I would really love to try this out if anyone has a spare trial, thanks in advance.
http://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561197972532752
15/03/2013 at 16:04 Nemon says:
I had to add you as a friend in order to gift, so check your profile.
Edit; Have fun :p
15/03/2013 at 17:06 Sephanor says:
thankyou very much sir, have a wonderful day!
15/03/2013 at 15:56 joebucksvoice says:
I’ve got two to spare if anyone is interested. I will have to give them away to the first two people who reply… when I get home from work… 6 hours from now. Steam name is spigg_nice.
15/03/2013 at 15:58 Poppis says:
I would like one. http://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198004547121/
15/03/2013 at 15:59 Asurmen says:
I’d like one please :)
http://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561197961754806
15/03/2013 at 15:58 mrmalodor says:
Well, the driving and flight physics are still as retarded as ever. But now the tires screech! Even on grass and dirt….
Progress!
15/03/2013 at 16:15 Gap Gen says:
Yeah, I still can’t fly for shit. That said, the infantry combat is way way better than ArmA 2. I was expecting the same slightly clunky movement but they’ve nailed it this time. Just as well, as the AI is brutal.
15/03/2013 at 16:00 Ansob says:
No multiplayer?
That’s honestly a damn shame, and very silly to boot. MP is 99% of the reason you would play A3 – A3 lite should have been the MP only, so people could invite their friends to play with them.
15/03/2013 at 16:23 darkChozo says:
It makes a certain amount of sense; the alpha lite basically serves as a way for people hesitant to actually buy in to see if it runs on their machine, see if they can handle the controls, get a general feel for why they might want to abandon ARMA 2/try out this fancy new shooter.
That being said, it would be nice if they could do lite multiplayer weekends or have some limited ways for lite players to do multiplayer, if only to tempt them into buying the full product.
15/03/2013 at 16:39 iainl says:
I suspect it’s because they’re still checking the load on the MP matchmaking servers or something, and giving priority to the paying customers. I’d quite like to see how well my ageing box runs it (it can just about handle II though) but then optimisation usually come late with these things.
15/03/2013 at 17:44 darkChozo says:
It runs about as well as II does, actually, at least on my machine. I’ve heard that that’s true for others, not sure if it’s a general truth. That’s to say that is still is a hell of a resource hog, but at least they implemented that whole “not so ugly” thing.
15/03/2013 at 18:04 iainl says:
Thanks – with all these games lying around already, by the time I get to it I hope to have upgraded to Haswell anyway, so hopefully it won’t be an issue.
15/03/2013 at 16:23 stoner says:
I have no idea how to gift to somebody. The article says “Check your Steam Gifts”. Where f**k is that? I Googled that and went to Steam to see if they have instructions. I found this:
====================
How can I purchase Steam Gifts for a different Steam user?
To give a gift to a friend or family member, locate the game you would like to gift on the Steam Storefront and then click the “Add to cart” button. Upon checking out, select the “Purchase as a gift” option to purchase the items in your cart for a friend.
=====================
On the ArmA 3 store page, it’s asking if I want to spend $32.99 to gift to a friend. WTF!!! I searched Steam for “Arma 3 Lite”; not found.
A little here, please.
15/03/2013 at 16:25 Orionmeister says:
Go to Profile -> My Inventory (At the top of Steam) and you should find a window with tabs for all your gifts, i’m assuming Arma lll Lite will be under the “Steam” heading.
16/03/2013 at 03:15 stoner says:
thank you. Do you have it? If not, would you like ArmA 3 Lite?
15/03/2013 at 16:27 darkChozo says:
Go to the community tab, click on “Inventory” in the right sidebar, click on the Steam inventory if it’s not already on the Steam inventory, you should see three ARMA 3 Alpha Lite invites there (assuming you’ve purchased the full alpha). Click on any of the invites and click on Gift to a Friend (or something like that).
If they’re not there after you’ve purchased the game, try restarting your client. The Steam inventory system is sliiightly mediocre.
15/03/2013 at 16:26 pakoito says:
As far as I have tried it’s just the tutorial missions and they are hard as balls :p
15/03/2013 at 16:35 Craig Pearson says:
They are, but you might find something to do with the editor.
16/03/2013 at 10:34 JB says:
Keep at it. I’ve only got the Infantry Showcase left to do now.
You can do it, pakoito =)
15/03/2013 at 16:28 oceanclub says:
I’m never too proud to beg. ‘oceanclub’ on Steam, if anyone has a spare copy, please.
P.
15/03/2013 at 16:36 Nemon says:
Friendly added in order to gift :)
16/03/2013 at 23:57 oceanclub says:
Must appreciated – got a copy from “HunAttila” on Steam!
P.
15/03/2013 at 16:30 SteelPriest says:
I’m ‘steelpriest’ and i’d like a go please :D thank youuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
15/03/2013 at 16:32 Orionmeister says:
I would love to see if Arma 3 runs on machine as well :)
http://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561197996370159
If anyone has a spare, thanks!
EDIT: Nevermind, thanks zoog!
15/03/2013 at 16:48 zoog85 says:
I have a big pile of lite keys, I don’t need any Steam name to hand them out (they are keys which activate on Steam). I’ve created a thread at the forums, sent me a PM via the RPS forums user “zoog” or post in this topic: http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/forums/showthread.php?10016-Arma-3-alpha-lite-invites-get-them-here!
15/03/2013 at 17:48 Dreamstorm says:
Any left?
15/03/2013 at 22:20 WIBBICK says:
can you send me one @ mtroxel2 on steam
15/03/2013 at 22:53 Tommo says:
Ive just added you as friend on Steam and will send you key when you reply, Wibbick.
15/03/2013 at 23:22 WIBBICK says:
thanks tomo i really appreciate it
15/03/2013 at 17:36 DougieMonster says:
I’d GREATLY appreciate anyone who could do me a favour and bung an invite my way. Not sure if ARMA is gonna be my cup of tea or not so would prefer to try it out before i drop £20 on it.
My Steam ID:
http://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561197976976560/
Cheers RPS-ers! :-)
15/03/2013 at 19:36 DougieMonster says:
Thanks to a very kind RPS’er i shan’t be needing a copy anymore as i was just gifted one. Cheers Griever! :-)
15/03/2013 at 17:49 cF- says:
I’d love one if possible! Here’s me:
http://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561197961526648/
Thanks in (hopeful) advance :)
15/03/2013 at 17:49 Dreamstorm says:
If anyone has one left:
http://steamcommunity.com/id/visionhunter
Thanks! :)
15/03/2013 at 18:06 P.Funk says:
http://www.youtube.com/user/Dslyecxi?feature=g-high-rec
You guys should check this guy out. Its a perfect portal to the Arma community. So many videos, Arma 2 and 3, and so much cool stuff. Shacktac and Dslyecxi really shows what you can get out of Arma.
15/03/2013 at 18:11 Magnusm1 says:
Steam name:
xXCoDmAsTeRXx
If any gentleman here is feeling generous.
c:
15/03/2013 at 18:16 Masterpwny says:
I have 2 light passes. The first 2 responses to my comment with steamIDs will get friend invites and gifts of the light. Hope you enjoy!
15/03/2013 at 18:22 MessyPenguin says:
I would love ARMA III Lite
Steam name is Messy Penguin
15/03/2013 at 18:39 notbubbak says:
Thanks for your generosity!
http://steamcommunity.com/id/notbubbak
15/03/2013 at 18:33 vanosofmanos says:
I would love a key if anyone has some left!
http://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561197987458500/
Thanks bunches!
15/03/2013 at 19:12 LuizPSC says:
If anyone have a spare code, and liked my ”sexy” profile photo my name is:
Luiz Paulo Santos Cruz or:
http://steamcommunity.com/id/LuizPSC/
(using the same profile photo because i am creative, and this is also my name too because i am really creative)
I can give a free Dota Key…just kidding.
Edit: i got from the giveaway from Zoog:3
15/03/2013 at 19:43 Larkington says:
I’d be mighty grateful for a key, if anyone has a spare. :-)
Thanks!
Steam ID: halo_schmuck
*Edit: Nevermind, thanks!
15/03/2013 at 19:56 braaaaains says:
I will be forever in your debt if you can flick me a key, someone!!
Steam id is: braaaaains!!
http://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198002493187
15/03/2013 at 20:46 ideowiec says:
If anyone got invite, please share one with me: jacekmalina
15/03/2013 at 21:17 ShatteredAwe says:
Steam Name is Samurai Style. If anyone could give me a Arma3 lite I would be very grateful!
15/03/2013 at 23:09 gmcseph says:
Added you – I’ve got a spare key. steam name: flash35713
15/03/2013 at 22:07 JoyOfDiscovery says:
I’d love to try this game out. It looks like it could be a lot of fun if anyone could spare an invite. “Jerk-It Jeremy” on Steam right now; pardon the name.
Edit: Got one. Thanks a ton, M.
15/03/2013 at 22:19 WIBBICK says:
if anyone has one id appreicate a lite key. my user is mtroxel2
15/03/2013 at 22:53 Tommo says:
Ive just added you as friend on Steam and will send you key when you reply, Wibbick.
15/03/2013 at 22:44 tigershuffle says:
is this hivemind thing on? just incase its gone wobblier than a sims server
……….i would love it, just love it *
steam thingy same as i use for everything
*apologies to Kevin Keegan
15/03/2013 at 23:03 gmcseph says:
Got one key to give away if anyone’s online now?
15/03/2013 at 23:34 TortedProphet says:
Well, my friend tells me that this game is pretty cool. I’ve seen some videos and I would love to try it out. My Steam name is “Cry-Again Collin”, I would very much appreciate someone taking the time to drop a copy my way. Much thanks.
15/03/2013 at 23:38 WIBBICK says:
this thing hates me
16/03/2013 at 02:20 DovahWalrus says:
Could someone send me a key? It would be gratley appreciated my steam username is “DovahWalrus” seriously it would make my day! (debatin to buy alpha or not)
16/03/2013 at 11:10 NofWoof says:
Hi, it seems that you do not show up in a Steam friend search (which is necessary to gift the game).
16/03/2013 at 02:37 citrusninja says:
Anyone got a spare key to get rid of? If so, my steamID is hotshotjosh
Thanks in advance!
16/03/2013 at 02:40 shindakun says:
Sent you a friend request. I’ve got a couple more so… first two replies get them if they need them. Actually… just send a steam friend request to shindakun http://steamcommunity.com/id/shindakun/
16/03/2013 at 09:54 GiveTehCatGrugZ says:
You have 314 games? 314. THREE HUNDRED AND FOURTEEN.
16/03/2013 at 03:17 Bw4ll1s says:
I’ve got two if anyone still wants a copy?
16/03/2013 at 03:33 TortedProphet says:
Hey man, I would seriously appreciate a copy if you don’t mind. Many thanks, “TorturedProphet” is my Steam name.
16/03/2013 at 03:34 Cruzer says:
I’d really appreciate a key if you’ve still got one, my steam name is synthemesque.
16/03/2013 at 04:45 JoeX111 says:
I’d love a copy if someone’s feeling generous enough to gift me. Steam name is JoeX111.
16/03/2013 at 09:21 xfrog says:
I would also like an invitation if someone has a spare one to give away. “simewn” on Steam.
!!!
16/03/2013 at 09:47 GiveTehCatGrugZ says:
I’d Love if someone was willing to gift me one. I’ve been wanting to get into ARMA for some time now but was unable since my PC was 90′s Nokia levels of tech
STEAM: Perpetual Crocodile
16/03/2013 at 11:12 NofWoof says:
Steam friend invitation sent..
16/03/2013 at 14:49 shindakun says:
ARMA is on it’s way! I think… Steam seems to be flaking this morning.
16/03/2013 at 10:36 JB says:
As I don’t know which (if any) of the above requests have been fulfilled, if you want one of my 2 spare copies, post here with your Steam ID and I’ll get one of them to you.
16/03/2013 at 11:44 JB says:
OK, gave one of them to an existing Steam friend, the other is going to Deilpo (the post below mine) as I type this.
16/03/2013 at 11:40 deilpo says:
If anybody had a spare Lite Copy that would be great, I’d really like to try it and see how it runs on machine before buying.
http://steamcommunity.com/id/deilpotv/
16/03/2013 at 11:46 Fancy McBacon says:
I too, would love a Lite key. In exchange for anyone’s generous offering, I am prepared to offer up a copy of the original Crysis! Redeemable on Origin, though, so you gotta be okay with that.
Teflon_tea is my steam name.
http://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561197978166522 I am under the impression that this link will lead to my profile.
Thank you!
16/03/2013 at 11:48 99RedBaboons says:
/de-lurk
Hullo. I got two spare keys, figure the first two people to reply to this comment can have them.
16/03/2013 at 11:51 Fancy McBacon says:
Hello there! Would you like my spare copy of Crysis in exchange? I wouldn’t want to just take without giving, you know?
16/03/2013 at 11:57 99RedBaboons says:
You should have key now. (Don’t worry about Crysis, just noticed its an Origin thing!).
R
16/03/2013 at 12:28 Pancaras says:
Hello !
Could i have the second one ? : )
http://steamcommunity.com/id/ezeheler
16/03/2013 at 13:02 Pancaras says:
Thanks !
16/03/2013 at 12:46 ahmedabdo says:
OK, first three to comment get their copies ;)
16/03/2013 at 13:47 baozi says:
commenty commenty commenty : D
edit: oh yah, http://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561197997396940/
16/03/2013 at 14:18 ahmedabdo says:
will do in 15 minutes ;)
16/03/2013 at 15:11 ahmedabdo says:
Done!
16/03/2013 at 15:15 baozi says:
Received!
Thank you! :D
16/03/2013 at 13:52 USER47 says:
Pleeease:)
http://steamcommunity.com/id/panvlk
16/03/2013 at 14:19 ahmedabdo says:
will do in 15 minutes…
16/03/2013 at 14:54 ahmedabdo says:
Done!
16/03/2013 at 13:59 Atrak says:
Thankyou, hopefully this replies to the right person :)
http://steamcommunity.com/id/adendis/
16/03/2013 at 14:19 ahmedabdo says:
will do in 15 minutes after the match ;)
16/03/2013 at 15:26 ahmedabdo says:
Answer my friendship request to send you the game.
16/03/2013 at 20:10 Atrak says:
Received, many thanks!
16/03/2013 at 20:09 ahmedabdo says:
Done!
16/03/2013 at 15:11 Sean says:
One key available, let me know if you wants it.
16/03/2013 at 15:16 xfrog says:
Me wants it, kind sir!
16/03/2013 at 15:18 Sean says:
I’ll need your Steam ID I believe!
16/03/2013 at 15:20 xfrog says:
It is “simewn”!
16/03/2013 at 15:24 Sean says:
Done, enjoy!
16/03/2013 at 15:24 xfrog says:
Thank you Sean!
16/03/2013 at 17:33 leeteet says:
Would like to try the Lite version, so if somebody has a spare copy it would be greatly appreciated!
http://steamcommunity.com/id/infernoh
16/03/2013 at 17:40 avengence says:
if anyone has a spare lite key I would appreciate one!
http://steamcommunity.com/id/avengence
17/03/2013 at 05:12 dmurga says:
Any keys still out there?
I’d love to try this out and then get it.
steam id: http://steamcommunity.com/id/porron/
29/03/2013 at 03:30 theutilizer says:
I am a little confused. You can have enemy on your own team? This video shows the guy controlling an enemy and sending him into the enemy camp, but hes on his team? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8gdTUg5lUY
What is this? I don’t understand.
14/05/2013 at 02:27 Zurin_Arctus says:
Mine’s
http://steamcommunity.com/id/notzeurel/
Would love to try it out, seems like everything that put me off Arma 2 has been fixed!
16/03/2013 at 15:32 surv1vor says:
Maybe you can buy him a copy then.