Getting lost in Arma Reforger is easy—finding your way, however, is a skill. In this guide, community members IronBeard and BaconBodyOder walk you through the often overlooked art of navigation in this immersive, GPS-free military sandbox. Whether you’re marching across the terrain on foot or coasting through roads in a vehicle, understanding your tools—the compass, map, protractor, and pencil—can mean the difference between mission success and frustrating detours.

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1. Compass Fundamentals

Navigation starts with the compass. Press K on PC or hold D-pad up on Xbox to bring it up. It displays your cardinal directions—N, S, E, W—and a black heading line showing your current orientation. On the US compass, you’ll see both degree bearings (0° to 360°) and Mils, the latter used for precise artillery calculations.

The Soviet compass functions similarly but lacks some visual detailing. The orange arrow always points north, which is key to understanding your relative direction.

Use the compass to:

• Navigate terrain
• Call out target bearings
• Determine headings during triangulation

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2. Reading the Map: Grid Coordinates and Visual Cues

Your map is divided by eastings (vertical lines) and northings (horizontal lines). Read coordinates by stating the easting first, then the northing. For example, 066 061 pinpoints a specific grid cell. Each square represents 100m, allowing for highly precise navigation.

Important map features:

• Icons: Show objectives, landmarks, and terrain features
• Field Manual: Contains a full legend of icon meanings
• Markers: Use them for squad comms or personal waypoints
• Tools: The protractor, compass, and pencil all enhance your map usage

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3. Map Tools Explained

• Protractor: Measures angles and plots directions
• Pencil: Draws personal navigation lines and markers (visible only to you)
• Compass: As above, determines direction and heading

Use all tools simultaneously for maximum planning effectiveness.

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4. Triangulation: Finding Your Position

Triangulation allows you to estimate your exact position without GPS. Here’s how:

1. Identify two or more landmarks in the world and on your map.
2. Mark their positions using the map marker tool.
3. Use your compass to aim at each landmark and record the reverse bearing.
4. Open the map, place your protractor on each landmark, and draw a line in the bearing’s direction.
5. Where the lines intersect is your approximate position.

With practice, this becomes second nature, even in combat.

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5. On-Foot Navigation Techniques

On foot, climb to high ground for visibility and identify landmarks to orient yourself. Then:

• Use the pencil to draw a path from your current location to your destination
• With the protractor, determine the bearing angles for each leg of the trip
• Plot your route in segments, like: “Move 70° to the utility shed, then 37° to the checkpoint”
• For more accuracy, use the protractor’s ruler to estimate distances (in 10m increments)

This technique also helps with weapon zeroing, letting you estimate enemy distances for long-range engagements.

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6. Navigating with Vehicles

Vehicles demand a different approach—roads, obstacles, and high-speed traversal require quick decision-making.

IronBeard’s intersection method:

• Identify your position using map and compass tools
• Use the pencil to mark key intersections and turns
• Resize the map so the route stays visible at a glance
• Count your turns aloud (e.g., “second left, then first right”) to stay oriented

This method minimizes time looking at the map while driving—critical in enemy territory.

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7. Bonus Tips for Never Getting Lost Again

• Use private map markers to log your intended bearings and waypoints
• Periodically verify terrain features against your expected path
• Adjust your route if forced to detour around enemies or obstacles

The skills you gain here don’t just keep you oriented—they improve your combat effectiveness, logistical support, and ability to coordinate with your team.

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Final Thoughts

Navigation in Arma Reforger is a forgotten art in many shooters, but here it’s a fundamental skill. Once you’re confident in your ability to triangulate, map out, and follow a course—on foot or in a vehicle—you become more than just a player. You become a reliable asset to your squad.

Grab your compass, unfold the map, and chart the way forward—because once you learn this, you’ll never get lost again.