Getting Started with ESM
Ready to use ESM? Here's how everything works and what you need to get up and running.
How ESM Works
ESM has three main components that work together to connect your Arma 3 server with Discord:
Arma 3 Mod
Installed on your server to communicate with ESM
Discord Bot
Processes commands and sends notifications
Web Dashboard
Configure settings and manage everything
Data Flow
↓
ESM Bot
↓
Arma 3 Server
↓
Response to Discord
As a Player
You Need:
- A Discord account
- A Steam account
- Access to a Discord server with ESM
- To be have joined an Exile server that has ESM installed
What You Get:
- Discord commands for server interaction
- Real-time XM8 notifications (raids, payments, sales)
- Territory management from Discord
- Stats checking, gambling, and rewards
As a Server Admin
You Need:
- An Arma 3 dedicated server
- MySQL database (ExtDB2/3)
- Discord server with admin permissions
- Ability to install server mods and extensions
What You Get:
- Remote server administration via Discord
- Advanced player notification system
- Web-based configuration dashboard
- Comprehensive logging and monitoring
Understanding ESM's Core Systems
XM8 Notification System
ESM intercepts your Exile server's XM8 notifications and routes them to Discord, so you never miss important events even when offline.
Available Notifications:
- Base Raids - Territory under attack
- Flag Events - Theft, restoration, stealing started
- Protection Money - Due dates and payments
- Combat Events - Grinding, hacking, explosives
- MarXet Sales - Items sold on marketplace
- Territory Management - Player additions/removals
- Custom Events - Server-defined notifications
Notification Routing
You can route notifications to specific Discord channels in Player Mode communities. Set up custom routes through the web dashboard to control where different notification types go.
Default Behavior
Notifications go to your Discord DMs by default
Opt out with /my preferences
Command System & Permissions
ESM commands are organized by domain and have different permission levels. Understanding where you can use which commands is crucial.
| Command Type | Community Text Channels | Direct Message with ESM |
|---|---|---|
| Player Commands | Yes | Yes |
| Admin Commands | Yes | No |
Community Control
Communities can disable commands, restrict them to specific roles, set custom cooldowns, and control which channels they work in. If a command doesn't work, try it in DM or ask an admin.
Command Structure
/domain scope action target
Examples:
- Check your stats:/server my player
- List your bases:/server my territories
- Admin heal:/server admin modify_player
Territory Management
ESM provides comprehensive territory management through Discord, including payments, upgrades, member management, and role assignments.
Player Features:
- Pay protection money remotely
- Upgrade territory levels
- View territory information and members
- Set custom territory IDs for easy reference
- Check payment due dates
Admin Features:
- Add/remove territory members
- Promote/demote member roles
- Restore accidentally deleted territories
- View all server territories
- Manage territory permissions
Territory IDs
Territories get auto-generated IDs like "abcxyz" for easy reference. You can set custom IDs with /territory set_id to make them more memorable.
Key Commands
- /server my territories
- /territory pay
- /territory upgrade
- /territory add_player
- /territory remove_player
- /territory promote_player
Player Mode vs Server Mode
Player Mode Communities
Discord servers running in Player Mode focus on providing notification routing and player features.
Features Available:
- XM8 notification routing to channels
- Player commands in DMs and text channels
- Notification preference management
- User alias and default settings
Perfect for: Gaming communities that want their members to get notifications in Discord channels rather than just DMs.
Server Mode Communities
Discord servers running in Server Mode provide full server management capabilities for server owners.
Features Available:
- All Player Mode features
- Admin commands for server management
- Web dashboard configuration
- Command permission management
- Custom notification templates
Perfect for: Server administrators who want to manage their servers through Discord and the web dashboard.
Advanced Features
Aliases & Defaults
Create shortcuts for frequently used servers and communities to make commands faster and easier.
Aliases:
Create short names like "main" for "abc4_altis_main". Set them up in your account settings.
Defaults:
Set a default community/server so you can omit IDs from commands. When you use /server my player, ESM knows which server you mean. Also configured in your account settings.
Gambling System
Gamble poptabs with server-configured odds, payouts, and limits. Each server has customizable settings.
How It Works:
Payout = AmountGambled × (random(Min,Mid,Max) × Percentage + Modifier)
Server Controls:
- Win percentage (default: 35%)
- Payout modifiers and randomizers
- Locker capacity limits
- Custom win/loss messages