Arma Reforger is known for its realism, tactical depth, and immersive military simulation—but nothing breaks immersion faster than a menu or interface that simply refuses to respond. Many players report launching the game only to discover they can’t click anything, whether in the main menu, server browser, or in-game UI. The cursor may move, but buttons won’t register input, leaving players stuck and frustrated.
TL;DR: If you can’t click anything in Arma Reforger, the issue is usually caused by controller conflicts, resolution scaling problems, overlays, or corrupted game files. Start by disconnecting extra input devices, disabling Steam or Discord overlays, and verifying game files. Updating drivers and resetting in-game settings can also resolve the issue quickly. Most cases are fixable in under 15 minutes with simple troubleshooting.
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Why You Can’t Click Anything in Arma Reforger
When the interface becomes unresponsive, it is often not a true “freeze.” Instead, the game is typically detecting input from another source or misinterpreting resolution and UI scaling. Below are the most common causes.
1. Conflicting Input Devices
One of the most common causes is multiple connected input devices. Arma Reforger supports controllers, flight sticks, racing wheels, and other peripherals. If more than one input method is active, the game may prioritize the wrong device.
- Controller plugged in but not being used
- HOTAS or joystick connected
- Virtual input devices (such as reWASD or vJoy)
- Bluetooth devices auto-connecting
Even if the mouse cursor moves, the game may be reading primary input from the controller instead.
2. Steam or Third-Party Overlays
Overlay software commonly interferes with UI clicks. Steam overlay, Discord overlay, NVIDIA GeForce Experience, or recording software may capture mouse input.
In some cases, the overlay loads visually behind the interface, preventing you from clicking menu buttons.
3. Resolution or Display Scaling Problems
Incorrect display scaling can desync visible button locations from their clickable areas. This happens frequently when:
- Switching between fullscreen and borderless windowed mode
- Using ultrawide monitors
- Changing Windows display scaling above 100%
- Using multiple monitors with different resolutions
The cursor appears on a button, but the clickable hitbox is offset.
4. Corrupted Game Files
If core UI files are damaged or incomplete from an update, mouse clicks may not register properly. This is especially common after:
- Major updates or hotfixes
- Mod installation issues
- Game crashes during loading
5. Outdated or Corrupted Drivers
GPU drivers, particularly NVIDIA and AMD drivers, directly impact how UI elements render. Outdated drivers can cause invisible menus or input desynchronization.
6. Mods Causing UI Conflicts
Arma Reforger has extensive mod support. Some mods modify UI elements, server browsers, or gameplay overlays. An outdated or incompatible mod can break input functionality completely.
Quick Fixes That Work
Below are reliable fixes that solve the majority of cases quickly.
1. Disconnect All Extra Input Devices
This should be the first step.
- Unplug controllers
- Disconnect joystick or HOTAS setups
- Turn off Bluetooth gamepads
- Disable virtual input programs
Restart the game afterward. Many players resolve the issue immediately with this step alone.
2. Disable Steam Input
Steam’s controller configuration can override mouse controls.
How to disable:
- Open Steam
- Right-click Arma Reforger
- Select Properties
- Go to Controller
- Set Override to “Disable Steam Input”
Launch the game again and test.
3. Turn Off All Overlays
Disable the following temporarily:
- Steam Overlay
- Discord Overlay
- NVIDIA GeForce Experience Overlay
- Xbox Game Bar
Steam Overlay:
- Go to Steam Settings → In-Game
- Uncheck “Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game”
Restart after making changes.
4. Change to Borderless Windowed Mode
If you can access settings:
- Switch from Fullscreen to Borderless
- Apply changes
- Restart the game
If you can’t access settings, try pressing Alt + Enter to force window mode.
5. Verify Game Files
Corrupted files are easy to fix through Steam.
- Open Steam Library
- Right-click Arma Reforger
- Select Properties
- Go to Installed Files
- Click “Verify integrity of game files”
Steam will automatically replace any damaged files.
6. Update Graphics Drivers
Visit your GPU manufacturer’s website and install the latest drivers:
- NVIDIA GeForce Experience
- AMD Adrenalin
- Intel Arc drivers
Always perform a clean installation if issues persist.
7. Remove Problematic Mods
Disable all mods and test the base game first.
If the issue disappears, re-enable mods one at a time to identify the culprit.
Quick Troubleshooting Comparison Chart
| Fix | Difficulty | Time Required | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disconnect extra input devices | Very Easy | 2 minutes | High |
| Disable Steam Input | Easy | 3 minutes | High |
| Disable overlays | Easy | 5 minutes | Medium-High |
| Verify game files | Easy | 10 minutes | High |
| Update drivers | Moderate | 15–20 minutes | Medium |
| Remove mods | Moderate | 10–30 minutes | Medium |
Advanced Fixes (If Nothing Else Works)
Delete Config Files
Sometimes corrupted configuration files cause persistent UI problems.
- Navigate to Documents → My Games → Arma Reforger
- Back up the folder
- Delete configuration files
- Restart the game
This resets settings and often clears hidden input errors.
Run the Game as Administrator
Right-click the game executable and select Run as Administrator. This prevents Windows permission conflicts.
Disable Windows Display Scaling
If display scaling is above 100%:
- Right-click Desktop → Display Settings
- Set Scale to 100%
- Restart PC
This resolves click offset issues in many cases.
When It’s a Server-Specific Bug
Occasionally, the issue only occurs in multiplayer servers. This may be due to:
- Mod mismatches
- Server UI scripts failing to load
- Latency-related desync
If single-player works normally but multiplayer does not, try:
- Joining a different server
- Clearing downloaded mods
- Restarting Steam completely
Prevention Tips
To avoid future input lock issues:
- Keep drivers updated
- Limit background overlay apps
- Disconnect unused peripherals before launching
- Avoid installing outdated mods
- Perform clean shutdowns after crashes
Maintaining a stable configuration minimizes UI conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does my mouse move but I can’t click anything?
This usually indicates an input conflict. The game is likely detecting another device, such as a controller, as the primary input source.
Does Arma Reforger support controllers?
Yes, but Steam Input and connected controllers can override mouse functionality if improperly configured.
Can mods cause the interface to stop working?
Yes. UI-altering mods or outdated community content can break menu functionality entirely.
Will reinstalling the game fix the problem?
In most cases, verifying files is enough. Full reinstallations are rarely necessary unless files are severely corrupted.
Why does this happen after an update?
Updates may reset control schemes, introduce new UI elements, or conflict with previously installed mods.
Is this a common issue?
Yes. Many players encounter it at least once, typically due to controller conflicts or overlay interference.
Does switching to borderless mode really help?
Yes. Borderless mode often corrects resolution and cursor alignment issues, especially on multi-monitor or ultrawide setups.
Final Thoughts: While being unable to click anything in Arma Reforger can feel game-breaking, the problem is rarely permanent. Most cases stem from input conflicts, overlays, or resolution scaling issues. By systematically applying the quick fixes outlined above, players can typically restore full functionality within minutes and get back to the battlefield without frustration.