Arma 3 Western Sahara Update 1.1.9 Adds Orca Interior Access and Visual Fixes

Bohemia Interactive has released Update 1.1.9 for the Arma 3 Creator DLC: Western Sahara. This patch, available via the Steam store page for the DLC, is approximately 3.2 GB in size. The update focuses on expanding player interaction with specific vehicle variants, adding new visual assets, and correcting a series of graphical and functional issues identified in previous versions.

Vehicle Interior and Faction Changes

The most notable functional addition in this update relates to the Orca (UP) helicopter variant. Players can now open the left and right doors of this specific aircraft model. Additionally, the update adds FFV (Forward Facing Vehicle) seats to the Orca (UP), allowing for different seating configurations within the cockpit. These changes provide simulation users with more granular control over vehicle entry and interior positioning for this particular unit.

In terms of faction assets, the AH-99 Blackfoot (Stub Wings) in sand colors has been added to the NATO (Desert) faction lineup. This expands the available aircraft options for users designing scenarios or missions that utilize the NATO Desert faction. The addition is a direct content inclusion rather than a modification to existing aircraft behavior.

Visual and Asset Additions

The update introduces a new facewear variant called Dust Goggles (Bandana). This asset is available for use in character customization. Furthermore, the visual representation of camels has been updated; they will now display a wounded texture upon death. This change adds a layer of visual detail to the simulation of animal behavior and damage states.

Bug Fixes and Stability

A significant portion of the patch is dedicated to fixing visual glitches and interaction errors. The update resolves missing parts of the camo4 selection on the SLR Para rifle variant, ensuring that all camouflage options render correctly. It also addresses shadow issues on the legs of certain uniforms, which previously resulted in incorrect shading.

Building geometry issues that could cause characters to clip into structures have been fixed. This correction is important for maintaining the physical integrity of the simulation environment, particularly in dense urban or built-up areas where character movement interacts closely with static objects.

To prevent conflicts with base game updates, the update renames aircraft texture source classes. This technical adjustment helps ensure that the DLC assets do not interfere with or break when the base game receives its own patches.

Gameplay Adjustments

One specific gameplay bug in the Extraction scenario has been addressed. Previously, skipping the intro was reported as “not possible” or confusing if the user had changed their default action key. The fix ensures that the skip function works as intended regardless of keybind configurations.

The update also includes a tweak to the audio range of the Gundrone. The distance at which the Gundrone can be heard has been increased from 50 meters to roughly 200 meters. This adjustment alters the auditory landscape of the simulation, making the vehicle more detectable at longer ranges.

Practical Implications for Users

For simulation users, this update primarily offers stability improvements and minor content expansions. The ability to open Orca doors and access FFV seats allows for more realistic or varied mission design involving that specific helicopter. The addition of the sand-colored AH-99 Blackfoot to the NATO Desert faction provides another option for air support or transport scenarios.

The fixes for building clipping and uniform shadows address long-standing visual annoyances that could detract from immersion or cause minor gameplay disruptions. The audio tweak for the Gundrone may require users to adjust their awareness of vehicle detection ranges in scenarios where this unit is present.

The update is distributed through the standard Steam update mechanism for the Arma 3 Creator DLC: Western Sahara. Users should ensure their game is connected to Steam to receive the patch. The size of the download is approximately 3.2 GB, which is consistent with updates that include new textures and asset variations.

This patch does not introduce new maps, major gameplay mechanics, or base game changes. It is strictly a DLC-specific update aimed at refining the existing Western Sahara content. Users who do not own the Western Sahara DLC will not receive these specific changes, as they are contained within the DLC’s asset structure.