Almost true, as I think some of the older servers aren't syncing up properly, but if you're that far out you don't want to play it anyways. When you load up on the main screen you should see the version you're running in the bottom right.
As of right this moment, it's v94444. I generally check this site before I load up:
http://www.arma2.com/beta-patch.php
When looking for servers, highlight it then look at the bottom right, often when it says they have version blah.blah, it's just 1.60 or an older one than advertised. If you match your beta patch to what the server is actually running (not what the description says they are running) you shouldn't get the weird debug forest reboots and all the other crap. The game is quite stable if you just match beta client to server.
We always use the lastest or second latest and play only on veteran or expert servers with 3rd person
ff, crosshairs
ff. It's actually safer that way. I believe you have a much better chance of getting killed by another player on the pussy servers.
Basically, you won't find all the hacks, cheaters, mass server nukes, etc. on those kinds of servers. Unfortunately, they're far and few between so write down the ones that update frequently and have regular reboots and don't seem fishy. The first thing I test when I get into a new server that matches the beta is to hit the NumPad Enter key, if I go into 3rd person (or see a crosshair for that matter), I abort and try another.
The server owners that actually match their description to what they're running on a regular basis are generally dedicated and worthwhile. I'd like to give you a list, but you might find our tents.
Join us on vent, otherwise, happy hunting.
EDIT: Here's a quick tip to finding good servers:
1. Install latest patch.
2. Filter for that patch (ie: 94444)
3. Sort by ping
4. Look for servers that claim to have 3dp and ch
ff
5. Highlight the server, make sure it says veteran or expert (not in description, but down below)
6. Verify that the Arma2 patch (bottom right) is what the server description says it is
7. Once in-game, hit NumPad Enter to make sure you don't go into 3rd person
8. Write it down for future reference if it meets all of the above criteria.
Just over two weeks ago there were around 500 servers, apparently there are now over a thousand. Good luck.
One last tidbit, you can look in the forums for banned/blacklisted or cheating servers once you've found a few favourites.
Good luck.
