Music of Arma Reforger Operation Omega

Behind the scenes of soundtrack for Operation Omega

At Bohemia Interactive, we are always excited to push creative boundaries, especially when it comes to sound. Our journey into crafting music for the first-ever Arma Reforger single-player scenario, Operation Omega, was both a challenge and a privilege. We had the opportunity to score a rich, story-driven mission and complement a brand-new map. This allowed our audio team to immerse players even further into the world of Kolguyev.

A Foundation Rooted in Place and Story

Kolguyev, which is under Russian occupation during Operation Omega, presented us with a distinct musical palette. We wanted to blend hints of the region’s culture without falling into clichés. Instead, we carefully incorporated traditional Russian instrumentation in subtle and unexpected ways. These authentic sounds were woven into the narrative in a manner that amplified the game’s tension and atmosphere, without overpowering it.

The soundtrack for Operation Omega was led by Tomáš Bayer, whose creative direction and vision shaped its unique musical identity. The score blends story-driven themes with experimental elements, ensuring that the music not only complements the narrative but also pushes the boundaries of the Arma series. His hands-on approach to composing and production gave the soundtrack its distinctive character and depth. We also had a strong desire to build on Arma Reforger’s musical legacy. Collaboration with Dominik Svoboda provided a bridge between the familiar orchestral elements and the darker, more experimental tone of Kolguyev. 

Collaboration and Experimentation

Operation Omega features one of the most atmospheric and experimental soundtracks in the Arma series. We fully embraced live performances, unique instruments, and inventive recording methods. A broad network of talented musicians from within and beyond our studio contributed to the soundtrack, and the results highlight the strength and creativity of the Bohemia Interactive community.

The Finnish-Karelian folk instrument jouhikko, which has also appeared in some Russian regions, became a cornerstone of our score, offering a raw and haunting tone that perfectly matched the game’s atmosphere. Veronika from Lichočar, along with several other musician colleagues, lent their skills and instruments. With live cello, synthesizers, and choral vocals, we captured both authenticity and innovation throughout the soundtrack.

A key element in our sonic palette was the SOMA Pipe, a voice-driven synthesizer from Russia that added unpredictability and a unique human touch through constantly evolving textures. This level of experimentation was made possible by our artists’ willingness to try new hardware, unconventional microphones, and resourceful use of affordable or free virtual instruments. Our experience proved that creativity matters far more than the size of a budget.

Building Atmosphere and Narrative

The result is a dynamic and organic soundtrack. Orchestral pieces support cinematic moments, while synth-driven elements create tension during infiltration and exploration. The distinct "American" and "Russian" musical influences blend together, always rooted in memorable melodies and thematic motifs that reflect the Arma legacy.

Each area of Kolguyev features a unique sonic environment. Haunting choral moments accompany scenes at the villa, while metallic echoes fill abandoned bunkers. Every instrument and sound design choice helps tell the player’s evolving story and shapes the mood in each location.

Looking Ahead

We are proud that the soundtrack for Operation Omega is more than just background noise. It stands as a testament to what passionate and collaborative artistry can achieve, even in this age of advanced technology. With hands-on experimentation and input from our creative community, we have achieved something that is distinctly Bohemia Interactive: imaginative, adventurous, and tuned to our players’ experiences.

We are also preparing to release the full standalone soundtrack as a separate OST. The album is designed as a musical matryoshka, where every track reveals a different facet of Kolguyev’s world and story.

We look forward to sharing it with you.

Thank you to everyone for listening and joining us on this creative journey.