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Getting Started with your DayZ server

Updated July 02, 2026
DayZ
DayZ Server Setup | GameServerKings KB

DayZ Server Setup

DayZ is the survival horror MMO that defined the genre. Its dedicated server runs on Enfusion and supports a mature modding scene through the Steam Workshop and DayZ-SA-Launcher.

First Boot

  1. Open your DayZ server in the panel.
  2. Click Start.
  3. First boot pulls the dedicated server (about 5 GB). 10 to 15 minutes.
  4. The console shows Mission read. and the server tick begins.

To connect: in DayZ, Servers > Community, search by name or filter by IP.

Maps

Default templates:

  • dayzOffline.chernarusplus (Chernarus)
  • dayzOffline.enoch (Livonia DLC)
  • dayzOffline.sakhal (Frostline DLC)

Community maps are added through mods (see Mods section). Popular: Namalsk, Banov, Pripyat, Esseker, DeerIsle.

  • Community Framework (CF): Required by many other mods
  • CommunityOnlineTools: In-game admin GUI
  • Code Lock: Adds combination locks to doors
  • MMG Mightys Military Gear: Military gear additions
  • Dabs Framework: Server scripting framework (required by many mods)
  • Trader: Adds trader stations
  • Expansion Mod: Comprehensive QoL overhaul (vehicles, helicopters, missions)
  • Banking: ATM-based economy
  • DayZ-Editor-Loader: Lets you load custom map structures
  • Namalsk Survival: Hardcore winter survival overhaul
  • Drugs Plus: Roleplay drug system

For roleplay servers, the typical mod stack is: CF + COT + Dabs Framework + Expansion (Core, Vehicles, Markets) + Trader + Code Lock + Banking.

Vanilla Loot Tuning

Even without mods, you can heavily customize loot:

Edit mpmissions/dayzOffline.chernarusplus/db/types.xml. Each entry controls one item:

XML
<type name="AKM">
    <nominal>15</nominal>
    <lifetime>14400</lifetime>
    <restock>1800</restock>
    <min>10</min>
    <quantmin>-1</quantmin>
    <quantmax>-1</quantmax>
    <cost>100</cost>
    <flags count_in_cargo="0" count_in_hoarder="0" count_in_map="1" count_in_player="0" crafted="0" deloot="0"/>
    <category name="weapons"/>
    <usage name="Military"/>
</type>
  • nominal: Target count on the map
  • lifetime: Seconds before it despawns from a non-persistent slot
  • min: Floor count before respawn triggers
  • restock: Seconds before restocking

For higher loot, increase nominal and min. Tools like Expansion-Types can automate this.

Day / Night Cycle

CFG
serverTimeAcceleration = 12;
serverNightTimeAcceleration = 6;
serverTimePersistent = 1;

Acceleration 12 = 1 in-game hour per 5 real-time minutes. Useful so players see day and night within a single session.

Backups

DayZ stores world state in mpmissions/<mission>/storage_<id>/. The folder grows large on active servers. Use the panel Backups tab daily, with weekly long-term archives.

Performance Tips

  • Restart every 4-6 hours; DayZ accumulates memory over time
  • Use serverTimeAcceleration instead of long real-world day cycles to keep the world feeling lively
  • Avoid running 200+ AI mods; the Enfusion engine struggles with high entity counts
  • Consider instanceId rotation if you want to wipe just one slot of player data while keeping others

Common Issues

  • Players cannot connect with "Wrong session state": forceSameBuild mismatch. Server is on a different DayZ version than the player. Restart the server to pick up the latest update.
  • Mod loading fails: Missing dependency. Many mods require Community Framework (@CF); always install it first.
  • No loot anywhere: types.xml is broken or the mission template doesn't include vanilla loot. Restore a clean types.xml.
  • High CPU: Likely an AI mod going wild. Cap zombie counts and helicopter / boat mod spawn rates.
  • Players cannot find server: Confirm the steamQueryPort is open and set correctly. DayZ lists by query port, not game port.
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