DayZ dedicated server setup with mods

DayZ is the original hardcore zombie survival game. A dedicated server gives you control over loot spawns, zombie density, custom maps and mods that transform the experience.

Requirements

• RAM: 8 to 12 GB. DayZ loads the entire Chernarus map (225 km2) into memory.
• CPU: 4 cores minimum. Player interactions and zombie AI scale with player count.
• Storage: 20 to 30 GB for server files, more with custom maps.
• Ports: 2302 UDP (game), 27016 UDP (Steam query).

Installation

1. Select DayZ in the game panel, or install via SteamCMD (app ID 223350) on a VPS.
2. Edit serverDZ.cfg:

   hostname = "My DayZ Server";
   password = "";
   maxPlayers = 60;
   verifySignatures = 2;
   

3. Start the server.

Loot economy (types.xml)

DayZ's economy is controlled by XML files in mpmissions/dayzOffline.chernarusplus/db/:

• types.xml: defines every item's spawn rate, lifetime and maximum count on the map.
• events.xml: controls dynamic events (helicopter crashes, contaminated zones).
• globals.xml: global settings like cleanup timers and max animal counts.

Adjusting types.xml is how you make loot more or less abundant. Increase nominal and min values for more spawns.

Adding mods

1. Find the mod on the Steam Workshop for DayZ. Note the Workshop ID.
2. Download the mod using SteamCMD or the panel's mod manager.
3. Add the mod folder name to the -mod= startup parameter (semicolon-separated).
4. Restart the server.

Popular mods: DayZ Expansion (vehicles, helicopters, missions), Trader mod, BuilderItems, MuchStuffPack, Cannabis Plus.

Custom maps

DayZ supports custom maps beyond Chernarus and Livonia:

• Namalsk: a cold, harsh map with supernatural elements. Official quality.
• Deer Isle: a large island map with diverse terrain.
• Banov: a European-styled map with dense forests.

Install map mods the same way as other mods, then set the map in the startup config.

How do I become admin?

Add your Steam64 ID to battleye/beserver_x64.cfg with RConPassword set. Then connect via BattlEye RCon to manage the server.

Why does the server restart daily?

DayZ servers need regular restarts (every 4 to 6 hours) to refresh the loot economy and prevent memory issues. Most communities run 4-hour cycles with automatic restarts.

DayZ servers run on KVM VPS plans at HostValues with full mod support.