How do I set up a DayZ server?

DayZ is an open-world survival game where every encounter with another player is tense. Running your own server lets you control the loot economy, install mods and even load custom maps like Deer Isle or Namalsk. A HostValues VPS with at least 8 GB of RAM is recommended.

Installation

Install SteamCMD and download the DayZ server: steamcmd +force_install_dir /home/dayz/server +login anonymous +app_update 223350 validate +quit
The main config file is serverDZ.cfg. Set hostname, password, maxPlayers and instanceId.
Open UDP ports 2302 to 2305 in your firewall (game, Steam query and RCON).
Start the server: ./DayZServer -config=serverDZ.cfg -port=2302 -profiles=./profiles -dologs -adminlog

Loot economy

DayZ uses a Central Loot Economy (CLE) that controls spawn rates, maximum counts and item lifetimes. The key files live in mpmissions/dayzOffline.chernarusplus/db/:

types.xml sets how many of each item can exist on the map at once and how often they respawn.
cfglimitsdefinition.xml defines item categories and usage flags.
cfgspawnabletypes.xml controls item attachments and cargo presets.

Adjusting nominal and min values in types.xml changes how rare or common items feel. Lower values make survival harder; higher values suit PvP-focused servers.

Mods and custom maps

Steam Workshop mods are downloaded through SteamCMD using the workshop_download_item 221100 MOD_ID command. Add each mod folder to the -mod= launch parameter, separated by semicolons. Community maps replace the mission folder. Popular maps like Namalsk and Deer Isle have their own installation guides.

Administration

Add player Steam IDs to a file referenced by the BattlEye RCON config to grant admin access. Tools like CFTools or OmegaManager provide a web dashboard for live player management, restarts and log monitoring.

Scheduled restarts and backups

DayZ servers benefit from regular restarts, typically every 4 to 6 hours, to keep memory usage in check and respawn loot. Use a cron job or systemd timer to automate this. Back up the mpmissions and profiles directories before every restart. The profiles folder contains player data and persistence files that are essential for restoring character progress after a rollback.

How do I install mods on my DayZ server?

Download mods via SteamCMD, copy or symlink the mod folder into the server directory, list it in the -mod= parameter, and add matching keys from the mod's keys folder to the server's keys directory. Players install the same mods via the Steam Workshop.

Can I run a custom map?

Yes. Download the map mod and set the correct mission folder in the launch parameters. Each map has its own loot economy files, so you need to configure the CLE separately for custom maps.