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Servers · Mods
Hosting a DayZ server
Everything to get your own server running, from a rented console server in ten minutes to a self-hosted PC server with mods, and which files change loot, weather and base building.
Rent or host
Rent or host yourself?
Rent
Easiest. A host gives you a control panel, backups and one-click mods. The only option for Xbox and PlayStation servers, which run through Nitrado.
Self-host (PC)
Free software, full control. You need a machine that stays on, a good upload speed and a few hours. Best for a private group or for testing.
PC setup
Self-hosting on Windows, step by step
- Install SteamCMD and log in with a Steam account that owns DayZ (needed for Workshop mods; the server itself can be downloaded anonymously on some setups).
- Download the server:
app_update 223350 validate. App 223350 is the DayZ Server; 1042420 is the experimental server. - Edit serverDZ.cfg: name, password, max players, mission (see below).
- Open ports in your router and firewall: UDP 2302 (game), 2304, 2305, plus the Steam query port your config uses (commonly 27016).
- Start it with a batch file:
DayZServer_x64.exe -config=serverDZ.cfg -port=2302 -profiles=profiles -dologs -adminlog. - Join from the DayZ launcher's Remote tab using your IP and port.
serverDZ.cfg
The settings in serverDZ.cfg
| Key | Example | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| hostname | "My DayZ Server" | Name in the browser |
| password | "" | Join password; empty for public |
| passwordAdmin | "…" | Admin login in game |
| maxPlayers | 60 | Slots |
| verifySignatures | 2 | Checks mod signatures; keep at 2 |
| disable3rdPerson | 0 | 1 for first person only |
| disableCrosshair | 0 | 1 hides the crosshair |
| serverTime | "SystemTime" | Start time of day |
| serverTimeAcceleration | 4 | Day speed (4 = 6-hour days) |
| serverNightTimeAcceleration | 8 | Makes nights pass faster |
| serverTimePersistent | 1 | Keeps the clock across restarts |
| template (in class Missions) | "dayzOffline.chernarusplus" | Which map and mission |
Since 1.30, cfgGameplay.json is enabled by default. It sits in the mission folder and tweaks stamina, base building rules, weather and more without mods.
Maps
Mission folders for each map
| Map | Mission | Players need |
|---|---|---|
| Chernarus | dayzOffline.chernarusplus | Base game |
| Livonia | dayzOffline.enoch | Base game (Livonia is free for all players) |
| Sakhal | dayzOffline.sakhal | Frostline |
| Nasdara | the Nasdara mission shipped with 1.30 | Badlands |
Loot economy
The files that control loot
- db/types.xml: every item, how many exist (nominal and min), lifetime, restock and usage/tier tags. Change loot here.
- db/events.xml: heli crashes, convoys, animals, infected and vehicles.
- db/globals.xml: global timers, such as how long dead bodies and items last.
- cfgeconomycore.xml, cfgspawnabletypes.xml: what items spawn with attachments and cargo.
- cfgweather.xml: weather.
- cfgGameplay.json: stamina, building, UI and more.
Change one thing at a time and restart. A single typo in an XML file can stop loot spawning across the whole map. Back up the mission folder first.
Mods
Adding mods (PC only)
- Download the mod with SteamCMD:
workshop_download_item 221100 <mod id>. 221100 is the DayZ game app used by the Workshop. - Copy the mod folder (for example
@CF) into the server folder. - Copy the .bikey from the mod's keys folder into the server's
keysfolder. - Load it:
-mod=@CF;@Expansionfor mods players also load,-serverMod=@MyServerModfor server-only mods. - Check load order: frameworks such as Community Framework come first. Big overhauls like DayZ Expansion list their own requirements.
Mods are PC only. Console servers use only the official game, with settings changed through Nitrado's panel.
Console servers
Xbox and PlayStation servers
Console community servers are rented through Nitrado, Bohemia's partner. You pick the platform and map, then change settings, types.xml and cfgGameplay in the web panel. No mods. Xbox servers also accept Microsoft Store PC players.
Costs
What a server costs
| Option | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Self-host | Free (your power and bandwidth) | 4+ cores, 8-16 GB RAM, good upload |
| Small rented (10-20 slots) | About $10-20 a month | Friends and small groups |
| Mid rented (40-60 slots) | About $20-40 a month | Public community |
| Large or dedicated machine | $50+ a month | Heavy mods, 100 slots |
Prices are rough ranges from public host pricing in October 2026 and vary by host and region.
Quick answers
Questions people ask
How do you make a DayZ server?
Install SteamCMD, download app 223350, edit serverDZ.cfg, open UDP port 2302 (plus 2304 and 2305), and run DayZServer_x64.exe with the config.
What ports does a DayZ server use?
UDP 2302 for the game, with 2304 and 2305 used alongside it, plus the Steam query port set in your config.
Can you have a private DayZ server on console?
Yes, by renting one from Nitrado for Xbox or PlayStation. Console servers cannot run mods.
How do you change loot on a DayZ server?
Edit db/types.xml in the mission folder: nominal and min set how many of each item exist, and usage and tier tags set where they spawn.
How do you add mods to a DayZ server?
Copy the mod folder into the server, copy its .bikey into keys, and add it to the -mod or -serverMod launch parameter.
Keep going
More guides and tools
Last checked 28 October 2026, against DayZ 1.30 (PC 1.30.164200, console 1.87). Sources: Bohemia Interactive server documentation and Steam app IDs; hosting prices are rough public ranges.