Host Your Own DayZ Server: A Beginner’s Guide for Dev

Welcome, Dev! Are you a fan of DayZ and tired of playing on crowded public servers? Do you want to have complete control over your gaming experience? Hosting your own DayZ server might be the answer. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to set up your own DayZ server.

Part 1: Prerequisites

Before we get started, there are a few things you need to have:

1. A dedicated server or a VPS (Virtual Private Server)
2. At least 2GB of RAM
3. A reliable internet connection with a minimum upload speed of 5Mbps
4. The latest version of DayZ

If you don’t have a dedicated server or a VPS, you can rent one from a hosting provider. The cost varies depending on the provider and the specifications you need.

Choosing a Hosting Provider

When choosing a hosting provider, make sure they meet the requirements mentioned above. Look for providers that offer fast and reliable servers, good customer support, and easy-to-use control panels. Some popular hosting providers for DayZ servers include:

Hosting Provider	Price (per month)	RAM	Storage	Bandwidth
Survival Servers	$12.00	2GB	30GB SSD	5TB
GTXGaming	$18.00	4GB	100GB HDD	4TB
Nodecraft	$15.00	2GB	40GB SSD	4TB

Do your own research and choose the provider that best fits your needs and budget.

Part 2: Setting Up the Server

Once you have a server, it’s time to set up the DayZ server.

Step 1: Installing SteamCMD

SteamCMD is a command-line tool that allows you to install and update Steam games. We will use it to download the DayZ server files.

To install SteamCMD on your server, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your server as the root user.
2. Download the SteamCMD installer by running the following command:
   sudo apt-get install steamcmd
3. Once the installation is complete, navigate to the directory where you want to install the DayZ server files.
4. Run the following command to download the server files:
   ./steamcmd.sh +login anonymous +force_install_dir ./dayzserver +app_update 223350 validate +quit
5. The server files will be downloaded to the dayzserver directory.

Step 2: Configuring the Server

Now that you have the server files, it’s time to configure the server to your liking. The server configuration file is located in the dayzserver\mpmissions\dayzOffline.chernarusplus\db directory.

Here are some settings you might want to change:

• maxPlayers: The maximum number of players that can join the server.
• hostname: The name of your server.
• password: Set a password if you want to restrict access to your server.
• loginQueueEnabled: Enable or disable the login queue. If enabled, players will have to wait in a queue to join the server when it’s full.
• loadMissionToMemory: Set to 1 to load the mission into memory, which can improve server performance.

Step 3: Starting the Server

Once you have configured the server, it’s time to start it. Navigate to the dayzserver directory and run the following command:

./DayZServer_x64

The server will start and you should see some output in the console.

Part 3: Joining the Server

Now that your server is up and running, it’s time to join it and start playing.

Step 1: Finding the Server

Open DayZ and go to the Multiplayer menu. Click on the “LAN” tab and your server should appear in the list. If it doesn’t, make sure you have port-forwarded the necessary ports (2302-2305 TCP/UDP) on your router.

Step 2: Joining the Server

Double-click on your server in the list to join it. If you set a password, you will be prompted to enter it before joining.

Part 4: Frequently Asked Questions

What ports do I need to forward on my router?

You need to forward ports 2302-2305 TCP/UDP on your router to allow players to connect to your server.

How do I update my server?

To update your server, run the following command in the dayzserver directory:
./steamcmd.sh +login anonymous +force_install_dir ./dayzserver +app_update 223350 validate +quit

How do I add mods to my server?

To add mods, you need to create a mods folder in the dayzserver directory and add the mod files to it. Then, add the names of the mods to the mods parameter in the server configuration file.

Can I use a VPN to host my server?

Yes, you can use a VPN to host your server. However, make sure you choose a VPN provider that allows P2P traffic and has fast and reliable servers.

How many players can my server handle?

The number of players your server can handle depends on the specifications of your server and your internet connection. A server with 2GB of RAM can handle around 30 players. If you want to host more players, you need a more powerful server.

Conclusion

Hosting your own DayZ server can be a fun and rewarding experience. It allows you to have complete control over your gaming experience and play with friends without the hassle of crowded public servers. Follow the steps in this guide and you’ll have your own server up and running in no time.