Many modern survival titles emphasize the ability to build your own base. In DayZ, however, this feature was only added in 2018 and is therefore not known to all players. Even newcomers who join today might not be aware of it. Sometimes, it can be a good idea to establish your own base to store and protect your loot. Today, we will take a closer look at the system, the basics you should know, and where it’s worth setting up your own base. Building in DayZ is not straightforward, especially not for beginners.
Is Building a Base in DayZ Worth It?
First, you need to ask yourself if it’s actually worth establishing your own outpost. After all, you can’t guard it all the time, and sooner or later, another player will come along and try to break in. Since DayZ heavily relies on player interaction, it stands out significantly from many other survival titles. Bases are more optional, with most players living like nomads.
Bases are particularly worthwhile if you only play with friends. In those cases, you can be sure that the outposts are treated fairly and not destroyed by cheaters. Especially with friends, it can be a lot of fun to either build together or find other players’ bases. On open servers, it’s less advisable unless you’re really good at hiding your base securely. However, don’t consider them as permanent structures in the world.
Ideal Locations for Your DayZ Base
If you’ve decided to build a base, all you need is the right location. You can, of course, build anywhere you like. Just keep in mind that the structure may be visible from a distance. Therefore, it’s a good idea to start building in a residential house and only use fences for protection. Try to find a house with only one entrance where you can, for example, secure the staircase. This way, no one can break in, and you are well protected!
Essential Tools for Base Building
Building a base in DayZ involves a lot of effort, which is another reason why few players attempt it. However, gathering all the tools and materials can be a great task and keep you motivated for a long time. You should definitely be well-prepared, as stopping in the middle of the building process is certainly not the best idea.
These tools should be in your backpack:
- Shovel
- Pliers
- Pickaxe
- Hammer
- Axe
- Saw
For all tools, you should also always have a whetstone with you, as they become blunt very quickly and are then unusable. A large backpack is, of course, also practical, especially when you need to carry resources for your constructions back and forth.
For all structures, these resources are needed:
- Nails
- Logs
- Wooden Planks (from logs or wooden plank piles)
- Metal Sheets
- Metal Wire
- Combination Lock
At first glance, it might not seem like much, but sometimes it can be difficult to acquire these materials. For wood, we advise you not to cut down the trees in your immediate surroundings. This will only attract more players. You can obtain 1-3 logs without cutting down a tree. During the server reset, these will also be replenished. Only cut down trees that are a bit further away.
Basics for DayZ Constructions
Fortunately, the starting points for a base in DayZ are not hard to grasp, but they give you enough options to set up your temporary home according to your own ideas. On one hand, there are fences, and on the other, there are the construction plans for a watchtower.
Fences as Defence
A fence is your most crucial line of defence when building your own base. For the fence kit, you need two sticks and a rope, which you first use to stake out the fence. Make sure that without rotation, the inside is facing you. This is important because otherwise, other players can access it from the outside. To start building the fence, you need to collect two logs and bury them with a shovel.
Once the base posts are set, you can expand the fence as you wish. Initially, clad it with wooden planks and metal sheets so that no one can walk through. On the backside, you can add a small platform and stairs to look over the fence. For privacy, you can cover the fence from the outside with camouflage nets. For climbing-prone players or zombies, it’s worth adding barbed wire.
With a metal wire and pliers, you can turn a fence into a gate. To then secure the fence gate, you need a combination lock, preferably one with four digits. It is always attached on the right side of the fence (viewed from the inside). So, make sure you can access the lock as well.
Watchtowers as Modular Building Option
As a second base for building, you have watchtowers at your disposal, which you don’t necessarily have to use as such. They are more or less square foundation blocks that allow you to build modularly. Like with the fence, you first need a kit, this time made from four sticks and a rope. Then use four logs and a shovel to set the support pillars.
From here, you can individually decide which parts you want to expand. You can add three of the four walls, but also add stairs to two additional floors and leave the outer walls open. At the end, you can also place a roof on the tower. Just like with fences, you can also add camo and barbed wire here to better protect yourself.
Effective Storage for Loot
To store your loot in your base, you naturally need appropriate boxes. You can craft these yourself from planks and nails. However, you can also use empty barrels to store things in.
Many players also use tents or shelters to temporarily store items somewhere. They are much less labor-intensive than building an entire base but are particularly practical for storage. Shelters can be lined with leaves, leather, or a tarp after a basic kit. Various tents can be found scattered across the world, so keep an eye out for them!
Conclusion on Base Building
Building your own base isn’t necessarily something that first comes to mind in DayZ. However, it can be a lot of fun to find a secure location and construct a small fortress. Rent your own server for DayZ from us and build a cool base with your friends that will protect you from zombies or other players. The construction system is more complex than it first appears and offers you many options for creating an individual base.
