DayZ is an extremely enduring game that can still captivate thousands of players today. However, few likely anticipated a full-fledged DLC. But at the end of 2024, “Frostline,” the first comprehensive expansion for the online survival classic, was released. With a new map, new gameplay mechanics, and loads of fun, Frostline aims to bring fresh excitement to the game and especially appeal to hardcore gamers. But how well does it work? We take a closer look at the DLC several months later and tell you whether it’s truly worth the purchase.
The Essential Details about DayZ Frostline
As a new player, you might be wondering what Frostline actually is. It is the first major expansion of DayZ, bringing with it a large and new map. The DLC was first announced in May 2024 and then released on 15th October 2024. As it stands today, the map is not even a year old, making it a relatively fresh experience for many players!
The DLC is primarily characterised by its new and extremely challenging map. It takes you to Sakhal, a cold region far to the east in the world of DayZ. Survival is key here, and you won’t have long before you must succumb to the cold. This is precisely what makes the map so exciting! Players familiar with Arma 3 and Tanoa will find the general shape of the map familiar. New challenges await you, testing your skills from Chernarus.
Surviving the Endless Winter of Sakhal
Your greatest enemy on Sakhal will be the harsh weather conditions. You can’t just wander around without thick clothing, as you’ll freeze faster than you can blink! Sakhal is a former volcanic island, firmly wrapped in a winter’s cloak. This combination makes the landscape truly unique, but it also presents a tough challenge.
Accordingly, many new clothing items have been added, focusing primarily on keeping you warm and dry. We’ve already written an entire article on clothing in DayZ, should you wish to learn more (DayZ Clothing: Optimise Your Protection in the Survival Game) . In Frostline, this knowledge will be extremely crucial, as otherwise, you might survive only a few hours.
Discover the Wild Nature of Sakhal
Thankfully, there is much more to discover in nature! If you behave correctly, you won’t have to starve. Besides familiar animal species, you can also find some unique creatures in Sakhal. Reindeer have chosen the archipelago as their home and can be wonderfully hunted. Otherwise, you will also find classic animals like rabbits, foxes, and wolves here. Our hunting guide will definitely be your best resource (DayZ Hunting Guide: Successful Techniques for Survival) . It works just as well for Frostline as it does for the regular map.
Fishing is also worthwhile in Sakhal, as you will find three new fish species. Catch some delicious pollock, shrimp, or a rainbow trout! A fishing net or a makeshift fishing rod will definitely be your best friends in Sakhal, making survival significantly easier. However, you can only fish in the sea, as all other water sources are frozen.
Explore the Unique Features of Sakhal
Since Sakhal is an archipelago, you’ll surely want to explore all the other sections as well. While in some places you can walk or jump across ice floes, we recommend finding an inflatable boat and racing across the sea. Sakhal has over a dozen smaller islands that are definitely worth exploring. Perhaps you’ll even find items there that haven’t been looted yet! Boats can be found along the coast, though you’ll need fuel to operate them.
Deadly Dangers of the Frostline Expansion
The cold is your greatest foe in Sakhal and can kill you faster than you’d like. It’s especially dangerous if you get caught in a snowstorm. Blizzards are not only extremely cold but also limit your visibility. If you find yourself trapped in a snowstorm, you must seek shelter as quickly as possible! Additionally, the cold affects you more the higher you climb. Sometimes it’s worth taking a wide detour around a mountain.
The snow can also be dangerous if you eat it. Since Sakhal is a volcanic island, the soil and snow contain toxic substances that you definitely don’t want in your body. They can lead to heavy metal poisoning, potentially resulting in the death of your character. Filter the water beforehand or use a chelation tablet to negate this effect. Boiling alone is not sufficient!
A Breathtaking, Yet Dangerous Beauty
Despite all its dangers, Sakhal is a truly wonderful map that you should definitely explore extensively. If the weather isn’t too harsh and you’re warmly dressed, the landscape can be genuinely marvellous! The snow makes everything seem so quiet and offers a completely different atmosphere compared to Chernarus. Moreover, exploring the archipelago by boat is a delight.
Perhaps during your exploration, you’ll stumble across some of the hot springs scattered across the map. These are true oases amidst the cold winter landscape. Warm yourself up, but remember not to drink the water directly. And be careful not to burn your feet!
Is Frostline the Right Challenge for You?
We recommend the Frostline DLC to players who are already familiar with the basic techniques and are looking for a new challenge. For complete beginners, Sakhal can be considerably harder and potentially frustrating. However, if you’ve spent a few hours in DayZ and find Chernarus becoming a bit dull, then the €26.99 is definitely worth it! Alternatively, you can wait for a sale to get the DLC at a reduced price.
Our Conclusion on the DayZ Frostline Expansion
With Frostline, the DayZ developers have definitely succeeded in creating their first full-fledged DLC! It presents a significant challenge and is thus particularly appealing to seasoned players as a great opportunity to try out new mechanics. And just for the beautiful winter landscapes, it’s absolutely worth it! Rent your own DayZ server with us and delve into the icy world of Frostline. Incidentally, you can already look forward to a new map in 2026, as it will take you to the Badlands. In terms of setting, it will be the complete opposite of Frostline, perfect for more variety!
