DayZ is a classic when it comes to survival games. Not only do bloodthirsty zombies await you, but also a harsh world and real players who can make your life quite difficult. However, these elements make DayZ such an exciting experience, and each moment of success brings new surprises. Today, we take a closer look at your first steps in the game, whether you are a complete newbie or a returning player wanting to reacquaint yourself with the game’s mechanics.
1. Focus on Food and Water in DayZ
As in almost all survival games, food and water are the first things you need to consider. Depending on the server status, this can be easier or more challenging. If many places have already been looted, you will likely find less. Your first stop should be fresh fruits, which you can find in orchards. These not only satiate hunger but also partly quench your thirst! Canned food is probably your second option for obtaining food. You can find these almost everywhere, especially in houses, but also as loot from zombies.
You will likely find water in lakes and rivers, but you should not drink it directly—unless you want to get sick. Collect chlorine tablets and combine them with full water containers to sterilise the water, making it safe to drink. In some towns, there are also wells containing fresh drinking water.
2. Avoiding Dangers in DayZ: Players and Zombies
Especially as a beginner, you should steer clear of anything that could mean your death. This applies to both zombies and other players. Zombies are, of course, an obvious threat. Unless you have a weapon or can fight well, engaging with the undead is an unnecessary risk. Although they may carry clothing, weapons, or essential food, confrontation at the start is not advisable.
Real players are a whole different matter and one of the factors that make DayZ so unique. They can help you, but can also kill you faster than you can react. Therefore, for beginners, we recommend servers with few real players or those focused solely on PvE. In our last tip, we will explore teams in more detail and how to best interact with other players.
3. Navigation in DayZ: Utilising the Best Maps
DayZ uses a fictional map called Chernarus, which is significantly larger than one might think. Therefore, you can quickly get lost or completely lose track. Additionally, you probably won’t be able to read anything, as all symbols and signs are in Cyrillic. This makes navigation even more challenging!
The best map online is iZurvive, showing nearly all loot locations across the map. Moreover, you can familiarise yourself with the map’s size, distances, and unknown symbols. Like other zombie games, there are different locations, from simple residential houses to supermarkets to police stations or military camps.
4. Efficient Weaponry in DayZ
Sooner or later, you need to look for suitable weapons to defend yourself. Some tools can be used both for survival and as weapons. A knife is a basic necessity and should always be in your inventory.
Initially, focus on melee weapons. These are more common and quieter to use. You won’t immediately draw hordes towards you and can remain undercover. Later, you can also use firearms if you have enough ammunition and are more familiar with them. Also, remember that your weapons have a certain durability. You don’t want them falling apart in your hands during a fight.
5. The Right Climate in DayZ
The weather in Chernarus is not particularly inviting. Especially the nights can get quite cold, so you need to dress appropriately. Pay attention to layering and the condition of your clothes. This will protect you sufficiently against the cold, as well as from injuries and bites from zombies. And surely, you don’t want to die from a simple cold, do you?
6. Health and Safety in DayZ
Your (likely impending) deaths in DayZ may not necessarily be caused by players or zombies. Sometimes, it’s your own fault, whether by consuming mouldy food or sustaining an injury during your adventures in Chernarus.
Therefore, you should prepare your inventory for these eventualities and stock up on medical resources. Morphine can be vital in extreme situations to suppress pain. Various pills help combat symptoms. Bandages should be disinfected beforehand or treated with alcohol. Simultaneously, regularly wash your hands, containers, and clothing to avoid spreading diseases. Ensure your clothes dry well, or else you might face the dreaded cold again.
7. Secure Teamwork in DayZ
Playing DayZ solo can be extremely challenging, especially on a public server. While you quickly learn the game’s mechanics, you might also get killed just as quickly. Therefore, it’s worth playing in a group initially. Ideally, one or more players already have experience with DayZ and can assist newbies. If you don’t have friends, there are many online resources for finding groups.
Teaming up with strangers always carries a risk in DayZ. You never know if or when someone might betray you. Yet, this is one aspect that makes the zombie game so thrilling! You can make it as a solo player, team up with friends, or try to form unknown alliances.
Conclusion
What started in 2012 as a mod for Arma 2 has now become one of the most popular survival games! Even now, many new players are joining DayZ, eager to face the challenges in Chernarus. Hopefully, our guide has provided you with some initial tips to help you survive a little longer. Rent your own DayZ server with us to go on a zombie hunt and survive with your friends.
