Many modern survival titles emphasize building your own base. However, DayZ only added this feature in 2018, so not all players are aware of it. Even newcomers today might not know about it. Sometimes, it can be a good idea to build your own base to store and protect your loot. Today, we’ll 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 isn’t entirely straightforward, especially for beginners.
Is Building a Base in DayZ Worth It?
First, you need to ask yourself if it’s actually worth setting up your own outpost. After all, you can’t guard it all the time, and sooner or later, another player will come by and try to break in. Since DayZ heavily relies on player interaction, it stands out significantly from many other survival titles. Bases are therefore more optional, as most players live like nomads.
Bases are especially worthwhile when you’re playing only with friends. You can be sure that the outposts will be treated fairly and not easily destroyed by cheaters. Building together or finding other bases can be a lot of fun with friends. On open servers, it’s less advisable unless you’re really good at hiding your base securely. However, don’t view it as a permanent structure in the world.
Perfect Locations for Your DayZ Base
Once you’ve decided to build a base, you just need the right location. You can, of course, build anywhere you like. Just keep in mind that the structure will likely be visible from afar. It’s worth starting by building in a residential house and using fences for protection. Try to find a house with only one access point where you can secure the stairway. This way, no one can break in, and you’re well-protected!
Essential Tools for Base Building
Building a base in DayZ is a significant effort, which is another reason why few players do it. However, gathering all the tools and materials can be a rewarding task and keep you motivated over a long period. You should definitely be well-prepared because stopping in the middle of the building process isn’t ideal.
These tools belong in your backpack:
- Shovel
- Pliers
- Pickaxe
- Hammer
- Axe
- Saw
For all tools, you should always have a whetstone with you, as they become dull very quickly and are then unusable. A large backpack is, of course, practical, especially when you need to carry resources for your constructions back and forth.
These resources are needed for all structures:
- Nails
- Logs
- Wooden planks (from logs or plank piles)
- Metal sheets
- Metal wire
- Combination lock
That might not seem like much at first, but sometimes it can be challenging to obtain these materials. For wood, we advise against cutting down the trees in your immediate area, as it will only attract more players. You can get 1-3 logs without cutting down a tree. They will also be replenished during a server reset. 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 understand, but they offer you enough opportunities to set up your temporary home according to your preferences. You have fences and plans for a watchtower.
Fences as Defense
A fence is your primary defense when building your own base. For the fence kit, you need two sticks and a rope to stake out the fence first. Make sure that the inside faces you without rotation. This is important because otherwise, other players can access it from the outside. To start building the fence, you must collect two logs and bury them with a shovel.
Once the foundation is set, you can expand the fence as you like. Initially, cover it with wood planks and sheets so that no one can walk through. On the back side, you can add a small platform and a staircase to look over the fence. For privacy, you can cover the fence from the outside with camouflage nets. To ward off climbing players or zombies, it’s worth adding barbed wire.
With metal wire and pliers, you can turn a fence into a gate. To protect the gate, you’ll need a combination lock, preferably with four digits. It is always attached to the right side of the fence (when viewed from the inside). Make sure you can access the lock.
Watchtowers as Modular Building Options
As a second building option, you have watchtowers, which you don’t necessarily have to use as such. They are more or less square building blocks that allow modular construction. Like the fence, you first need a kit, this time from four sticks and a rope. Then use four logs and a shovel to set the support pillars.
From here, you can decide individually which parts you want to expand. You can add three of the four walls, add stairs to two more floors, and leave the outer walls open. At the end, you can also add a roof to the tower. Just like with fences, you can add camo and barbed wire to better protect yourself.
Effective Storage for Loot
To store your loot in your base, you’ll naturally need the right boxes. You can craft these yourself from planks and nails. You can also use empty barrels for storage.
Many players also use tents or shelters to temporarily store items. They are much less complex than building a complete base but are particularly practical for storage. Shelters can be lined with leaves, leather, or a tarp after a basic kit is created. Different tents can be found scattered throughout the world, so keep an eye out for them!
Conclusion on Base Building
Building your own base isn’t necessarily something you first think of in DayZ. However, it can be a lot of fun to find a safe spot and construct a small fortress. Rent your own DayZ server with us and build a cool base with your friends to protect you from zombies or other players. The building system is more complex than it first appears and offers many possibilities for creating an individual base.
