DayZ is a classic when it comes to survival games. Not only do bloodthirsty zombies await you here, but also a harsh world and real players who can make your life difficult. But these aspects make DayZ such an exciting experience, and every moment of success brings new surprises. Today, we’re taking a closer look at your first steps in the game, whether you’re a complete beginner or a returning player looking 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 think about. Depending on the server status, this can be easier or harder. If many places have already been looted, you’ll likely find less. Your first stop should be fresh fruit, which you can find in orchards. These will not only satisfy your hunger but also partially quench your thirst! Canned food is probably your second option for getting food. You can find these almost everywhere, especially in houses, but also as loot from zombies.
You’ll likely find water in lakes and rivers, but you shouldn’t drink it directly—unless you want to get sick. Collect chlorine tablets and combine them with full water containers to sterilize the water so you can drink it without any problems. In some towns, there are also water wells that contain fresh drinking water.
2. Avoiding Dangers in DayZ: Players and Zombies
Especially as a newcomer, you should stay away from anything that could mean your death. This applies to both zombies and other players. Zombies are naturally obvious threats. As long as you don’t have a weapon or aren’t good at fighting, a confrontation with an undead is an unnecessary risk. They may have clothing, weapons, or essential food on them, but initially, a confrontation 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 they can also kill you faster than you can blink. For beginners, we recommend servers with few real players, or those that are solely PvE-focused. In our last tip, we’ll delve deeper into teams and how best to interact with other players.
3. Navigating DayZ: Using the Best Maps
DayZ uses a fictional map called Chernarus, which is much larger than you might think. Therefore, you can quickly get lost or completely lose track. Additionally, you probably won’t be able to read anything since all symbols and signs are in Cyrillic. This makes navigation even more challenging!
The best map online is iZurvive, which shows you virtually every loot opportunity available on the entire map. Additionally, you can familiarize yourself with the map’s size, distances, and unfamiliar letters. As in other zombie games, there are various locations, from simple residential houses to supermarkets to police stations or military camps.
4. Efficient Weaponry in DayZ
Sooner or later, you’ll need to look for suitable weapons to defend yourself. Some tools can be used both for survival and as a weapon. A knife is a basic piece of equipment and should always be in your inventory.
You should first focus on melee weapons. These are more common and quieter to handle. You won’t immediately attract hordes and can keep a low profile. Later, you can also use firearms if you have enough ammunition and are more experienced. Also, keep in mind that your weapons have a certain durability. You don’t want them falling apart during a fight.
5. The Right Climate in DayZ
The weather in Chernarus isn’t exactly inviting. Especially nights can get quite cold, so you need to dress appropriately. Pay attention to the right layers and the condition of your clothes. This will protect you adequately against the cold, as well as prevent injuries and bites from zombies. And you surely don’t want to die from a simple cold, right?
6. Health and Safety in DayZ
Your (likely) deaths in DayZ don’t necessarily have to come from players or zombies. Sometimes, you’re the cause, whether from consuming spoiled food or getting injured during your adventures in Chernarus.
Therefore, you should prepare your inventory for these eventualities and stock up on medical resources. Morphine can be crucial in extreme situations to suppress pain. Various pills help combat symptoms. Bandages should be disinfected or treated with alcohol beforehand. Simultaneously, regularly wash your hands, containers, and clothing to avoid spreading diseases. Let your clothes dry well, or you’ll be facing the dreaded cold again.
7. Safe Teamwork in DayZ
DayZ can be extremely challenging as a solo player, especially on a public server. While you’ll quickly learn the game’s mechanics, you’ll also get killed just as fast. That’s why it’s worth playing as a group initially. Ideally, one or more players have experience with DayZ and can help newcomers. If you don’t have friends, there are many online avenues for finding groups.
Teaming up with strangers always carries a risk in DayZ. You never know if or when someone might betray you. But that’s one aspect that makes the zombie game so thrilling! You can definitely survive solo, team up with friends, or try forming unknown alliances.
Conclusion
What started in 2012 as a mod for Arma 2 has become one of the most popular survival games today! Even now, many new players are jumping into DayZ, ready to face the challenges in Chernarus. Hopefully, our guide has given you some initial tips to survive a bit longer. Rent your own DayZ server with us to go on zombie hunts and survive with your friends.
