In DayZ, relying solely on melee combat likely won’t get you far, especially when facing other players. This survival game can be truly ruthless, and if you’re spotted, it might already be too late. Therefore, firearms are your best friend and can help you survive another day in an emergency. They are also effective for hunting wild animals or intimidating inexperienced players. We’ll take a look at various weapon models, their advantages and disadvantages, and offer some tips for the best use of firearms in DayZ.
Optimal Use of Firearms in DayZ
With these general tips, you’ll be better equipped to handle any weapon you find. There are many things to consider with firearms in DayZ. From different ammunition types to technical malfunctions, it can be quite complex for beginners. If you can react correctly in an emergency and know your weapons well, you’ll definitely have an advantage over most players.
Condition: Your weapon’s condition is displayed in your inventory or in the HUD in the bottom left. The better the condition, the more damage it inflicts. Weapons can be repaired, so always check if everything is still in good shape! Repair kits can be found all over the map. However, keep in mind that despite regular repairs, your weapon won’t last forever. Its condition deteriorates every time you use it.
Malfunction: Sometimes, your weapon might not fire. This could be due to a bullet being jammed in the magazine or the weapon itself.
Fire Mode: On PC, you can switch your fire mode with X if the weapon allows it. You usually have the option between automatic and semi-automatic, as in most other shooters.
Ammunition: In DayZ, you can find both magazines and individual bullets. Some weapons use both, while others only use one type or have a built-in magazine. Familiarize yourself with the weapon type and see how to reload your ammunition effectively.
Melee with Weapon: Especially when holding a pistol, it might sometimes be a good idea to strike instead of shooting. Using your action key, you can hit someone with a pistol or rifle, which costs a lot of stamina but inflicts significant shock damage.
Hip Fire: While you can aim with almost any weapon, in tight spaces or at close range, it’s often better to shoot from the hip. This way, you can better see where your bullets land and how to aim more accurately. You’ll recognize this by the dust kicked up by the bullets. Try to determine the center of your screen beforehand for better accuracy. When aiming manually, the lower half of your field of view is obscured by the weapon, which isn’t always ideal.
The Best Firearm Models in DayZ
DayZ offers a wide selection of weapons, which can be overwhelming for newcomers. In the end, it doesn’t really matter which weapon you have. Every rifle and pistol has its pros and cons and should suit your play style. Some may prefer pistols, while others want to rely on the crossbow. There’s no right or wrong in DayZ! We’ll present you with the best weapons for each model, but if you don’t have them right away, that’s okay. Every weapon has its strengths!
Effective Equipment: Top Firearms
Pistols: The MK II is by far one of the best pistols, especially for beginners! You can learn and master all important game functions with it. Additionally, the weapon has a built-in silencer, which is incredibly handy. The shots themselves do little damage, but at least you won’t be overrun by hordes of zombies when using it.
Shotguns: Veterans often choose between the Vaiga Buck and the BK 133. Both are reliable shotguns that can lead to the swift demise of your opponent, especially in close quarters. Shotguns aren’t necessarily the best weapon in DayZ, but in the right hands, they can be extremely dangerous.
Machine Guns: There are only a handful of machine guns in DayZ. None of them is significantly better than the others, so you have free choice!
Assault Rifles: In this category, nothing beats the AUR AX. Although the rifle is somewhat rare, you should still be able to find it sooner or later. It’s a wonderful all-rounder, suitable for both close and distant combat.
Battle Rifle: The LAR is the only weapon in this category. It’s more suited for later gameplay and is highly sought after by players. If you find it, make sure to keep it!
Bolt-action Rifles: You can choose between the Mosin 91/30 and the M70 Tundra here. Both should assist you in everyday DayZ gameplay and are useful in various situations. Whether hunting game, zombies, or other players, these bolt-action rifles rarely disappoint.
Break-action Rifles: Without further ado, you should opt for the Blaze here. For many players, it’s the best weapon by far, as it’s both a sniper and a shotgun. You can also saw off the Blaze if you prefer using it in close combat.
Sniper Rifles: Pros and long-term players should eventually acquire a DMR, arguably the best sniper rifle in the game. It can only be found in military bases or at crashed helicopters. It’s the most powerful weapon in the game, but also extremely rare!
Semi-automatic Rifles: In this category, you should look for the VSD rifle in the late game. Like the DMR, it’s very rare and one of the best weapons you can have in the game.
Conclusion
It’s important to delve deeper into firearms in DayZ. The game is much more complex in this regard than many other shooters, and knowledge about your weapons can save you in an emergency. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter which weapon you use, but it should suit your play style! Rent your own server for DayZ with us and play together with your friends. You can also exchange weapons with each other and try out different models. This not only adds fun but also highlights the strengths of each weapon individually!
