DayZ: Getting Started Guide

Getting Started - The Basics#

Welcome to the unforgiving world of DayZ! This survival game throws you into a post-apocalyptic landscape where zombies and other players can be just as deadly. But don’t worry, we’ll help you get on your feet. Here’s a crash course on how to survive your first hours in the game.

Spawn Points and Initial Moves#

When you start, you’ll wake up on the coast with minimal gear – a rag, a flare, and maybe some road flare. Your first priority? Gather basic supplies. Follow these steps:

Move Inland Quickly: The coast can be a danger zone. Many players will be searching along the coast for easy targets.
Loot Houses: You’re looking for food, water, weapons, and other gear. Most buildings contain loot, but don’t spend too long in one place. For better gear, move inland to smaller towns and villages where fewer people have scavenged.

Essentials: Food, Water, and Weapons#

Survival means keeping your stomach full and thirst quenched. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:

Food: Canned goods are great, but you’ll need a can opener, knife, or something sharp to open them. Fresh fruits and vegetables don’t need anything extra.
Water: Look for wells in towns for clean water. Rivers and lakes can be risky as the water might be contaminated. If you must, purify it with chlorine tablets or by boiling it over a fire.
Weapons: Early on, melee weapons like axes or crowbars are easier to find and can protect you against zombies and other players. Guns are rare but valuable, so pick them up if you stumble across one.

Health and Protection#

Stay healthy by avoiding unnecessary fights and keeping your wounds clean. Here’s what you need to know about staying in one piece:

Bandages and Rags: Use these to stop bleeding after a fight or an accident.
Medicine: Painkillers, antibiotics, and vitamins can help you recover from injuries and illnesses.
Clothing: Warm clothing is essential for surviving cold, wet environments. Look out for jackets, pants, gloves, and hats.

Knowing where you are and how to talk to other players can be crucial.

Compass and Maps: Find a compass to help navigate, and keep an eye out for maps. Online maps can also be helpful, so consider having one open on a secondary device.
Communication: Use direct chat to talk to players nearby. Just hit the “/” key and speak. Be cautious; not everyone is friendly.

Avoiding Danger#

Here’s how to steer clear of the most common threats:

Zombies: These creatures are slow but can swarm you. Use melee weapons to dispatch them quietly, or run if there are too many.
Other Players: Trust no one. Many players shoot on sight. Use cover and try to avoid running in the open.
Stealth: Crouch or go prone to move quietly, reducing the chance of being spotted.

Basic Crafting#

Crafting can help you turn raw materials into useful items. Here’s a quick starter guide:

Rags: Combine clothes or bandages.
Improvised Backpack: With a burlap sack and some rope, you can increase your carrying capacity.
Sharpened Stick: Useful for cooking meat over a fire, crafted from a long stick.

Final Tips#

Check Everything: Loot every building, search every corpse.
Stay Calm: Patience pays off. Hasty decisions can lead to deadly mistakes.
Learn and Adapt: The world of DayZ is tough, but each death teaches you something new.

Now that you know the basics, you’re ready to start your journey. Remember, surviving in DayZ takes practice and a bit of luck. Good luck out there, survivor!

Creating Your First Character#

So, you’ve launched DayZ, and now it’s time to step into this gritty, zombie-packed world. First things first: you need to create your character. This section will help you set up your very first survivor, so you can start scavenging, fighting, and surviving with the best of ‘em.

Choosing Your Gender and Appearance#

When you start a new game, the first thing DayZ asks you to do is pick your gender. This is purely a cosmetic choice, but it’s still important because this is the character you’ll spend hours with. So pick whichever one you’ll feel most comfortable playing.

After that, you get to customize your character’s appearance. Choices here include:

Face: Select from different face presets.
Hair: Choose your hairstyle and hair color.
Beard: (For male characters) Pick a beard style, or go clean-shaven.
Clothing: While you don’t have a lot of options here, you can pick from different starter outfits. Your character’s look will evolve as you find and equip new gear in-game.

Naming Your Character#

Once you’ve nailed down their appearance, it’s time to give your survivor a name. While it might be tempting to go with something funny or whimsical, remember: you’ll be living with this name too. “Survivor-123” might feel cool now, but it doesn’t exactly have staying power.

Understanding Your Starting Gear#

When you first spawn into DayZ, you’ll notice that your gear is pretty sparse. Don’t worry; this is intentional. Scavenging for gear is a huge part of the game. Here’s what you’ll typically start with:

Clothing: Basic items like a shirt and pants.
Rags: Used for bandaging wounds. You’ll be surprised how often you’ll need these!
Glow Stick: Perfect for when you’re wandering in the dark.
Fruit or Canned Food: A small bit of food to get you started.

Pro Tip: Make sure to immediately check your inventory (press “Tab” on PC) when you spawn. Sometimes you’ll find an item or two you didn’t notice right away.

Basics of Survival#

Before you dive into the world, let’s cover a few basics you’ll need to know from the get-go:

Hunger and Thirst: Keep an eye on your hunger and thirst meters. They’ll deplete over time, and letting them drop too low can be fatal.
Health and Blood: Your health and blood levels are crucial. Taking damage from zombies or falls will deplete these, and if you don’t treat your wounds, it will get worse.
Temperature: Keep warm. Running around soaking wet is a recipe for hypothermia. Find or craft clothing that helps insulate against the elements.

Spawning Locations#

DayZ doesn’t give you the luxury of choosing spawn points, but it’s generally good to know where you might pop up. You’ll often spawn along the coast, so be prepared to recognize familiar coastal towns and use them as landmarks.

Coastal Towns to Recognize#

Kamenka: Small and somewhat quiet. A decent place to get your bearings.
Elektrozavodsk: Bigger town with more loot, but also more risk from zombies and players.
Berezin: Mid-sized and balanced, offering a good starting point for new survivors.

Get Ready to Explore#

With your character created and basic knowledge in hand, you’re ready to jump into the world of DayZ. Remember, the game thrives on exploration and emergent gameplay. Every decision—from how you customize your character to where you scavenge for supplies—adds to your unique story.

Get out there and start surviving!

Got more questions or something else you want to know? Check out the next sections of our DayZ guide for deeper dives into crafting, combat, and surviving longer in DayZ. Happy surviving!

Basic Controls and Interface#

Jumping into DayZ for the first time? It can be a bit overwhelming with all the buttons and different menus. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Let’s break down the basics to help you survive your first days in Chernarus.

Movement and Camera#

The first thing you’ll notice is the smooth but realistic movement. Here’s a quick rundown:

WASD: Use these keys to move your character. W moves you forward, S moves you back, and A and D let you strafe left or right.
Mouse: Look around by moving your mouse. This controls your camera and helps you keep track of zombies, other players, and loot.
Shift: Hold down to sprint. Be careful though—sprinting uses up your stamina.
C: Press to crouch, making you less visible and more silent.
Z: Go prone for maximum stealth. You’ll lie flat on the ground.
Space: Toggle your combat stance. This raises your weapon if you have one equipped.

Interacting with the World#

You’ll come across tons of objects, so knowing how to interact with them is super important.

F: This is your primary interaction key. Use it to open doors, pick up items, or interact with other players.
Tab: Opens your inventory. This is where you’ll manage everything you pick up.
Scroll Wheel/Middle Mouse Button: Use the scroll wheel to navigate through interaction options before pressing F.

Combat#

Whether it’s zombies or other players, combat is unavoidable.

Left Mouse Button: Uses your primary action (firing a gun or swinging a melee weapon).
Right Mouse Button: Aim down sights for better accuracy.
R: Reload your weapon. Keep an eye on your ammo!
G: Throw items like grenades or melee weapons if you’re really desperate.

Inventory Management#

Managing your inventory can be tricky, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be a hoarding master.

Tab: Brings up the inventory screen. Here you can view items you’re carrying, your character’s status, and items on the ground nearby.
Drag and Drop: Move items around by clicking and dragging them to different slots or back to the ground.
1-0 Number Keys: Set up quick slots by dragging items to the numbered boxes on the bottom. This lets you quickly equip weapons or use items without opening your inventory.

Status Indicators#

Survival is the name of the game. Keep a close eye on your status indicators to stay alive.

Health Icon: Shows your overall wellbeing. The fuller the heart, the healthier you are.
Blood Drop Icon: Indicates your blood level. If you’re bleeding, find bandages or rags ASAP.
Stomach Icons (Hunger and Thirst): These are vital. Keep your character fed and hydrated to stay in the fight.
Temperature Gauge: Don’t let this drop too low (or go too high). Hypothermia and heatstroke are bad news.

Quick Tips#

Use Headphones: Audio cues are super important.
Check Your Six: Always be aware of your surroundings.
You Die, You Lose Everything: Be cautious with your supplies.

Conclusion#

Mastering the basic controls and understanding the interface is your first step to becoming a DayZ survivor. Start by familiarizing yourself with these fundamentals and keep practicing. The more you play, the more natural it’ll all feel. Stay safe out there, survivor!

Understanding the Game World#

DayZ is a game that throws you into a vast, detailed, and often dangerous open world. Getting a handle on this world isn’t easy, but it’s the first step to surviving. There’s a lot to unpack, so let’s break it down.

The Map#

The game world in DayZ is a fictional post-Soviet Republic called Chernarus. This huge, open map is filled with towns, forests, coastlines, and hills. Here’s what you need to know:

Major Cities: These are packed with buildings and resources but are also dangerous. Places like Chernogorsk and Elektrozavodsk are major hubs where better gear can be found. But be careful – other players often lurk here.
Small Towns and Villages: These are safer than the big cities. The loot is more basic but it’s usually enough to keep you going.
Wilderness: The forests and rural areas are great for avoiding other players and finding food like wild game. However, watch out for wild animals.

Time and Weather#

The DayZ world has a dynamic day-night cycle and weather system. This affects gameplay more than you might think.

Daytime: Easier to see and navigate. You’re more likely to find other players on the move, so be cautious.
Nighttime: It gets dark – really dark. Use your flashlight carefully; while it can help you see, it will also give away your position.
Weather: Rain and cold can make you sick. You’ll need to find clothes and maintain your body temperature. Invest in raincoats or hide in buildings when bad weather strikes.

Zombies, Wildlife, and Players#

Chernarus is not deserted. You’ll encounter various threats as you explore.

Zombies: These NPCs are slow but relentless. They roam towns and cities mostly. Use melee weapons to handle them to avoid making noise.
Wildlife: Animals like deer, wolves, and bears roam the forests. Deer can be a source of food, but wolves and bears are very dangerous.
Players: The most unpredictable element. Some might help you, but many will attack on sight. Always be alert and be wary of strangers. Trust is hard to come by in DayZ.

Resources and Survival#

To stay alive, you’ll need food, water, and shelter, among other things.

Food and Water: Keep an eye on your hunger and thirst levels. Inventory food like canned goods or hunt animals and cook their meat. Water from ponds and streams is your friend but can be risky without purifying tablets.
Health and Sickness: Use medical supplies to treat wounds and illnesses. Always carry a basic first-aid kit with bandages, painkillers, and antibiotics.
Tools and Gear: Scavenge everything useful. Backpacks, better clothing, weapons, and tools to open cans or start fires are all crucial. Check every building and vehicle; you never know where gear might be hiding.

Learning to navigate the sprawling landscape is vital. A basic sense of direction can save your life.

Compass and Maps: If you find a map, keep it safe and use a compass, if you have one, for direction. Learning to read these accurately can help you plan your routes.
Natural Landmarks: Rivers, mountains, and roads can guide you. For example, the coast is always to the south or east, so use that to orient yourself.
Signposts: In towns and along roads, you’ll find signs in Cyrillic. Understanding a few key place names can help you figure out your location.

Crafting and Base Building#

Crafting in DayZ lets you make useful gear from materials you find.

Basic Crafting: Make rags from clothes, craft bandages, create fires, and build basic shelters. These small things can make a big difference.
Base Building: If you’re planning on long-term survival, you might want to build a base. Gather tools and materials like wood and nails to construct barriers, storage boxes, and even more complex structures.

Understanding the world of DayZ might feel overwhelming at first, but take your time. Explore, gather resources, and always be on the lookout. Remember, in DayZ, knowledge is as valuable as any weapon or piece of gear.

Tips for New Players#

Welcome to the chaotic world of DayZ! If you’re new, brace yourself for a wild ride. This guide’s got your back. We’ll help you out with tips and tricks to avoid those newbie mistakes and survive a bit longer in this zombie-filled apocalypse.

1. Know Your Controls#

First things first, get comfortable with your controls. Familiarize yourself with the basics like moving, crouching, and switching weapons. Take some time to learn how to manage your inventory efficiently. You don’t want to be fumbling around when a zombie is breathing down your neck!

2. Find Water and Food#

Survival in DayZ revolves around keeping your character fed and hydrated. When you spawn, try to head to the nearest town or village. Look for wells to refill your water bottle. Search houses and buildings for food. Canned goods are great, but if you’re desperate, you might have to resort to eating raw or even scavenging for berries and mushrooms in the forest.

3. Keep a Low Profile#

The best way to survive is to avoid trouble. Move quietly and stay low, especially in high-traffic areas with other players. Crouching and going prone can help you stay hidden. Keep an eye on your surroundings and listen for unusual sounds. If a fight breaks out nearby, it’s often best to steer clear.

4. Beware of Other Players#

Not everyone you meet in DayZ will be friendly. Some players might help you out, but others could see you as an easy target. Trust no one until they’ve proven themselves. If you do run into someone, keep your distance, make it clear if you’re friendly by lowering your weapon, and always be ready for things to go south.

5. Collect Essential Gear#

Gear up. Your first priority should be finding a backpack to carry more items. Next, look for basic survival gear like a knife, matches, and a water bottle. A melee weapon is crucial for silent zombie takedowns. Eventually, keep an eye out for guns and ammo, but remember that using noisy firearms can attract unwanted attention.

6. Combat Basics#

You’ll have to fight at some point. For close encounters, a knife or hatchet is silent and deadly against zombies. Rooted in stealth, crouch and hit ‘V’ to vault over obstacles to escape or surprise enemies. If you pick up a gun, practice aiming and shooting in an empty area. Make sure to reload before heading into battle; every shot counts.

7. Know the Map#

The game world is huge, so it’s easy to get lost. Use online resources like interactive maps to understand the layout, find major towns, and locate sources of water and supplies. Learning the map also helps you plan your routes and avoid walking into danger zones unprepared.

8. Medical Supplies Are Lifesavers#

Keep an eye out for medical kits. Bandages, for stopping bleeding, and disinfectant, for cleaning wounds, are essentials. Painkillers and morphine can help if you get injured, and vitamins boost your immune system. Sometimes, a treated wound can mean the difference between life and death.

9. Zombies Are the Least of Your Problems#

Surprising, right? While zombies can be dangerous, especially in large numbers, it’s usually the environment and other players that pose the biggest threats. Weather can affect your health, so find shelter during storms. And remember, starvation and dehydration are constant risks. Stay vigilant and don’t let your guard down.

10. Learn From Your Mistakes#

You will die. A lot. It’s part of the DayZ experience. Each death is a lesson. Maybe you’ll learn to be more cautious, to stock up on better supplies, or to trust your gut about other players. Embrace the chaos and grow from each failure.

Welcome to DayZ, survivor. Remember these tips, and you might just make it through another day. Good luck out there!