Set in a dystopian world where an unknown plague turned people into the “infected”, DayZ combines survival mechanics with first-person shooting. Known for its grueling difficulty and robust player base, DayZ is one of those games that is difficult to enter and even more difficult to master. So it is unsurprising that new players can have a difficult time when they first enter a server.
But the experience can still somehow come off as satisfying provided the player has some idea of how to play the game. The article below will explain some of the game’s basic mechanics, what to look out for, and some suggestions on how to make the game easier. Above all else, it is important to remember that there is no explicit goal in this game. So players are more or less free to play however they want.
Understand DayZ
The first thing to understand about DayZ is that the player will die. A lot. As such, players are recommended to not get too attached to their gear or weapons. Because odds are the player will die at some point and have all of their items looted from their corpse. So it is best to get used to the idea now. This is especially true for players who are invested in fighting every zombie and player they see. But even players who take on a more pacifistic approach can still find themselves dying due to a streak of bad luck.
This is a game where managing to live for another day is its own reward. That means the player will spend a decent amount of time taking care of their basic needs, carefully moderating how much they exert their character, and generally making sure they don’t waste any resources. But it is precisely because the game has so many obstacles that it becomes all the more satisfying when a player is able to complete their own goal. This goal can be as simple as avoiding a fight with other players, exploring a location, or even getting a new weapon.
Hunger in DayZ
Unsurprisingly, players will need to keep their character well fed if they want them to live. It’s pretty standard for survival games. But what beginner players really need to know is where to find food and how to access said food.
In an urban area, the player will want to hit up any civilian looking building, car, or dead zombie they come across. Odds are the player will come away with a decent amount of dry and canned goods. But the trick is making sure the player can open any food that is stored in a can. Knives, can openers, screwdrivers and even axes can all open canned goods. But some of these tools are better than others. Using a splitting axe to open a food can, for example, can spill 20%-30% of the stored food, while a kitchen knife can only lose 0%-20%. If the player wants to avoid towns, then they can try to find food in boats by the coast or searching for fruit trees.
It is also important for players to understand that players can also hunt for food as well. Provided that the player is equipped with a knife and a long-range weapon, it is entirely possible for players to live off the land. This can be done by killing animals, scavenging material from the wilderness, and creating fires to cook food. Hunting for food can be a bit time consuming, but it is a worthwhile skill to learn if the player wants to explore the map or avoid the more populated areas.
Thirst in DayZ
Just as important as food is thirst. Thirst goes down naturally over time like hunger, but it can do down even faster if the player recently got into a fight. Bleeding out can especially deplete the player’s thirst level, so it always good to have some form of hydration on hand.
Items that can alleviate thirst include Nota Cola, Spite Lemonade, and other sodas. But the best thing to drink above all else is clean water. As such, beginner players are highly recommended to seek out wells at every town they visit. Since wells always provide an unlimited source of clean water, this makes them invaluable when it comes to survival.
Alternatively, the player can make their own clean water. If the player has a canteen or water bottle, they can collect liquid from a water source like lakes or rivers. If the player drinks straight from this unclean water source they may get cholera, but players can purify the water by either using purification tablets or boiling the water over a campfire.
Regaining Health in DayZ
Naturally, players will be taking damage. Either from other survivors, zombies, or when the player is dehydrated or starving. The rate at which health is lost is determined by how often they get hit and the type of injury they receive.
But unlike most other games, there is no item that will instantly restore the player’s health. Instead, health naturally recovers on its own over time. The rate at which health recovers is heavily dependent on the player’s blood level. This blood level in turn is affected by the player’s water and energy levels. Because of this, players are recommended to have a source of water on hand at any given time. Players are also recommended to seek out the nearest well if they are close to or inside a town.
Loot and Gear Spawns in DayZ
The further inland the player goes, the better the loot gets. Naturally, these inland areas are often filled with its own dangers. This usually takes the form of tougher zombies or roaming bands of experienced players. This makes going inland a high-risk high-reward situation.
So beginner players are actually encouraged to take their time in the starting area in order to prepare. If players really want to get out the starting area as soon as possible then at the very least they should collect a backpack, a knife, a gun, food, and water before they head out.
Places like military bases and shacks can hold notable loot, but it should be noted that these structures tend to attract a lot of zombies and players. But more important than finding loot is learning how to use it. It may not apply to gear or consumables, but the long-range weapons in this game all have their own quirks. They have different firing rates, recoil, reload speed, etc. So be sure to put in a bit of practice and develop that muscle memory.
Encountering Players in DayZ
Encountering other players is a prominent feature. In any given encounter, there is almost no telling if they are friends, foes, or future backstabbers. But despite the uncertainty over how they may act, it is still recommended that players get used to dealing with other people. After all, while they may attack the player, they can also become allies or friends that can enrich the gaming experience.
However, this may not apply in the beginning. Because other players in starting locations are just starting the game themselves, they often opt to ignore or avoid other people. While some may pick off anyone who seems inexperienced, most will just try to go on their way...or kill any player who seems like a newbie. As a general rule: be cautious of other players.
DayZ is available on Play Station 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows