Short answer
How do I install mods on my DayZ server?Via the Steam Workshop. Add the workshop IDs to your config and copy the .bikey files into the keys folder.
DayZ Dedicated Server — Overview
DayZ is one of the most demanding games when it comes to server setup. The configuration options are enormous — from loot tables to mods to completely custom missions. In this guide we walk you through the most important settings step by step.
What you need: A DayZ dedicated server, an FTP client (FileZilla) and basic knowledge of working with XML files.
Basic Configuration
The main configuration of your DayZ server lives in serverDZ.cfg. This file sits in the root directory of your server and controls all the important parameters.
Open serverDZ.cfg
Connect to your server via FTP and open the file serverDZ.cfg in the root directory. Download it locally, edit it, then upload it again.
Set the basic parameters
Adjust the most important values: hostname (server name), password (password, leave empty for public), maxPlayers (1-60), motd (welcome message).
Restart the server
Restart the server after every config change. Changes only take effect after a restart.
serverDZ.cfg — the Most Important Parameters
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
hostname | Server name in the list | Unique name with your community |
maxPlayers | Max. number of players | 20-40 for beginners |
timeAcceleration | Day cycle speed | 4-8 (default: 1) |
nightTimeAcceleration | Night speed | 8-16 for shorter nights |
disableBaseDamage | Disable building damage | 0 (PvP) / 1 (PvE) |
disableContainerDamage | Container damage off | 0 or 1 depending on playstyle |
Installing Mods via the Steam Workshop
Note the Workshop ID
Find the mod you want on the Steam Workshop and note the ID from the URL (the long number after ?id=).
Download the mod
In the web interface under "Mods" / "Steam Workshop", enter the ID and download it — or do it manually via SteamCMD. The mod is extracted into the @ModName folder.
Copy the .bikey key
Every mod contains a .bikey file. It must be copied into the server's keys/ folder — otherwise the mod will be rejected at startup.
Add the mod to serverDZ.cfg
Enter the mod folder name in serverDZ.cfg under mods: mods="@ModName1;@ModName2". Multiple mods are separated by semicolons.
Popular DayZ Server Mods
- DayZ-Expansion — vehicles, base building, new weapons — the most extensive mod
- CF (Community Framework) — required by many other mods
- VPPAdminTools — admin tool for managing players and spawns
- PvZmoD — more and more aggressive zombies
- TraderPlus — trader system for your server economy
Adjusting Loot Tables
The loot tables control what spawns where on the map. The configuration is located in:
Every item entry contains the following important values:
nominal— maximum number of that item on the map at oncemin— minimum number that should always existlifetime— how long an item stays without player interaction (seconds)restock— how quickly the item respawns after being taken (seconds)
Tip: Increase nominal and min for items that should spawn more often (e.g. food). Use low values for rare weapons. Restart the server after every change.
Troubleshooting
Server won't start
Check the DayZServer_x64.ADM log file in the server directory. All errors are listed there. Common causes: missing .bikey keys, incorrectly entered mod names in the config, or a broken types.xml.
Mod won't load
Check whether: (1) the mod folder is named correctly (@ModName), (2) the name appears exactly like that in serverDZ.cfg, (3) the .bikey file is in the keys/ folder.
Players can't join
All players must have the same mods installed in the same version. Share a mod list or use a mod preset on the Steam Workshop.
Tips for Your DayZ Server
Back up before config changes: Always back up the current types.xml and serverDZ.cfg before making major changes.
Shorten nights: Set nightTimeAcceleration to 8-16 so nights pass faster — many players don't like long nights.
Start with few mods: Begin with CF and an admin tools mod. Add more mods step by step — it makes it much easier to spot what causes problems.
Frequently asked questions
How do I install mods on my DayZ server?
How do I adjust loot tables?
Personal support for our customers
Rent a DayZ server with us and you get real people, not a ticket system. Sebbo and Langnesi help you personally on Discord — with setup, mods and troubleshooting. We run these servers ourselves every day, so we know the pitfalls.
Last updated: 2026-02-19 · Written by the Agrar Chaoten team