# Setting Up and Configuring a DayZ Server

> Set up a DayZ dedicated server: loot tables, mods via Steam Workshop, player count and performance tips.

**Short answer:** Via the Steam Workshop. Add the workshop IDs to your config and copy the .bikey files into the keys folder.

| | |
| --- | --- |
| Game | DayZ |
| Category | Configuration |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
| Reading time | 12 min |
| Last updated | 2026-02-19 |
| Language | en |
| Source | https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/dayz-server-einrichten |
| Other language | https://agrarchaoten.com/guides/dayz-server-einrichten |

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## Contents

- [DayZ server overview](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/dayz-server-einrichten#ueberblick)
- [Basic configuration](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/dayz-server-einrichten#grundkonfiguration)
- [serverDZ.cfg in detail](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/dayz-server-einrichten#serverdz-cfg)
- [Mods via Steam Workshop](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/dayz-server-einrichten#mods)
- [Popular DayZ mods](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/dayz-server-einrichten#beliebte-mods)
- [Tweaking loot tables](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/dayz-server-einrichten#loot)
- [Troubleshooting](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/dayz-server-einrichten#probleme)
- [FAQ](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/dayz-server-einrichten#faq)

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## 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](https://filezilla-project.org/)) 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.

**1. 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.

**2. Set the basic parameters**

Adjust the most important values: `hostname` (server name), `password` (password, leave empty for public), `maxPlayers` (1-60), `motd` (welcome message).

**3. 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

**1. Note the Workshop ID**

Find the mod you want on the [Steam Workshop](https://steamcommunity.com/workshop/browse/?appid=221100) and note the ID from the URL (the long number after `?id=`).

**2. 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.

**3. 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.

**4. 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 once
- `min` — minimum number that should always exist
- `lifetime` — 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.

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## Frequently asked questions

**Q: How do I install mods on my DayZ server?**
A: Via the Steam Workshop. Add the workshop IDs to your config and copy the .bikey files into the keys folder.

**Q: How do I adjust loot tables?**
A: Via the types.xml in the mpmissions folder. Per item you can set nominal, min, lifetime and restock.

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## About this guide

This guide was written by Agrar Chaoten — a German game server host specialising in DayZ.
Rent a server: https://agrarchaoten.com/gameserver

*Source: https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/dayz-server-einrichten*
*Agrar Chaoten — https://agrarchaoten.com*
*Support: support@agrarchaoten.com | Discord: https://discord.gg/YgredRdvY6*