How to Set Up a DayZ Server
A step-by-step guide to running your own DayZ dedicated server — install the free server with SteamCMD, edit serverDZ.cfg, open the port, launch it and add Workshop mods. Plus the one-click hosted route if you'd rather skip the setup.
DayZ can be hosted two ways: self-host the free dedicated server on your own machine, or use a managed host. Self-hosting is free but keeps a PC busy 24/7, exposes your home IP and needs port-forwarding; a host gives you an always-online, DDoS-protected server with a panel and easy mod uploads for a few euros a month.
DayZ is a little more involved than most survival games because of its mod loading, so read the mod step carefully.
What you'll need
A quick checklist before you begin — have these ready and the rest is easy.
- A machine for the server — a capable PC, or a host for 24/7 uptime.
- SteamCMD and a Steam account that owns DayZ, to install the server (app 223350).
- 4–8 GB of free RAM and a fast CPU (more for big modded servers).
- Open ports: UDP 2302-2306.
- A way for players to connect — port-forwarding at home, or a clean IP from a host.
Set up a DayZ dedicated server, step by step
Choose self-host or a managed host
The dedicated server is free, but self-hosting needs a PC on 24/7, port-forwarding and decent hardware. A managed host gives you an online server and panel in minutes. Want zero hassle? Pick a host and skip to step 5.
Install the server with SteamCMD
The DayZ dedicated server is Steam app 223350 — a separate download from the game (221100). Install it with SteamCMD (this one needs a Steam login that owns DayZ).
steamcmd +login YOURSTEAMUSER +app_update 223350 validate +quit
Edit serverDZ.cfg
Open serverDZ.cfg in the install folder and set the hostname, player count, and an optional password. This is the main server config.
hostname = "My ESAGAMES DayZ Server"; maxPlayers = 60; password = ""; passwordAdmin = "changeme"; verifySignatures = 2;
Open the port
Forward UDP 2302 (DayZ uses the 2302-2306 range for game and query). On a managed host the ports are handled for you.
Launch the server
Start the server pointing at your config and port. On Windows use DayZServer_x64.exe with the same parameters; on Linux use the DayZServer binary.
./DayZServer -config=serverDZ.cfg -port=2302 -dologs -adminlog
Add Workshop mods (optional)
Download mods from the Steam Workshop, then load them with the -mod parameter (semicolon-separated, load order matters). Keys go in the /keys folder. On a host this is usually a mod-manager in the panel.
./DayZServer -config=serverDZ.cfg -port=2302 "-mod=@CF;@Community-Online-Tools"
Keep Chernarus running
CPU matters most
DayZ is CPU-heavy with many players and AI. Budget 4–8 GB RAM and a fast CPU; a full 60-slot modded server wants more.
Mod load order matters
Dependencies (like CF) must load before the mods that need them in the -mod list. Get the order wrong and mods fail to load.
Install the .bikey files
Every mod's key must be in the server /keys folder or players get kicked for signature checks (verifySignatures).
Protect your IP
Public DayZ servers are DDoS targets. A managed host puts a clean, filtered IP in front so an attack can't knock you offline.
Common problems & fixes
Hit a snag? These are the issues people run into most — and how to solve them.
Server doesn't appear in the launcher
Ports aren't open, or the DayZ launcher's filters are hiding it. Make sure UDP 2302-2306 are reachable and check the launcher filters.
Mods fail to load
Load order is wrong or a dependency is missing. List dependencies (e.g. @CF) before the mods that need them in -mod.
Players kicked for signature check
Add each mod's .bikey to the server /keys folder, or the client and server mod versions differ.
Server lags with many players
DayZ is CPU-bound. Use a faster CPU, trim heavy mods, or move to a host with stronger single-core performance.
Skip the setup — host it with ESAGAMES
Want Chernarus online 24/7 without the port and mod hassle? Our DayZ hosting runs on fast CPUs and NVMe behind a multi-Tbps Frankfurt network — mod-ready, protected and instant.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to run a DayZ server?
The dedicated server (app 223350) is free to download, but self-hosting keeps a PC on 24/7, exposes your home IP and needs port-forwarding. A managed host runs it online for you for a few euros a month.
What port does a DayZ server use?
UDP 2302 by default, with the 2302-2306 range used for game and query traffic. Forward these at home, or let a host handle it.
Where do I change server settings?
In serverDZ.cfg — hostname, maxPlayers, passwords and signature verification. Launch parameters set the config file, port and mods.
How do I add mods?
Download them from the Steam Workshop and load them with the -mod parameter (semicolon-separated, order matters), and put each mod's .bikey in the /keys folder. A host makes this a panel upload.
Why do players get kicked for "signature" errors?
The mod's key isn't in the server /keys folder, or verifySignatures is set but a key is missing. Add every mod's .bikey to /keys.
How much RAM does a DayZ server need?
Around 4–8 GB for a vanilla or lightly-modded server; a full 60-slot heavily-modded server wants more, and a fast CPU matters most.
Keep reading
DayZ is a trademark of Bohemia Interactive a.s. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Bohemia Interactive. You must own a legitimate copy of the game to play.
