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. Once it's running, tune loot, time and security with our best DayZ server settings guide.
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.
What ports does a DayZ server use?
UDP 2302 for the game plus the following ports (2303-2305) for query and Steam, and 27016 for the Steam query. Forward 2302 at minimum so players can connect and the server lists in the launcher.
How do I add mods to a DayZ server?
Subscribe to the Steam Workshop mods, copy their @ModName folders into the server directory, and add them to the -mod= launch parameter in load order. Clients must run the exact same mods in the same order, which the DZSA launcher handles automatically.
Why won't my DayZ server show in the launcher?
Usually the query ports aren't open or a mod mismatch. Forward 2302-2305 and 27016, and make sure the server's mod list matches what clients load — see our fix for DayZ server not showing for the full checklist.
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.
