View source for DayZ (video game)


{{For|the original mod|DayZ (mod)}}
{{Unreliable sources|date=November 2025}}

{{Infobox video game
| title = DayZ
| image = Day Z cover.jpg
| developer = [[Bohemia Interactive]]
| publisher = Bohemia Interactive
| director = {{ubl|Dean Hall|Brian Hicks}}
| producer = Eugen Harton
| programmer = {{ubl|Filip Doksanský|Miroslav Maněna}}
| artist = 
| writer = 
| composer = Filip Míšek
| platforms = [[Microsoft Windows]], [[Xbox One]], [[PlayStation 4]]
| released = {{ubl|'''Windows'''|December 13, 2018|'''Xbox One'''|March 27, 2019<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-03-13-dayz-leaves-xbox-game-preview-and-gets-full-release-at-the-end-of-march|title=DayZ leaves Xbox Game Preview and gets full Xbox One release at end of March|website=[[Eurogamer]]|date=March 13, 2019|access-date=March 14, 2019|archive-date=March 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190313072711/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-03-13-dayz-leaves-xbox-game-preview-and-gets-full-release-at-the-end-of-march|url-status=live}}</ref>|'''PlayStation 4'''|May 29, 2019<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gematsu.com/2019/05/dayz-coming-to-ps4-on-may-29|title=PS4 DayZ coming to PS4 on May 29|website=Gematsu|date=May 25, 2019|access-date=May 25, 2019|archive-date=May 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525191342/https://gematsu.com/2019/05/dayz-coming-to-ps4-on-may-29|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
| genre = [[Survival game|Survival]]
| modes = [[Multiplayer video game|Multiplayer]]
}}

'''''DayZ''''' is a [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] online [[Survival game|survival]] [[video game]] developed and published by [[Bohemia Interactive]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Bohemia Interactive | url=https://www.bohemia.net/games }}</ref> It is the standalone game based on the [[Mod (video gaming)|mod]] of [[DayZ (mod)|the same name]] for ''[[Arma 2]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/08/01/how-dayz-came-to-life|title=How DayZ Came to Life|first=Colin|last=Campbell|date=August 1, 2012|website=IGN}}</ref> Following a five-year-long [[early access]] period for Windows, the game was officially released in December 2018, and was released for the [[Xbox One]] and [[PlayStation 4]] in 2019.

The game places the player in multiple fictional countries, where a mysterious plague has turned most of the population into violent "infected". As a survivor, the player must scavenge the world for food, water, weapons, and medicine, while killing or avoiding the infected, and killing, avoiding, or cooperating with other players in an effort to survive the [[outbreak]].

''DayZ'' began development in 2012 when the mod's creator, [[Dean Hall (game designer)|Dean Hall]], joined Bohemia Interactive to commence work on the standalone version of the game. The development has been focused on altering the engine to suit the game's needs, developing a working [[Client–server model|client–server architecture]], and introducing new features like diseases and a better inventory system. The game sold over four million copies during its early access phase.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/dayz/dayz-sales-numbers|title=DayZ has sold four million copies|date=November 16, 2018|website=PCGamesN}}</ref>

==Gameplay==
The goal of ''DayZ'' is to stay alive and healthy during the conditions of the [[zombie outbreak]] that have befallen the in-game world. The player spawns in a random area of their chosen map equipped with only simple clothes, a glow stick, a bandage, and a piece of fruit, and must begin exploring to investigate locations such as houses, barns, and apartments to scavenge supplies.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Lahti |first1=Evan |date=2012-05-30 |title=Buy a paper map of Day Z's horrifying world, Chernarus, for $15 |language=en |work=PC Gamer |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/buy-a-paper-map-of-day-zs-horrifying-world-chernarus-for-15/ |access-date=2023-04-10 |archive-date=April 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410092206/https://www.pcgamer.com/buy-a-paper-map-of-day-zs-horrifying-world-chernarus-for-15/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Sykes |first1=Tom |date=2013-03-10 |title=DayZ dev video shows us 20 minutes of footage from the standalone |language=en |work=PC Gamer |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/dayz-dev-video-shows-us-20-minutes-of-footage-from-the-standalone/ |access-date=2023-04-10 |archive-date=April 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410092206/https://www.pcgamer.com/dayz-dev-video-shows-us-20-minutes-of-footage-from-the-standalone/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Senior |first1=Tom |date=2013-12-25 |title=Diary: one hour in DayZ's Christmas ceasefire |language=en |work=PC Gamer |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/diary-one-hour-in-dayzs-christmas-ceasefire/ |access-date=2023-04-10 |archive-date=April 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410092206/https://www.pcgamer.com/diary-one-hour-in-dayzs-christmas-ceasefire/ |url-status=live }}</ref> These supplies include food and water, which are vital to prolonging the player's life.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Haas |first1=Pete |date=2013-12-20 |title=DayZ Standalone Alpha: The Newbie Guide |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/games/DayZ-Standalone-Alpha-Newbie-Guide-61173.html |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=CINEMABLEND |language=en |archive-date=October 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021090741/https://www.cinemablend.com/games/DayZ-Standalone-Alpha-Newbie-Guide-61173.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author1=Idigitaltimes |date=2013-12-30 |title=DayZ Standalone First Impressions: Seven Hours In Chernarus And I'm Hooked - International Digital Times |work=International Digital Times |url=http://www.idigitaltimes.com/articles/21300/20131229/dayz-standalone-first-impressions-seven-hours-chernarus.htm |access-date=2023-04-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230232036/http://www.idigitaltimes.com/articles/21300/20131229/dayz-standalone-first-impressions-seven-hours-chernarus.htm |archive-date=December 30, 2013 }}</ref>

Beyond the basics of survival, players can find various forms of clothing, which allow customization, extra storage space for supplies, protection, and warmth.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Usher |first1=Will |date=2013-12-16 |title=DayZ Standalone Now Available |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/games/DayZ-Standalone-Now-Available-61093.html |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=CINEMABLEND |language=en |archive-date=April 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410092206/https://www.cinemablend.com/games/DayZ-Standalone-Now-Available-61093.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Also scattered around the map are a variety of weapons, allowing players to protect themselves from [[Zombie (fictional)|zombies]], and other players if necessary. These are largely focused on a range of melee weapons, but a number of firearms are present, along with attachments such as suppressors and [[telescopic sight]]s.

The game features dynamic events such as randomly spawning train wrecks, police situations, military convoys and helicopter crashes that contain rare equipment and firearms that cannot be found elsewhere in the world. Additionally, random gas attacks can strike areas of Chernarus and Livonia at random intervals.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/dayz-1-14-update/|title=DayZ's new update adds gas-filled contaminated areas that'll make you hurl|last1=Knoop|first1=Joseph|work=PC Gamer |date=September 29, 2021|via=www.pcgamer.com}}</ref> Remaining in affected zones will afflict the player with a disease that causes [[Hematemesis]] and [[Hemoptysis]], the ensuing blood loss resulting in unconsciousness and death unless they leave the zones and find suitable medical treatment.<ref>{{cite web | title=Console Update 1.14 | date=September 29, 2021 | url=https://forums.dayz.com/topic/251490-console-update-114/ }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=<!-- not stated --> |date=May 2, 2023 |title=DayZ Toxic Zone Guide: Loot, Duration, Sickness Cure, More |url=https://www.ginx.tv/en/dayz/toxic-zone-guide |website=ginx.tv|access-date=November 3, 2025}}</ref> The gas resulting from a random strike will last for 20–40 minutes before fully dissipating. Players may use a complete [[NBC suit]] and gas mask to prevent damage. There are two permanent contamination zones on Chernarus and Livonia, each containing rare equipment and firearms exclusive to the permanent gas zones.

Player interaction is a major part of ''DayZ'' gameplay. The game provides proximity voice chat and text chat. It also provides in-game gestures, such as waving, pointing, or putting hands up to indicate surrender.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Andy Kelly published |date=2014-01-28 |title=DayZ Diaries: the one where Andy decides never to trust anyone ever again |language=en |work=PC Gamer |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/dayz-diaries-the-one-where-andy-decides-never-to-trust-anyone-ever-again/ |access-date=2023-04-10 |archive-date=April 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410092206/https://www.pcgamer.com/dayz-diaries-the-one-where-andy-decides-never-to-trust-anyone-ever-again/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

While travelling the map, players can also find various medical supplies, as the environment poses a range of threats to their characters. Illnesses currently present within the game include the [[common cold]], [[cholera]], [[Kuru (disease)|kuru]], [[salmonellosis]] and more.<ref>{{cite web | title=DayZ: Every Sickness & Disease and How to Cure Them | date=February 3, 2023 | url=https://www.thegamer.com/dayz-sickness-disease-cures-treatment-tips/ }}</ref> It is possible to cure all of these diseases, with the exception of kuru. If a player is shot or injured, items on their person may be damaged. When bleeding, the player must be bandaged quickly to minimize blood loss; excessive damage or blood loss will result in serious deterioration of vision and can render them unconscious.<ref>{{cite web | title=Guide for DayZ - Temperature, Blood and Health | url=https://www.trueachievements.com/game/DayZ/walkthrough/5 }}</ref>

Players are able to hunt a variety of animals in the game, such as chickens, pigs, cows, and deer.<ref>{{cite web | title=How to Hunt in DayZ (The Easy Way) | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=September 20, 2020 | url=https://screenrant.com/dayz-hunting-guide-resource-gather/ }}</ref> If in a zone where they can spawn, it is possible the player can be attacked by a pack of [[wolf|wolves]] or a lone [[brown bear]]. Every animal can be skinned for their meat, hides, bones, and guts, except for the chicken, which will yield feathers instead of a hide and guts. Cooking is a core mechanic of the game, allowing players to cook meat for longer preservation times, safe consumption, and higher nutritional value.<ref>{{cite web |author=<!-- not stated --> |date=July 12, 2025 |title=How to: Cook Meat – MyDayZ Guide
 |url=https://www.mydayz.eu/docs/food-drinks/how-to-cook-meat-mydayz-guide/ |website=www.mydayz.eu|access-date=November 3, 2025}}</ref> Players are also able to tan an animal's hide to turn into leather for crafting.

The game includes a working [[horticulture]] system, with the option to both harvest wild plants and grow crops.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DayZ |url=https://dayz.com/article/game-update/DayZ-Update-1-12 |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=dayz.com |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725014148/https://dayz.com/article/game-update/DayZ-Update-1-12 |url-status=live }}</ref> With this, the game also features crafting as a mechanic. There is a functional base building system that allows for both independent structures and the repurposing of already-existing structures found on the game's map. [[Vehicle]]s are available to cut down on time needed for travel, provided that the player is able to locate one, restore it to working order, and keep its gas tank and radiator filled.<ref>{{cite web | title=IGCD.net: Vehicles/Cars list for DayZ | url=https://www.igcd.net/game.php?id=1000015845 }}</ref>

The game features a wide range of servers ran by members of the community instead of Bohemia Interactive themselves. These servers can be nearly identical official Bohemia servers with few changes to being wildly different via the implementation of different server rules or [[Video game modding|mods]]. Mods can add things like more items, vehicles, clothing, or different gameplay entirely, such as [[Deathmatch (video games)|deathmatch]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-22 |title=The best DayZ servers 2025 |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/dayz/best-servers |access-date=2025-10-25 |website=PCGamesN |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Development==
{{see also|List of video games derived from modifications}}
Following the huge successes of the [[DayZ (mod)|''DayZ'' mod]], [[Dean Hall (game designer)|Dean Hall]] announced in an August 2012 development [[blog]] that ''DayZ'' would begin development as a standalone game, in conjunction with Bohemia Interactive and himself as project lead.<ref name = "Announcement">{{cite web| url = http://dayzdev.tumblr.com/post/28904791570/the-end-of-the-beginning| title = The end of the beginning – Day Z Development Blog| date = August 14, 2012| access-date = April 2, 2013| archive-date = August 8, 2012| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120808010530/http://dayzdev.tumblr.com/post/28904791570/the-end-of-the-beginning| url-status = live}}</ref> He said that the game needed to be released before the end of the year "in order to achieve what we have to do",<ref name = "PCGStandalone">{{cite web| url = http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/09/28/dayz-standalone/| title = DayZ standalone will be out this year, "and it's going to be cheap"| first = Tom| last = Senior| date = September 28, 2012| access-date = April 2, 2013| publisher = Future plc| work = PC Gamer| archive-date = February 19, 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130219041200/http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/09/28/dayz-standalone/| url-status = dead}}</ref> and that he wanted an initial release around November 2012.<ref name = "PCGNovember">{{cite web| title = DayZ's Rocket wants standalone alpha in November| url = http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/10/08/dayz-rocket-standalone-november/| first = Omri| last = Petitte| date = October 8, 2012| access-date = April 2, 2013| work = PC Gamer| publisher = Future plc| archive-date = March 8, 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130308031943/http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/10/08/dayz-rocket-standalone-november/| url-status = live}}</ref> At launch, the game ran on a branch of the ''[[Take On Helicopters]]'' engine (part of the [[Real Virtuality (engine)|Real Virtuality engine]]), and the main areas of developmental focus would be "critical issues", such as bug fixing, [[Hacker (computer security)|hacking]], and security.<ref name = "Devblog2">{{cite web| title = The Integration Begins| url = http://dayzdev.tumblr.com/post/31347010829/the-integration-begins| access-date = April 2, 2013| archive-date = January 14, 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130114110048/http://dayzdev.tumblr.com/post/31347010829/the-integration-begins| url-status = live}}</ref>

{{quote box|width=33%|quote=I hope I implement a lot of bad ideas... So that then, we know they are bad. Then we can remove them and move on... If we stick to safe ideas, this isn't going to become a great game over the next few months – it will just be a cool idea and I'll try and spend the next ten years going around conventions talking about how cool it was. I'd rather follow all the dead ends so I know what works and what doesn't.|source=—Dean Hall, lead designer of ''DayZ''}}

One of the developmental focuses was making the world feel more realistic by increasing the number of enterable buildings.<ref name = "PCGBuildings">{{cite web| url = http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/10/15/dayz-building-interior-screenshots/| title = DayZ standalone screenshots show interior building decor, loud tablecloth| first = Omri| last = Petitte| date = October 15, 2012| access-date = April 2, 2013| work = PC Gamer| publisher = Future plc| archive-date = March 8, 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130308032018/http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/10/15/dayz-building-interior-screenshots/| url-status = live}}</ref><ref name = "Devblog3">{{cite web| url = http://dayzdev.tumblr.com/post/33906503689/work-in-progress-interiors-continued-i-was-a| title = Work-in-progress interiors continued| access-date = April 2, 2013| archive-date = April 30, 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130430205838/http://dayzdev.tumblr.com/post/33906503689/work-in-progress-interiors-continued-i-was-a| url-status = live}}</ref> Hall stated that he hopes to implement bad ideas into the game, in order to find what players enjoy, rather than taking no risks at all.<ref name = "PCGTalk">{{cite web| title = DayZ creator Dean Hall hopes he implements "a lot of bad ideas" in the standalone version| url = http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/11/28/dayz-creator-dean-hall-hopes-he-implements-alot-of-bad-ideas/| first = Tyler| last = Wilde| date = November 28, 2012| access-date = April 2, 2013| work = PC Gamer| publisher = Future plc| archive-date = April 19, 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130419013314/http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/11/28/dayz-creator-dean-hall-hopes-he-implements-alot-of-bad-ideas/| url-status = live}}</ref> The game is based on a [[Client–server model|client–server architecture]], where functions such as item and [[Non-player character|NPC]] spawning are decided on the server, rather than on the player's machine. This is in contrast to the ''DayZ'' mod in ''Arma 2'', which had a large proportion of these tasks performed on the client. By doing so, this change aims to reduce the number of hacks and [[Exploit (video gaming)|exploits]] available. The new engine would also allow removal of unnecessary functions from ''Arma 2'', such as [[Artificial intelligence (video games)|AI]] [[Flanking maneuver|flanking]].<ref name = "Devblog4">{{cite web|url = http://dayzdev.tumblr.com/post/34430567933/whatever-you-say-it-is-it-isnt|title = Whatever you say it is, it isn't|access-date = April 2, 2013|archive-date = January 14, 2013|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130114110131/http://dayzdev.tumblr.com/post/34430567933/whatever-you-say-it-is-it-isnt|url-status = live}}</ref> It was announced in November that the game would be released via [[digital distribution]] software [[Steam (service)|Steam]], allowing use of the Steam [[Game server browser|server browser]] and patching functionality.<ref name = "vg247steam">{{cite web| url = http://www.vg247.com/2012/11/29/dayz-standalone-hall-outlines-steam-release-features/| title = DayZ Standalone: Hall outlines Steam release, features| first = Dave| last = Cook| date = November 29, 2012| access-date = April 2, 2013| work = [[VG247]]| archive-date = March 8, 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130308115753/http://www.vg247.com/2012/11/29/dayz-standalone-hall-outlines-steam-release-features/| url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://dayzdev.tumblr.com/post/36771692833/dev-report-november-2012|title = Dev Report: November 2012|access-date = April 2, 2013|archive-date = April 18, 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180418025952/http://dayzdev.tumblr.com/post/36771692833/dev-report-november-2012|url-status = live}}</ref>

Following the troubled release of the similar game ''[[The War Z]]'', Hall stated in a post on [[Reddit]] that the "whole 'saga' of the development made me seriously question if I wanted to be involved in the industry" and that he had considered leaving the ''DayZ'' standalone project.<ref name = "PCGDean">{{cite web| url = http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/12/20/dayz-dean-hall-war-z-comments/| title = DayZ creator Dean Hall on The War Z fiasco| first = Omri| last = Petitte| date = December 20, 2012| access-date = April 2, 2013| work = PC Gamer| publisher = Future plc| archive-date = March 15, 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130315162230/http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/12/20/dayz-dean-hall-war-z-comments/| url-status = live}}</ref> The game missed its original 2012 release date, with a development update in January 2013 saying that the game was not yet released because the developers "had the chance to go from making a game that was just the mod improved slightly... to actually redeveloping the engine and making the game the way we all dreamed it could be."<ref name = "PCG2013">{{cite web| url = http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/01/07/dayz-standalone-delay-explained-engine-improvements-detailed/| title = DayZ Standalone delay explained, engine improvements detailed| first = Phil| last = Savage| date = January 7, 2013| access-date = April 2, 2013| work = PC Gamer| publisher = Future plc| archive-date = March 16, 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130316211910/http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/01/07/dayz-standalone-delay-explained-engine-improvements-detailed/| url-status = live}}</ref> The release date was rescheduled and an internal closed test began on the game, with it being announced that public testing would not be taking place until the server architecture was finalized.<ref name = "IGNJan">{{cite web| url = http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/01/07/dayz-standalone-still-progressing| title = DayZ Standalone Still Progressing – Closed test coming "imminently."| first = Anthony| last = Gallegos| date = January 7, 2013| access-date = June 27, 2013| work = [[IGN]]| publisher = [[Ziff Davis Media]]| archive-date = July 25, 2023| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230725014136/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/01/07/dayz-standalone-still-progressing| url-status = live}}</ref><ref name = "PCGJan">{{cite web| url = http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/01/25/dayz-standalone-update-improved-lighting-anti-hack-measures-and-closed-testing/| title = DayZ Standalone update: improved lighting, anti-hack measures, and closed testing| first = Phil| last = Savage| access-date = April 2, 2013| work = PC Gamer| date = January 25, 2013| publisher = Future plc| archive-date = March 29, 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130329181921/http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/01/25/dayz-standalone-update-improved-lighting-anti-hack-measures-and-closed-testing/| url-status = live}}</ref>

[[Image:DayZ Standalone Table.jpg|thumb|Development screenshot showing items (axes and cans of beans), in locations the player would expect to find them inside an abandoned building]]

In June 2013, Hall commented that the alpha release of the game would be a "very bare-bones" alpha in which the development team want a relatively low number of players providing [[Bug tracking system|bug report]]s and feedback.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/06/21/interview-dean-hall-dayz-standalone-mountaineering-everest-game/ |title= Interview: Dean Hall on his next game, and when he'll stop working on DayZ |date= June 21, 2013 |access-date= June 22, 2013 |work= PC Gamer |publisher= Future plc |archive-date= June 25, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130625015339/http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/06/21/interview-dean-hall-dayz-standalone-mountaineering-everest-game/ |url-status= live }}</ref> The secondary aim of the initial alpha release is to keep the project funded for further development until the full release.<ref name="eve">{{cite news |url=http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2013/06/25/dayz-launch/ |title=How Rocket Plans To Follow EVE's Lead With DayZ |date=June 25, 2013 |access-date=June 25, 2013 |website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]] |archive-date=June 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627172601/http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2013/06/25/dayz-launch/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Hall has stated that he expects the beta release to be at least a year after that of the alpha.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.destructoid.com/dayz-standalone-alpha-released-on-steam-early-access-267580.phtml |title= DayZ Standalone alpha released on Steam Early Access |date= December 16, 2013 |access-date= December 20, 2013 |first= Jordan |last= Devore |work= Destructoid |archive-date= December 19, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131219043629/http://www.destructoid.com/dayz-standalone-alpha-released-on-steam-early-access-267580.phtml |url-status= live }}</ref> The last tasks prior to the alpha release were network optimizations, referred to as a "network bubble", which would reduce network load on the player by only loading events which occur within their vicinity.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/09/latest-dayz-video-blog-touches-on-usability-optimization/ |title= Latest DayZ video blog touches on usability, optimization |date= September 9, 2013 |access-date= September 11, 2013 |first= Jef |last= Reahard |work= Joystiq |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130913015858/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/09/latest-dayz-video-blog-touches-on-usability-optimization |archive-date= September 13, 2013 |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref name = "7Sep">{{cite AV media |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdcVPKD803E |title= DayZ Devblog 7 September 2013 |date= September 7, 2013 |access-date= September 11, 2013 |minutes= 19 |quote= The idea of this is that at the moment, in ARMA, you receive all updates for everything that happens around you... it's a great problem... we want to release with this network bubble and it's the last task remaining.}}</ref> In October, Hall stated that the development team was on the final lap of development and that the team was "100 percent focused on getting the alpha out the door."<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/23/dayz-standalone-in-steam-database-hall-says-progress-very-good/ |title= DayZ standalone in Steam database, Hall says progress 'very good' |first= Alexander |last= Sliwinski |work= Joystiq |date= October 23, 2013 |access-date= October 25, 2013 |archive-date= October 24, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131024133202/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/23/dayz-standalone-in-steam-database-hall-says-progress-very-good/ |url-status= live }}</ref> After release, the developers are focusing on server performance and stability, adding extra features such as animals and vehicles, and improving the controls and animations, among other things.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.pcgamer.com/2014/01/07/dayz-sells-875000-copies-in-three-weeks-new-development-post-outlines-priority-features/ |title= DayZ sells 875,000 copies in three weeks, new development post outlines priority features |date= January 7, 2014 |access-date= January 7, 2014 |first= Phil |last= Savage |work= [[PC Gamer]] |archive-date= January 7, 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140107194234/http://www.pcgamer.com/2014/01/07/dayz-sells-875000-copies-in-three-weeks-new-development-post-outlines-priority-features/ |url-status= live }}</ref>

Throughout the game's development, Hall posted development blogs, attended video game conventions, and uploaded gameplay videos, keeping the community up to date with the development progress.<ref name = "Devblog5">{{cite web|url = http://dayzdev.tumblr.com/post/39933141266/where-is-the-standalone-release-i-suppose-i|title = Where is the Standalone Release?|access-date = April 2, 2013|archive-date = April 2, 2013|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130402183609/http://dayzdev.tumblr.com/post/39933141266/where-is-the-standalone-release-i-suppose-i|url-status = live}}</ref><ref name = "Devblogvid1">{{cite web| title = DayZ Standalone's latest dev blog gives 15 minute video tour of new features| url = http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/02/05/dayz-standalones-latest-dev-blog-gives-15-minute-video-tour-of-new-features/| first = Phil| last = Savage| date = February 5, 2013| access-date = April 2, 2013| work = PC Gamer| publisher = Future plc| archive-date = March 13, 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130313185014/http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/02/05/dayz-standalones-latest-dev-blog-gives-15-minute-video-tour-of-new-features/| url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/04/26/dayz-standalone-rockets-hour-and-a-half-pax-east-qa-team-cast-off-shipwreck-shots/ |title= DayZ Standalone: Rocket's hour and a half PAX East Q&A, team float shipwreck screenshots |first= Phil |last= Savage |work= PC Gamer |access-date= November 28, 2013 |date= April 26, 2013 |archive-date= November 19, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131119133358/http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/04/26/dayz-standalone-rockets-hour-and-a-half-pax-east-qa-team-cast-off-shipwreck-shots |url-status= live }}</ref> The second development video showed the animation team in a [[motion capture]] session recording new animations, as well as some interviews with the development team, and the third contained a large amount of in-game footage, showing new clothing items and a new area of the map.<ref name = "Devblogvid3">{{cite web| title = DayZ dev video shows us 20 minutes of footage from the standalone| url = http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/03/10/dayz-dev-video-shows-us-20-minutes-of-footage-from-the-standalone/| first = Tom| last = Sykes| date = March 10, 2013| access-date = April 2, 2013| work = PC Gamer| publisher = Future plc| archive-date = February 18, 2014| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140218094732/http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/03/10/dayz-dev-video-shows-us-20-minutes-of-footage-from-the-standalone| url-status = live}}</ref><ref name = "Devblogvid2">{{cite web| title = DayZ Standalone's latest development update shows the finest in zombie acting| url = http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/02/22/dayz-standalones-latest-development-update-shows-the-finest-in-zombie-acting/| first = Phil| last = Savage| date = February 22, 2013| access-date = April 2, 2013| work = PC Gamer| publisher = Future plc| archive-date = March 15, 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130315175349/http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/02/22/dayz-standalones-latest-development-update-shows-the-finest-in-zombie-acting/| url-status = live}}</ref>

In March 2014, Dean Hall revealed that Bohemia Interactive had purchased a new development team, [[Cauldron (video game company)|Cauldron Studios]], whose 25 developers would be added to the ''DayZ'' development team.<ref name="march2014">{{cite web |url= http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-03-28-dayz-sales-figures-new-studio-acquisition-revealed |title= DayZ sales figures, new studio acquisition revealed |date= March 28, 2014 |access-date= March 28, 2014 |first= Tom |last= Phillips |work= Eurogamer |archive-date= March 28, 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140328225113/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-03-28-dayz-sales-figures-new-studio-acquisition-revealed |url-status= live }}</ref> At Gamescom 2014, ''DayZ'' was confirmed for the PS4 console with a release date to be determined.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.gamespot.com/articles/gamescom-2014-dayz-confirmed-for-ps4/1100-6421673/|title = Gamescom 2014: DayZ Confirmed for PS4 - GameSpot|date = August 12, 2014|access-date = October 9, 2014|archive-date = October 14, 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141014151940/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/gamescom-2014-dayz-confirmed-for-ps4/1100-6421673/|url-status = live}}</ref> During [[E3 2015]], the [[Xbox One]] version of the game was announced.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/dayz-coming-xbox-one-wheres-ps4-version/|title=DayZ is coming to Xbox One - so where's that PS4 version?|work=[[GamesRadar]]|date=June 15, 2015|access-date=June 16, 2015|archive-date=June 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617202540/http://www.gamesradar.com/dayz-coming-xbox-one-wheres-ps4-version/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Steam Workshop]] support, which grants players access to host servers, and a single-player mode of the game was also announced and will be added to the game in the future.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-06-17-dayz-adding-offline-single-player-mode|title=DayZ adding offline single-player mode|first=Robert|last=Purchese|work=[[Eurogamer]]|date=June 16, 2015|access-date=June 16, 2015|archive-date=June 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617083048/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-06-17-dayz-adding-offline-single-player-mode|url-status=live}}</ref>

When the game released from early access, Bohemia Interactive began gradually replacing the game's engine from Real Virtuality to the made in-house Enfusion engine, along with Enforce script. The game remained a hybrid engine, gradually replacing and adding certain features before using Enfusion fully.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://enfusionengine.com/|title=Enfusion Engine - Powering the future of Bohemia|website=enfusionengine.com}}</ref>

===Post-release updates===

In 2019, Bohemia Interactive released the 1.06 update. The update introduced the bear, 4 new firearms, the fishing mechanic, and the second official map, Livonia.<ref>{{cite web | title=DayZ | url=https://dayz.com/article/game-update/DayZ-Update-1-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Experimental Update 1.06 | date=November 13, 2019 | url=https://forums.dayz.com/topic/246891-experimental-update-106/ }}</ref> Livonia is a fictional, landlocked, polish-speaking country based on the Czech Republic, including its topography and climate.<ref>{{cite web | title=Livonia - Bohemia Interactive Community | url=https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Livonia }}</ref> The map first released as a [[Downloadable content|DLC]] costing $30, but was later made free for all players that owned the base game and the price of DayZ as a whole would increase to $49.99 from $40.<ref>{{cite web | title=Steam's biggest zombie survival game has final sale before price hike | date=May 21, 2024 | url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/dayz/steam-sale-price-increase }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=DayZ | url=https://dayz.com/article/game-update/DayZ-Update-125 }}</ref>

In 2024, Bohemia Interactive released the DayZ Frostline update and the third official map to the game, Sakhal. The Frostline update itself included a greater emphasis on the world temperature's effect on players throughout every map, including reworking the thermal comfort system and the need to thaw frozen food or allowing it to cool off before eating.<ref name="auto1">{{cite web | title=Experimental Update 1.26 (Change Log) | date=August 6, 2024 | url=https://forums.dayz.com/topic/263334-experimental-update-126-change-log/ }}</ref> Certain clothing items were given variants of differing insulation and style, with Sakhal spawning higher insulation and snow-oriented camouflage patterns of certain clothing. Livonia's loot economy was altered to contain summer clothing and lower insulation, and Chernarus remained a mix of both higher and lower insulation clothing.<ref name="auto">{{cite web | title=DayZ | url=https://dayz.com/article/game-update/DayZ-Frostline-Release }}</ref> The common cold was reworked, allowing the disease to progress into [[pneumonia]], which can be fatal if ignored. [[Heavy metal poisoning]] was also added as a hazard of eating unfiltered snow on the ground of Sakhal.<ref name="auto1"/> Three new animals were added, the hare, the fox, and the reindeer.<ref name="auto1"/> The new map Sakhal is set in a [[Volcanic island|volcanic polar archipelago]], with the climate frozen and most areas heavily wooded. Ice sheets surround most of the ocean around the island. Wells were replaced with water springs in the map's villages, and [[hot springs]] are also scattered throughout.<ref name="auto"/>

In June 2025, Bohemia Interactive announced the planned release of the Badlands update, introducing the fourth official map, the Nasdara Province. The area is located in the western parts of Takistan, a fictional country created by Bohemia Interactive for the ArmA series.<ref>{{cite web | title=Takistan | url=https://www.arma2.com/arma-2-co-takistan }}</ref> The new map surpasses Chernarus in size,<ref group=Note name=Note01/>  becoming the largest official DayZ map at 267&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>. The map will be priced below $25 and is planned for release in 2026.<ref>{{cite web | title=DayZ | url=https://dayz.com/article/general/DayZ-Badlands-coming-2026 }}</ref>

==Release==
The first publicly available development build was released on December 16, 2013, during the alpha development stage through [[Steam (service)|Steam]]'s Early Access program at a cheaper price than when it was fully released.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://kotaku.com/dayz-released-on-steam-1484380526 |title= DayZ Alpha Released |date= December 16, 2013 |access-date= December 16, 2013 |first= Jason |last= Schreier |work= Kotaku |archive-date= May 31, 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140531080012/http://kotaku.com/dayz-released-on-steam-1484380526 |url-status= live }}</ref> The price increased with the release of update 1.27.<ref>{{cite web | title=Steam's biggest zombie survival game has final sale before price hike | date=May 21, 2024 | url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/dayz/steam-sale-price-increase#:~:text=If%20you%27ve%20already%20bought,up%20to%20%2449.99%20%2F%20%C2%A339.99 }}</ref> The alpha release was an early access build with a large amount of the features still in progress and the development team targeting the release at an audience who wanted to be involved in what Hall called a "very barebones experience that is a platform for future development."<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/4/5176072/hall-dayz-alpha-recipe-for-disappointment-for-all-but-core-audience |title= Hall: DayZ alpha 'recipe for disappointment' for all but core audience |date= December 4, 2013 |access-date= December 4, 2013 |work= Polygon |first= Megan |last= Farokhmanesh |archive-date= December 5, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131205113912/http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/4/5176072/hall-dayz-alpha-recipe-for-disappointment-for-all-but-core-audience |url-status= live }}</ref> At [[Gamescom]] 2018, it was revealed that game would be released on the Xbox One's [[Xbox Game Preview]] on August 29, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.polygon.com/2018/8/21/17764352/dayz-xbox-one-release-date-gamescom-2018|title= DayZ coming to Xbox One on Aug. 29|date= August 21, 2018|publisher= Polygon|access-date= August 25, 2018|archive-date= August 25, 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180825143132/https://www.polygon.com/2018/8/21/17764352/dayz-xbox-one-release-date-gamescom-2018|url-status= live}}</ref> ''DayZ'' was officially released out of early access for Windows on December 13, 2018, and for the [[PlayStation 4]] and [[Xbox One]] in early 2019.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wales |first1=Matt |title=DayZ finally leaves early access next week on PC |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-12-06-dayz-finally-leaves-early-access-next-week-on-pc |website=Eurogamer |date=December 6, 2018 |access-date=December 6, 2018 |archive-date=December 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207004424/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-12-06-dayz-finally-leaves-early-access-next-week-on-pc |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| MC = XONE: 56/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dayz/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=''DayZ'' for Xbox One Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=March 10, 2020 |archive-date=June 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603130632/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/dayz |url-status=live }}</ref><br />PS4: 31/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dayz/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=''DayZ'' for PlayStation 4 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=March 10, 2020 |archive-date=June 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603130605/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/dayz |url-status=live }}</ref>
| PCGUS = 69/100<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kelly |first1=Andy |title=''DayZ'' Review |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/dayz-review/ |website=[[PC Gamer]] |date=21 December 2018 |access-date=3 October 2021 |archive-date=October 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005010423/https://www.pcgamer.com/dayz-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| PSQ = {{Rating|2|10}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=Croft |first1=Liam |title=''DayZ'' Review (PS4) |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps4/dayz |website=[[Push Square]] |date=5 June 2019 |access-date=3 October 2021 |archive-date=October 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005010425/https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps4/dayz |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}

The alpha release sold over 172,500 copies in the first 24 hours, totalling over {{USD}}5 million in sales.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamefront.com/standalone-dayz-rings-up-5-million-in-sales-in-24-hours/ |title=Standalone ''DayZ'' Rings Up $5 Million in Sales in 24 Hours |date=December 18, 2013 |access-date=December 18, 2013 |first=Mike |last=Sharkey |work=[[GameFront]] |archive-date=December 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219011732/http://www.gamefront.com/standalone-dayz-rings-up-5-million-in-sales-in-24-hours/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/12/18/day-z-early-access-has-200000-survivors-already/ |title=''Day Z'' Early Access has 200,000 survivors already |date=December 18, 2013 |access-date=December 18, 2013 |first=Tom |last=Senior |work=PC Gamer |archive-date=December 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219031339/http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/12/18/day-z-early-access-has-200000-survivors-already/ |url-status=live }}</ref> During peak sales, over 200 copies were being purchased per minute and after one week over 400,000 copies had been sold.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/207308/Standalone_DayZ_release_sees_remarkable_dayone_sales.php |title=Standalone DayZ release sees remarkable day-one sales |date=December 18, 2013 |first=Mike |last=Rose |work=Gamasutra |access-date=December 20, 2013 |archive-date=December 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221104122/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/207308/Standalone_DayZ_release_sees_remarkable_dayone_sales.php |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://za.ign.com/en/news/980/dayz-alpha-downloaded-over-400-000-times- |title=''DayZ'' alpha downloaded over 400,000 times |date=December 24, 2013 |access-date=December 24, 2013 |first=Tarryn |last=van der Byl |work=[[IGN]] Africa |archive-date=December 25, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225090037/http://za.ign.com/en/news/980/dayz-alpha-downloaded-over-400-000-times- |url-status=live }}</ref> The game reached a total of more than a million sales while remaining at the top of [[Steam (service)|Steam]]'s sales charts for two weeks in a row.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/1/14/5306916/dayz-sales-hit-one-million-milestone-shots-fired-to-the-traditional |title=''DayZ'' reaches 1M in sales, 'shots fired' against traditional publishing model |date=January 14, 2014 |access-date=January 14, 2014 |work=Polygon |first=Jenna |last=Pitcher |archive-date=January 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116070111/http://www.polygon.com/2014/1/14/5306916/dayz-sales-hit-one-million-milestone-shots-fired-to-the-traditional |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cinemablend.com/games/DayZ-Standalone-Sells-730-000-Copies-61360.html |title=''DayZ'' Standalone Sells 730,000 Copies |date=January 2, 2014 |access-date=January 4, 2014 |first=William |last=Usher |work=Cinema Blend |archive-date=January 4, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104031809/http://www.cinemablend.com/games/DayZ-Standalone-Sells-730-000-Copies-61360.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In an alpha review of ''DayZ'', Rick Lane of ''[[Eurogamer]]'' commented positively on the new additions but said that the game may not be worth the current price until more features have been added.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-12-23-dayz-alpha-review |title=''DayZ'' alpha review |date=December 23, 2013 |access-date=December 23, 2013 |first=Rick |last=Lane |work=Eurogamer |archive-date=December 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224103741/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-12-23-dayz-alpha-review |url-status=live }}</ref> On the other hand, Craig Pearson of ''[[PC Gamer]]'' said that he had good experiences in ''DayZ'' and that it was already worth the price.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2014/01/15/the-early-access-report-dayz-rust-and-7-days-to-die/ |title=The Early Access report: ''DayZ'', ''Rust'' and ''7 Days to Die'' |date=January 15, 2014 |access-date=January 15, 2014 |first=Craig |last=Pearson |work=PC Gamer |archive-date=January 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116131321/http://www.pcgamer.com/2014/01/15/the-early-access-report-dayz-rust-and-7-days-to-die/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

By May 2014, the game had sold over two million copies.<ref name="gamasutra-sales1">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/216815/DayZ_sales_remain_strong_surpass_2_million_in_4_months.php |title=''DayZ'' sales remain strong, surpass 2 million in 4 months |last=Wawro |first=Alex |date=May 1, 2014 |work=[[Gamasutra]] |publisher=[[UBM plc]] |access-date=May 1, 2014 |archive-date=May 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502032518/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/216815/DayZ_sales_remain_strong_surpass_2_million_in_4_months.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> increasing to over four million by November 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/dayz/dayz-sales-numbers|title=''DayZ'' has sold four million copies|website=PCGamesN|date=November 16, 2018|access-date=March 23, 2019|archive-date=March 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323112338/https://www.pcgamesn.com/dayz/dayz-sales-numbers|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2024, ''DayZ'' reached its peak concurrent player count for Steam at 78,739 players.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://steamcharts.com/app/221100#All|title=DayZ - Steam Charts|website=steamcharts.com}}</ref>

===Awards===
''DayZ'' won the MMORPG.com award for Best Hybrid [[Massively multiplayer online game|MMO]] at [[Penny Arcade Expo|PAX]] East 2013,<ref name="mmorpg">{{cite web |title=The PAX East 2013 Awards |url=http://www.mmorpg.com/showFeature.cfm/feature/7247/General-The-PAX-East-2013-Awards-.html |first=Garrett |last=Fuller |date=March 25, 2013 |access-date=April 2, 2013 |archive-date=March 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130329022339/http://www.mmorpg.com/showFeature.cfm/feature/7247/General-The-PAX-East-2013-Awards-.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and it was announced as the winner of [[IGN]]'s People's Choice Award of [[Gamescom]] 2013, beating 49 other games with 15% of the votes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/08/27/the-winner-of-igns-peoples-choice-award-of-gamescom-2013-is |title=The Winner of IGN's People's Choice Award of Gamescom 2013 is... |date=August 27, 2013 |first=Tom |last=Butler |work=IGN |access-date=August 27, 2013 |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725014141/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/08/27/the-winner-of-igns-peoples-choice-award-of-gamescom-2013-is |url-status=live }}</ref> At the 2014 [[Golden Joystick Awards]] ''DayZ'' won the ''Best Indie Game'' and ''Best Original Game'' awards.<ref name="r1">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-29758242|title=Golden Joysticks: ''Dark Souls II'' named game of the year|date=October 24, 2014|work=[[BBC Radio 1]]|publisher=[[BBC]]|access-date=October 24, 2014|archive-date=October 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026022952/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/29758242|url-status=live}}</ref> ''DayZ'' won the Better With Friends category in the 2019 [[Steam Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/steam-awards-2019-winners-announced/1100-6472457/|title=Steam Awards 2019 Winners Announced|last=Watts|first=Steve|date=December 31, 2019|access-date=November 30, 2024|publisher=Gamespot}}</ref>

In 2022, two UK production companies bought the film rights to create a feature film adaptation of ''DayZ''.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Lars Schmeink |date=2016 |title="Scavenge, Slay, Survive": The Zombie Apocalypse, Exploration, and Lived Experience in ''DayZ'' |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.5621/sciefictstud.43.1.0067 |journal=Science Fiction Studies |volume=43 |issue=1 |pages=67 |doi=10.5621/sciefictstud.43.1.0067 |issn=0091-7729 |access-date=November 17, 2022 |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725014213/https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5621/sciefictstud.43.1.0067 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}</ref>

===Controversies===
In August 2019, the game was briefly banned in Australia due to "illicit or proscribed drug use related to incentives or rewards", derived from one of the game's options to restore [[Health (gaming)|health]] being a [[cannabis joint]]. This option was not officially in-game, and it was only available via community-made mods.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Walker |first1=Alex |title=''DayZ'' Will Be Banned Completely In Australia |url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2019/08/dayz-pc-ps4-xbox-one-banned-completely-australia/ |website=Kotaku.au |date=August 9, 2019 |access-date=9 August 2019 |archive-date=August 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809130929/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2019/08/dayz-pc-ps4-xbox-one-banned-completely-australia/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The ban was eventually lifted after Bohemia Interactive edited the game in order to fully comply with the [[Australian Classification Board]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Walker |first1=Alex |title=''DayZ'' Is Getting Changed Worldwide Because Of Australia |url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2019/08/dayz-is-getting-changed-worldwide-because-of-australia/ |website=Kotaku.au |date=August 12, 2019 |access-date=13 August 2019 |archive-date=August 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812191220/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2019/08/dayz-is-getting-changed-worldwide-because-of-australia/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

{{Quote box
 |quote  = Did you know that 8 million users for whom we have data on Steam    played for an average of 188 hours and paid an average of 30 USD gross in #Dayz? That means we received less than 10 cents for an hour of live online gaming, for which we host the online infrastructure and have been updating it for 10+ years.

Yet Dayz Frostline is currently being review-bombed on the same platform for being too expensive: $26.99 for "just a map," and some users demand "gimme more for less money"

Hmm. [[Please Please Me (song)|Please Please me]].
 |author = Marek Spanel
 |source = @maruksp - [https://x.com/maruksp/status/1861353665455366218/ X]
 |width= 50%
}}
When the ''DayZ Frostline'' update released in October 2024, the [[Steam (service)|Steam]] page for ''DayZ'' became the target of a [[review bomb]]ing campaign due to the US$26.99<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/2968040/|title=DayZ Frostline on Steam|website=store.steampowered.com}}</ref> price for the Sakhal map being considered too expensive by players. In response, CEO of Bohemia Interactive Marek Spanel revealed on [[Twitter|X]] that the studio received less than 10 cents an hour on average for every hour of online play that 8 million users undertook, averaging about 188 hours and assuming every user paid US$30. Spanel also remarked that "nobody is forcing anyone to buy ''DayZ Frostline''; the base game is still running for all users."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/dayz-dev-uses-beatles-song-to-respond-to-players-review-bombing-27-dlc-for-being-too-expensive|title=DayZ Dev Uses Beatles Song to Respond to Players Review-Bombing $27 DLC for Being 'Too Expensive'|first=Wesley|last=Yin-Poole|date=November 26, 2024|website=IGN}}</ref>
{{clear}}

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=Note|refs=
<ref name=Note01>Chernarus is 225km<sup>2</sup>.</ref>}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Official website}}

{{Bohemia Interactive|state=expanded}}

[[Category:2018 video games]]
[[Category:Bohemia Interactive games]]
[[Category:Video games involved in controversies]]
[[Category:First-person shooter multiplayer online games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
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[[Category:Survival video games]]
[[Category:Tactical shooters]]
[[Category:Third-person shooters]]
[[Category:Video games about viral outbreaks]]
[[Category:Video games with gender-selectable protagonists]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the Czech Republic]]
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[[Category:Xbox One games]]
[[Category:Video games about zombies]]
[[Category:Video games set in Europe]]

{{Wikipedia attribution|original_title=DayZ (video game)|access_date=2026-03-02}}