Define spawn limits for item categories in your DayZ server. Control the maximum number of items per category to balance gameplay and optimize server performance.
The cfgLimitsDefinition.xml file defines global spawn limits for different item categories. It controls the maximum number of items per category that can exist in the world, helps maintain balance between loot types, and optimizes server performance by limiting total item counts.
The file contains <categories> to define available categories and <limits> to set maximum counts.
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="yes"?>
<lists>
<categories>
<category name="weapons" />
<category name="magazines" />
<category name="food" />
<category name="tools" />
<category name="clothes" />
</categories>
<limits>
<limit name="weapons" value="120" />
<limit name="magazines" value="250" />
<limit name="food" value="400" />
<limit name="clothes" value="500" />
</limits>
</lists>The name of the category. This must exactly match the category names used in types.xml for items to be properly tracked against limits.
The name of the category to apply the limit to. Must match a category defined in the categories section.
The maximum number of items in this category that can exist in the world at once. When reached, no more items of this category will spawn until some are removed.
The cfgLimitsDefinition.xml file works in conjunction with types.xml to control item spawning. Items in types.xml are assigned to categories using the <category> tag, and this file sets global limits for each category.
Items in types.xml reference categories defined here. Each item can belong to one category that determines which limit applies.
When the server spawns items, it checks category limits. If a limit is reached, no more items of that category spawn until some are removed.
Individual item limits (nominal values in types.xml) still apply, but category limits provide an additional global constraint across all items in that category.
Lower limits reduce server load by limiting total item counts. Higher limits allow more items but may impact performance on busy servers.
Firearms, melee weapons
Ammo magazines
Weapon attachments
Food and drinks
Tools and equipment
Backpacks, cases
Clothing items
Vehicle components
Standard limits for a typical survival experience
<lists>
<categories>
<category name="weapons" />
<category name="magazines" />
<category name="food" />
<category name="tools" />
<category name="clothes" />
<category name="containers" />
</categories>
<limits>
<limit name="weapons" value="150" />
<limit name="magazines" value="300" />
<limit name="food" value="500" />
<limit name="tools" value="400" />
<limit name="clothes" value="600" />
<limit name="containers" value="200" />
</limits>
</lists>Calculate your category limits by summing the nominal values of all items in that category from types.xml, then add a buffer of 10-20%. This ensures the economy can function properly while maintaining the intended item distribution. Use server logs to monitor which categories hit their limits frequently and adjust accordingly.