The main server configuration file that controls server name, passwords, player limits, network settings, and core gameplay options.
The serverDZ.cfg file is required for server startup and controls server identity (name, passwords, MOTD), network configuration (ports, player limits, queue settings), gameplay rules (3rd person, crosshair, map), and security settings (BattlEye, signature verification). Located in your DayZ server's root directory.
hostname = "My DayZ Server";
password = "";
passwordAdmin = "adminpassword";
maxPlayers = 60;
verifySignatures = 2;
forceSameBuild = 1;
BattlEye = 1;
steamQueryPort = 2303;
steamPort = 2304;
port = 2302;
disable3rdPerson = 0;
disableVoN = 0;
vonCodecQuality = 20;
serverTime = "SystemTime";
serverTimeAcceleration = 1;
serverNightTimeAcceleration = 4;
respawnTime = 5;
class Missions {
class DayZ {
template = "dayzOffline.chernarusplus";
};
};Server name displayed in the server browser. Keep it descriptive but concise. Supports special characters but avoid excessive formatting.
Server password required to join. Leave empty ("") for public servers. Players must enter this password to connect.
Admin password for RCON access and in-game admin commands. Use a strong, unique password different from the server password.
Maximum concurrent players. Typical values: 40-60 for standard servers, 80-100 for high-performance hardware. Higher counts require more server resources.
Main game port for client connections. Default: 2302. Must be open in firewall and forwarded if behind NAT.
Steam server browser query port. Default: 2303. Required for server to appear in Steam server browser.
Steam networking port. Default: 2304. Used for Steam authentication and VAC.
Enable BattlEye anti-cheat (0=off, 1=on). Strongly recommended to keep enabled. Disabling allows cheaters and may get your server delisted.
File signature verification level. 0=off, 1=relaxed, 2=full. Use 2 for maximum security. Lower values may allow modified files.
Require clients to have the same game version (0=off, 1=on). Keep enabled to prevent version mismatch issues.
Disable third-person view (0=enabled, 1=disabled). First-person only servers are popular for hardcore PvP as it prevents corner peeking.
Disable voice over network (0=enabled, 1=disabled). Keep enabled for player interaction. Some servers disable for roleplay with external voice apps.
Seconds before respawn button becomes available after death. Default: 5. Higher values discourage combat logging and suicide respawning.
Initial server time. Use "SystemTime" for real time, or "YYYY/MM/DD/HH/MM" format for specific time. Example: "2024/06/15/12/00" for noon.
Daytime speed multiplier. 1=real time, 2=twice as fast. Higher values create shorter day cycles. Common: 1-4 for balanced gameplay.
Nighttime speed multiplier. Set higher than day acceleration to shorten nights. Common: 4-8 for servers that want shorter dark periods.
The Missions class defines which map your server runs. Common templates:
Chernarus (default)
Livonia (DLC)
Namalsk (mod)
Esseker (mod)
Always backup your serverDZ.cfg before making changes. Use a strong, unique passwordAdmin that differs from your server password. For multiple servers on the same machine, increment all three ports (port, steamQueryPort, steamPort) by the same amount. Test configuration changes on a staging server first, and remember that some settings require a server restart to take effect.