On PC, mods are a huge part of DayZ. They can add vehicles, guns, trader zones, bigger base building, map changes and whole new systems. Mods are distributed through the Steam Workshop, and you do not install them one by one — you join a modded server and its mods load with it.
Joining a modded server
- Open DayZ and go to the Community server tab, or use the DZSA Launcher, which many players prefer for modded servers.
- Pick a server; the game shows which mods it requires.
- Let the required mods download and subscribe from the Workshop (DZSA automates this).
- The game restarts with those mods loaded and connects you. Your modded character is saved on that server.
What mods commonly add
- Expansion-type mods — vehicles, a map/GPS, markers, missions and more.
- Trader zones — safe areas to buy and sell gear for in-game currency.
- Extra base building — more pieces and stronger structures.
- More guns, gear and clothing, and quality-of-life tweaks.
Console cannot use mods
Only PC supports Steam Workshop mods. Xbox and PlayStation "community" servers are vanilla with config changes, not custom mods — this is one of the main PC vs console differences. If you run a server, our owner guides and free tools cover editing the server files that are available on console.
