> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# DayZ serverDZ.cfg Explained: Every Server Setting

> DayZ serverDZ.cfg explained: every Game settings option, from server name and admin password to time speed, third person and signatures, with config keys.

`serverDZ.cfg` is the main DayZ server config file: it holds the server name, passwords, player slots, map, time speed, view and voice rules, and security options. On FREAKHOSTING you edit it on the **Game settings** page, which groups every option into **Server**, **Gameplay**, **Time and light**, **Security and limits** and **Mods**. The server reads the file when it starts, so restart after saving.

| Item | Detail |
| - | - |
| File | `serverDZ.cfg` in the main folder |
| Panel page | **Game settings** under **GAME SETTINGS** |
| When changes apply | After a restart |
| Raw file | **serverDZ.cfg: open the raw file** link on the same page |

## How the Game settings page works

* **Search settings** finds an option by name; **All** / **Changed** shows only what you changed.
* **Presets** fill in several settings at once: **Hardcore** (first person only, no crosshair, darker nights) and **Casual** (third person on, brighter nights, faster days). Nothing is saved until you review and save.
* **Show advanced settings (8)** shows the **Security and limits** group.
* Badges: **STARTUP** means the value is saved as a startup variable, **CAREFUL** marks options that can stop the server or hide your world, and **Default** resets one option.
* **Review and save** shows exactly what will change; **Discard** throws your edits away.

![DayZ Game settings page in the FREAKHOSTING Game Panel showing the Server group, presets and Review and save](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/4h1IkXVQmzT6o2no/images/games/dayz/dayz-game-settings.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=4h1IkXVQmzT6o2no\&q=85\&s=626c9982cd6cf4943d42776a6862119f)

The DayZ Game settings page

## Server settings

| Setting | `serverDZ.cfg` key | What it does |
| - | - | - |
| **Server name** | `hostname` | The name in the server list. |
| **Server password** | `password` | Password to join. Empty means public. |
| **Admin password** | `passwordAdmin` | Password for in-game admin commands (`#login`). |
| **Player slots** | `maxPlayers` | Most players at once (64 by default). |
| **Whitelist** | `enableWhitelist` | Only players on the whitelist can join. See [whitelisting](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dayz/whitelisting-players-on-dayz.md). |
| **Message of the day interval** | `motdInterval` | Seconds between messages (60). The lines are edited in the file. |
| **Map** | `template` | The mission to load, `<mission>.<map>`. A mission that isn't installed stops the server from starting. |
| **Instance id** | `instanceId` | Names the world's storage folder. Changing it points the server at another folder, so the current world isn't loaded. |

![DayZ Map setting in Game settings with Chernarus, Livonia and Sakhal options](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/4h1IkXVQmzT6o2no/images/games/dayz/dayz-game-settings-map.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=4h1IkXVQmzT6o2no\&q=85\&s=0d774b3218b04a16f60cdbbdaf93d094)

The Map setting: Chernarus, Livonia or Sakhal

## Gameplay settings

| Setting | `serverDZ.cfg` key | What it does |
| - | - | - |
| **Voice chat off** | `disableVoN` | Turns in-game voice off. |
| **Voice quality** | `vonCodecQuality` | Voice codec quality; higher is better (20 by default). |
| **Third person off** | `disable3rdPerson` | First person only. |
| **Crosshair off** | `disableCrosshair` | Hides the crosshair. |
| **Personal light off** | `disablePersonalLight` | Turns off the faint light around each player at night (on by default, so the light is off). |

## Time and light settings

| Setting | `serverDZ.cfg` key | What it does |
| - | - | - |
| **Starting time** | `serverTime` | `SystemTime` or a fixed date and time as `YYYY/MM/DD/HH/MM`. |
| **Time speed** | `serverTimeAcceleration` | 0 to 24; 12 means a day lasts two hours. |
| **Night time speed** | `serverNightTimeAcceleration` | 0.1 to 64; speeds up nights only. |
| **Keep the time between restarts** | `serverTimePersistent` | Saves the in-game time instead of resetting it. |
| **Darker nights** | `lightingConfig` | Darker nights instead of brighter ones. |

## Security and limits (advanced)

| Setting | `serverDZ.cfg` key | What it does |
| - | - | - |
| **Verify mod signatures** | `verifySignatures` | Only `2` is supported; `0` turns the check off and lets players join with modified game files. |
| **Same game version only** | `forceSameBuild` | Only players on the server's game version can join. |
| **Speed-hack detection** | — | 1 is strict, 10 is lenient. |
| **Highest ping** | — | The highest ping allowed, in milliseconds. |
| **Logins handled at once** | `loginQueueConcurrentPlayers` | Players processed at the same time while logging in. |
| **Login queue length** | `loginQueueMaxPlayers` | Most players that can wait in the login queue. |
| **Repair damaged storage** | `storageAutoFix` | Replaces corrupted persistence files when the server starts. |

## Mods

**Server-side mods** and **Extra client mods** take mod folders as written in the Steam Workshop, separated by semicolons, for example `@CF;@VPPAdminTools`. Extra client mods are added to the ones from your mod list file. See [how to install mods](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dayz/how-to-install-mods-on-dayz-standalone.md).

## What is not on the Game settings page

| What | Where |
| - | - |
| Stamina, base building, map options | `cfggameplay.json` in the mission folder. See [unlimited stamina](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dayz/configuring-unlimited-stamina.md). |
| Loot amounts | `db/types.xml` in the mission folder. See [types.xml](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dayz/configuring-typesxml-for-loot-spawns-in-dayz.md). |
| `enableCfgGameplayFile` and other keys | **serverDZ.cfg: open the raw file**. |
| Mod list file, RCON password, extra start options | The **Startup** page. |

## Frequently asked questions

### Where is serverDZ.cfg?

In your server's main folder. Use **Game settings**, or the **serverDZ.cfg: open the raw file** link for keys the page doesn't show.

### How do I make days longer or shorter in DayZ?

Change **Time speed**. `1` is real time; `12` makes a full day last two hours. Use **Night time speed** to shorten nights only.

### Do I need to restart after changing settings?

Yes. The panel tells you when the server is running and the changes apply after a restart.

### Can I undo a change?

Before saving, click **Discard**, or **Default** on one setting. After saving, restore an older version from the file's history in the File Manager or from **Backups**.

## Related guides

> **[DayZ server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dayz/dayz-server-hosting-guide.md)**
>
> Every DayZ page in one place.

> **[Getting started](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dayz/getting-started-with-your-dayz-server.md)**
>
> First setup and joining.

> **[Mission files and maps](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dayz/setting-up-dayz-server-mission-files.md)**
>
> Chernarus, Livonia, Sakhal and modded maps.

> **[Unlimited stamina](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dayz/configuring-unlimited-stamina.md)**
>
> cfggameplay.json settings.

> **[Configure startup variables](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-configure-startup-variables.md)**
>
> The Startup page.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on 30 October 2026 (DayZ stable branch on our Game Panel). Config keys checked against the [Bohemia Interactive wiki](https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/DayZ:Server_Configuration) on 30 October 2026.

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### Need Extra Help?
>
> If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:
>
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> * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)

> [!TIP]
>
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>
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***

**Last Updated:** October 2026


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