> ## 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.

# How to Set Up a DayZ Server (First Steps)

> How to set up a DayZ server on FREAKHOSTING: set the name and admin password in Game settings, pick a map, join via the DayZ Launcher and make a backup.

To set up a DayZ server on FREAKHOSTING, open **Game settings** in the Game Panel, set the **Server name** and an **Admin password**, pick the **Map** (Chernarus, Livonia or Sakhal), click **Review and save** and start the server. Players join from the DayZ Launcher with **Servers** > **Direct Connect** and your address, for example `203.0.113.10:2302`. Make a backup before you add mods.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel pages |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 10 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING DayZ server | **Game settings**, **Console**, **Backups** |

## Before you start

* You can sign in to the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com). See [how to log in](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-login-and-access-the-game-panel.md).
* DayZ is installed on your PC through Steam.

## How to set up your DayZ server

**1. Open Game settings**

Open your server and click **Game settings** under **GAME SETTINGS** in the sidebar. This page edits `serverDZ.cfg`, the server's main config file.

**2. Name the server**

Under **Server**, set **Server name**. This is the name players see in the server list.

**3. Set an admin password**

Set **Admin password**. Without one nobody can use admin commands in game; the panel warns "No admin password" until you set it. You log in in game with `#login <password>`.

**4. Pick the map**

Under **Server**, choose **Map**: **Chernarus**, **Livonia** or **Sakhal**. Each map has its own world, so switching later starts on a different world.

**5. Optional: password and player slots**

Set **Server password** for a private server. **Player slots** shows how many players can join (64 by default).

**6. Review, save and start**

Click **Review and save**, check the changes and click **Save changes**. Start the server. DayZ servers take a minute or two to finish loading.

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

DayZ Game settings in the Game Panel

## How to join your DayZ server

**1. Copy your address**

On the **Console** page, copy the address from the address card, for example `203.0.113.10:2302`.

**2. Open the DayZ Launcher**

Start DayZ from Steam. In the launcher, click **Servers**, then **Direct Connect**.

**3. Enter the address and connect**

Enter your server's IP and port and click **Connect**. If the launcher can't find the server with the game port, try the **Query Port** shown on the **Startup** page instead.

You can also search for your server name in the launcher's server list once it has been online for a few minutes.

## Make your first backup

Open **Backups** and click **Create backup**. Do this before you add mods or edit mission files. To back up every night, set up [automatic backups](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-set-up-automatic-backups.md).

## Frequently asked questions

### Which DayZ map should I choose?

Chernarus is the original map and Livonia now comes with the base game. Sakhal is part of the Frostline DLC, so players need that DLC to join a Sakhal server. Pick one before players start building, because each map keeps its own world.

### How do I become admin on my DayZ server?

Set **Admin password** in **Game settings**, join, and type `#login <password>` in chat. See [DayZ admin commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dayz/dayz-admin-commands.md).

### How do I add mods?

Export your mod list from the DayZ Launcher and upload it, or list mod folders in **Server-side mods** or **Extra client mods**. See [how to install mods](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dayz/how-to-install-mods-on-dayz-standalone.md).

### Why can't players see my server in the list?

New servers can take a few minutes to appear. Use **Direct Connect** in the meantime and check the server finished starting in the **Console**.

## Related guides

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

> **[DayZ server settings explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dayz/dayz-server-settings-explained.md)**
>
> Every option on the Game settings page.

> **[Install mods](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dayz/how-to-install-mods-on-dayz-standalone.md)**
>
> Mod list, keys and signatures.

> **[DayZ admin commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dayz/dayz-admin-commands.md)**
>
> \#login, #kick and more.

> **[Create and restore backups](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md)**
>
> Undo mistakes.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on 30 October 2026 (DayZ stable branch on our Game Panel). Steps may differ slightly if the game or its mods change.

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### Need Extra Help?
>
> If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:
>
> * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
> * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
> * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
> * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
> Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order!

***

**Last Updated:** October 2026


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