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Vanilla DayZ has no traders, so a trader server needs a mod. The two common choices are DayZ Expansion Market (part of DayZ-Expansion-Bundle, Workshop ID 2572328470 as a single module) and TraderPlus by TheDmitri. With Expansion Market you place trader NPCs with .map files in mpmissions/<mission>/expansion/traders/, define each trader’s items in profiles/ExpansionMod/Traders/ and set categories and currencies in profiles/ExpansionMod/Market/. This guide uses Expansion Market as the example.

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Before you start

  • Install DayZ Expansion and merge its mission files, including the expansion folder with objects and traders. See install DayZ Expansion.
  • Start the server once so Expansion writes its settings, then stop it before you edit.
  • Make a backup in Backups.

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How to set up an Expansion trader

1

Decide what the trader sells

In Files, open profiles/ExpansionMod/Traders/. Each JSON file is one trader type. Copy an existing file and rename it, for example MyWeaponTrader.json.
2

Edit the trader file

Set DisplayName, the Currencies it accepts, the Categories it shows and the Items it trades (see the table below).
3

Place the trader in the world

Open mpmissions/<mission>/expansion/traders/ and create or edit a .map file. Add one line per trader:
TraderFileName is the trader JSON name without .json, for example MyWeaponTrader. Position is x y z, where y is the height.
4

Start and test

Start the server, go to the position and talk to the trader.

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Expansion trader file fields

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Tips for a working trader economy

  • Players need a way to earn currency. Make sure the currency item can spawn or be earned, for example through types.xml or quests.
  • Static NPC traders cost less performance than AI traders.
  • Every JSON file must be valid: one missing comma stops it loading. Check Logs after a restart.

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Frequently asked questions

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Does DayZ have traders without mods?

No. Traders and money come from mods.

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Where are the trader settings in DayZ Expansion?

Traders in profiles/ExpansionMod/Traders/, categories and currencies in profiles/ExpansionMod/Market/, NPC positions in mpmissions/<mission>/expansion/traders/.

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Can I use TraderPlus instead?

Yes. Install it like any mod and follow its own documentation for configs and NPC placement. Don’t run two trader systems at once.

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Do players need the trader mod?

Yes. Trader mods are client mods; the DayZ Launcher offers to download them.

DayZ server guide

Every DayZ page in one place.

Install DayZ Expansion

Mods and mission files.

types.xml loot

Control item spawns.

VPP Admin Tools

Find positions in game.
Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team on 30 October 2026 (DayZ stable branch on our Game Panel). Trader file format checked against the DayZ Expansion wiki on 30 October 2026.

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Need Extra Help?

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Last Updated: October 2026