DayZ Server Mod Installation Guide

Mods are what make DayZ servers unique. Whether you're adding new weapons, base building systems, stat tracking, or quality-of-life improvements, the process for installing them is the same. This guide covers everything you need to know.

How DayZ Server Mods Work

DayZ uses the Steam Workshop for mod distribution. As a server admin, you:

1. Subscribe to mods on the Workshop

2. Download them to your server

3. Add them to your launch parameters

4. Manage key files for client verification

There are two types of mods:

• Client mods (-mod=): Players must also have these installed to connect
• Server mods (-servermod=): Run server-side only, players don't need them

Step-by-Step: Installing a Mod

Find the mod on the Steam Workshop and click Subscribe. Note the Workshop ID — it's the number in the URL:

steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3683623007
                                                ^^^^^^^^^^
                                                Workshop ID

If you're running a dedicated server on your own machine:

Use SteamCMD to download the mod:

steamcmd +login your_username +workshop_download_item 221100 WORKSHOP_ID +quit

The mod downloads to your Steam workshop content folder. Copy (or symlink) the mod folder to your DayZ server directory and rename it to match the mod name (e.g., @ModName).

If you're using a hosting provider (Nitrado, GTX, etc.):

Most providers have a mod manager in their control panel. Search for the mod by name or Workshop ID and click Install.

For server-side mods:

-servermod=@ModName

For client-required mods:

-mod=@ModName

Multiple mods are separated by semicolons:

-mod=@Mod1;@Mod2 -servermod=@ServerMod1;@ServerMod2

Client mods include .bikey files in their keys/ folder. Copy these into your server's keys/ directory. This lets the server verify that connecting players have the correct mod versions.

Server-side mods don't need key files.

Restart your server. Check the RPT log (in your profiles directory) for any errors. Common things to look for:

Mod @ModName loaded successfully

If you see errors about missing files or PBOs, the mod may not have downloaded correctly.

Mod Load Order

DayZ loads mods in the order they appear in your launch parameters. Most of the time this doesn't matter, but if two mods modify the same game class, load order can cause conflicts.

General rules:

• Load framework/dependency mods first (e.g., Community Framework)
• Load content mods after their dependencies
• Server-side mods can usually go in any order

Troubleshooting

Players can't connect after adding a mod

• Make sure the mod is in -mod= (not -servermod=) if players need it
• Verify the .bikey file is in the server's keys/ folder
• Check that players have subscribed to the mod on Workshop

Mod not loading

• Check RPT logs for errors
• Verify the mod folder name matches exactly (including the @ prefix)
• Make sure the PBO files are in the correct subfolder structure

Server crashes on startup

• Try removing mods one at a time to isolate the conflict
• Check for mod updates — outdated mods often crash after DayZ patches
• Verify your server is running the same DayZ version as the mod requires

Recommended Server-Side Mods

Here are some useful server-side mods that don't require players to install anything:

• Rankly Stats — Full leaderboard, player stats, achievements, and kill tracking. Set up in 5 minutes.
• Admin Tools — Server management and moderation tools
• Server Performance Monitor — Track server FPS and performance metrics

Server-side mods are the easiest way to enhance your server without adding friction for players.