DayZ Modded Server Setup (Linux + SteamCMD)

DayZ Modded Server Setup (Linux + SteamCMD)

This guide walks through standing up a modded DayZ dedicated server on Linux. DayZ's server is Steam app 223350, with workshop mods pulled via the client app 221100. Unlike many other games, the DayZ server install requires a Steam account that owns DayZ — anonymous SteamCMD login does not work for DayZ.

Step 1: Install Dependencies

On Debian/Ubuntu:

sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y lib32gcc-s1 steamcmd

Step 2: Install the DayZ Server

steamcmd +force_install_dir ~/dayz-server +login YOUR_STEAM_USER YOUR_PASSWORD +app_update 223350 +quit

You'll be prompted for Steam Guard. Enter the code from your authenticator. Steam-account-bound mode means the server install is associated with your account.

Step 3: Download Workshop Mods

Mods are downloaded via SteamCMD using +workshop_download_item. The workshop ID for DayZ is 221100 (the client app, not the server app):

steamcmd +force_install_dir ~/dayz-server \
  +login YOUR_STEAM_USER \
  +workshop_download_item 221100 1559212036 \
  +workshop_download_item 221100 1564026768 \
  +quit

The mod files end up under ~/.steam/SteamApps/workshop/content/221100/MOD_ID/. You'll need to symlink or copy them into your server's !Workshop directory (or equivalent) so the server can find them.

Step 4: Create symlinks for the mods

DayZ expects mod folders to be reachable from the server root with the @ModName prefix:

cd ~/dayz-server
ln -s ~/.steam/SteamApps/workshop/content/221100/1559212036 @CommunityFramework
ln -s ~/.steam/SteamApps/workshop/content/221100/1564026768 @CommunityOnlineTools

Pass the mod list to the server at launch via the -mod= parameter (see Step 6).

Step 5: Configure serverDZ.cfg

Edit serverDZ.cfg in your server directory. Common starter fields:

hostname = "My DayZ Server";
password = "";
passwordAdmin = "AdminPasswordHere";
maxPlayers = 60;
verifySignatures = 2;
forceSameBuild = 1;
disableVoN = 0;
respawnTime = 5;
guaranteedUpdates = 1;
loginQueueConcurrentPlayers = 5;
loginQueueMaxPlayers = 500;

Full config reference is in the official Bohemia Interactive Community Wiki — fields cover queue management, voice chat, mission rotation, and BattlEye integration.

Step 6: Launch the Server

cd ~/dayz-server
./DayZServer \
  -config=serverDZ.cfg \
  -port=2301 \
  -BEpath=battleye \
  -profiles=profiles \
  "-mod=@CommunityFramework;@CommunityOnlineTools" \
  -dologs \
  -adminlog \
  -netlog \
  -freezecheck

The -mod= parameter takes a semicolon-separated list of @ModName folders. Quote the whole argument to keep the shell from breaking on the semicolons.

Step 7: Open Required Ports

Common Modded-Server Issues

Mod Update Workflow

When mod authors push updates:

1. Stop the server
2. Re-run steamcmd +workshop_download_item 221100 MOD_ID for each mod
3. The symlink (which points to the workshop folder by mod ID, not by version) automatically picks up the new files
4. Restart the server

Players who haven't updated their workshop subscriptions will be kicked at connect with a version mismatch.

Related Reading

• DayZ BattlEye script restriction fix
• DayZ Expansion mod
• DayZ server configuration
• Official: Bohemia Interactive Community Wiki — Hosting a Linux Server

Quick Start with Supercraft

Supercraft hosts DayZ dedicated servers with the Steam-account login flow handled, mod symlinks automated, BattlEye configured, and one-click workshop mod install via the panel. Mod updates ship to your server automatically when authors push.

Rent a DayZ Server