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DayZ

DayZ Game Cover
65%Game Brain Score
gameplay, graphics
stability, optimization
74% User Score Based on 205,833 reviews
Critic Score 20%Based on 1 reviews

Platforms

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DayZ Game Cover

About

DayZ is a multiplayer open world role playing shooter game with horror, drama, warfare, thriller and others themes. It was developed by TheDiscountManReturns and was released on December 13, 2018. It received negative reviews from critics and mostly positive reviews from players.

How long can you survive a post-apocalyptic world? A land overrun with an infected "zombie" population, where you compete with other survivors for limited resources. Will you team up with strangers and stay strong together? Or play as a lone wolf to avoid betrayal? This is DayZ – this is your story.

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DayZ screenshot
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+19
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74%
Audience ScoreBased on 205,833 reviews
gameplay2k positive mentions
stability9k negative mentions
  • DayZ offers a deeply immersive and complex survival experience with realistic mechanics like hunger, thirst, sickness, and detailed weapon handling that reward mastery and create tense, emergent gameplay.
  • The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its bleak, authentic post-apocalyptic setting, enhanced by haunting visuals, eerie sound design, dynamic weather, and unpredictable player interactions.
  • The vibrant modding community and player-driven scenarios provide unparalleled replayability, making each playthrough unique and extending the game's longevity despite base game limitations.
  • The game suffers from outdated and inconsistent graphics that feel clunky and subpar compared to modern titles, requiring powerful PCs but still plagued by optimization issues, glitches, and low performance.
  • Gameplay often feels slow, repetitive, and grind-heavy, with tedious resource gathering and punishing mechanics that can frustrate new and casual players, exacerbated by frequent bugs, server lag, and technical instability.
  • DayZ's development is criticized for slow progress, persistent bugs, and problematic monetization policies including overpriced DLC and cash grab tactics, leading to a frustrating experience overshadowed by crashes and poor optimization.
  • stability
    9,196 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    DayZ remains plagued by persistent bugs, glitches, and technical issues even after years of development, resulting in frequent crashes, performance drops, and frustrating gameplay interruptions. Vehicles and zombies are particularly cited for buggy behavior, detracting from immersion and enjoyment. Despite its stability improvements and strong survival mechanics, the game's buggy nature and occasional server problems continue to annoy players, making the experience rewarding mostly for those who tolerate imperfections or play on modded servers.

    • “Graphics and gameplay are excellent and smooth with little to no glitches or errors even on the heaviest modded servers.”
    • “The game has gotten very stable over the years and is not that buggy anymore.”
    • “The gameplay is now smooth and bug free, with mods integrating into the game perfectly.”
    • “The technical side also leaves much to be desired; bugs, glitches, and server instability are still frequent issues, which can cause frustration, especially during long play sessions.”
    • “I maintain 60 to 70 fps at 4k but the game constantly drops to 5 to 10fps or freezes for 10 to 20 seconds at times.”
    • “The game is buggy, with constant crashes, frustrating glitches, and poor optimization that makes it almost unplayable at times.”
  • gameplay
    8,633 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    DayZ offers a deeply immersive and complex survival experience defined by its realistic mechanics—such as managing hunger, thirst, sickness, and detailed weapon handling—that demand patience and learning but reward mastery with tense, emergent gameplay. While its vast open world and player-driven interactions create unique and memorable encounters, the gameplay can feel slow, clunky, and punishing, especially for newcomers, with frequent bugs, outdated mechanics, and server issues somewhat hindering the overall flow. The modding community significantly enhances gameplay variety and quality, often providing smoother, more tailored experiences beyond the challenging yet rewarding core survival loop.

    • “The survival mechanics are granular enough to be engaging — hunger, thirst, disease, temperature — but not so intrusive that they turn into busywork.”
    • “The core gameplay of dayz revolves around survival mechanics, including scavenging for resources, managing health and stamina, and interacting with other players.”
    • “Every life becomes a story, every player encounter feels dangerous, and the survival mechanics (hunger, sickness, weather, medical system, gunplay) are deep and incredibly immersive.”
    • “After several hundred hours, the game’s underlying mechanics finally begin to reveal themselves—mostly to confirm that the experience consists overwhelmingly of running.”
    • “From launch day to today, the game is still plagued by mostly the same issues: desync, server lag, broken mechanics, and a myriad of glitches that make gameplay a nightmare.”
    • “The game is a fast yet slow gameplay; it can be a grueling game when you don't understand the mechanics, but if you stick with it and learn, it's easily one of the best survival games out there.”
  • graphics
    4,424 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game are often described as dated and subpar, especially compared to modern standards and similar titles, though they have improved significantly since earlier versions and the mod, offering immersive and atmospheric visuals. Many users note the game requires a powerful PC to run smoothly at high settings, with optimization issues leading most players to use low or medium graphics. Despite some graphical glitches and bugs, the game's detailed environments and lighting contribute strongly to its bleak, realistic survival atmosphere.

    • “The graphics are stunning, and the gameplay is so much fun especially for a game that's still in alpha testing.”
    • “The graphics are a beautiful blend of bleak and breathtaking.”
    • “The graphics and sound design in dayz are breathtaking.”
    • “This game may have great systems of gameplay but it is hidden behind clunky controls and graphics that could be a Half-Life 1 mod.”
    • “Dont even get me started on the graphics. It felt like I was playing on a PS2. Has to be one of the worst experiences ever.”
    • “The graphics show that! (implying very poor graphical quality).”
  • optimization
    3,275 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    DayZ has struggled with poor optimization and frequent performance issues throughout its long development, resulting in low FPS, stuttering, and crashes even on high-end PCs. Although recent updates and engine overhauls have significantly improved stability and frame rates, especially outside of dense urban areas, the game still suffers from inconsistent performance, bugs, and server lag, particularly in populated zones. Overall, while DayZ has become more playable, continued optimization work is essential for a smoother and more enjoyable experience.

    • “Performance is solid too.”
    • “The developers have addressed numerous bugs and optimized the game to run more smoothly across various systems.”
    • “Performance is at an all-time peak, the game is surprisingly optimized compared to its prior 'broken' feeling.”
    • “This game is horribly optimized and even if it was a dollar it still wouldn't be worth the crashes and overheating issues or that it's just a waste of money steam won't give you back unless you figure out it makes your PC crash in less than two hours.”
    • “It's genuinely unacceptable how badly optimized this game is, and how little effort the devs put in to making it more stable.”
    • “Oh and don't forget the constant crashes, needing to validate your game files every 3 hours because files randomly disappear, and each server needing to restart every hour cause of how poorly optimized this game is.”
  • story
    2,467 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    DayZ lacks a traditional, scripted storyline or quests, instead focusing on emergent, player-driven narratives where every life and encounter creates a unique survival story. The game's expansive open world and organic interactions with other players form its core appeal, offering intense, unpredictable experiences that players must craft themselves through decisions and cooperation or conflict. While some players appreciate this freedom and emergent storytelling, others find the absence of structured missions and direction frustrating, highlighting a polarizing reception based on player preference for narrative guidance versus sandbox survival.

    • “Rather than guiding players with scripted missions or artificial progression systems, it delivers something far more powerful: genuine, unscripted human stories born from tension, scarcity, and survival instinct.”
    • “Every life feels like its own story — from scrambling to find food and basic gear to tense encounters with other players where you’re never sure if they’ll help you or shoot you.”
    • “Dayz is one of those rare survival games where every play session feels like a story of its own — the tension of scavenging for food and meds, the fear of every shadow that might be a player with a gun, the moments of uneasy friendship that can turn into betrayal in a heartbeat, and when you finally find that elusive base loot it feels genuinely meaningful, but it’s also rough around the edges, with occasional bugs, long travel times, and a steep learning curve that can frustrate newer players, yet through all that it’s the unpredictability and emergent stories that keep me coming back, because no other game makes me care this much about every decision and every encounter in a post-apocalyptic world.”
    • “The game lacks a storyline, which I knew going in, but still wanted to give it a try.”
    • “No missions, no objectives, no traditional approach to anything. The game is very simple, your only goal is to survive.”
    • “The absence of any storyline and game related missions leaves players unenthused and confused.”
  • humor
    1,620 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in DayZ primarily arises from its unpredictable player interactions, unexpected glitches, and bizarre in-game scenarios, which players often find hilarious and memorable, especially when playing with friends. Cannibalism-related effects, bugs causing funny animations, and intense yet absurd PvP moments contribute to the game's unique comedic charm despite its frustrating elements. However, the humor can be polarizing, as some find the game's bugs and slow development less amusing over time.

    • “Random encounters can be hilarious, terrifying, or deeply emotional.”
    • “The player-to-player interactions are some of the best, making for hilarious memories.”
    • “The social interactions, be they friendly or otherwise, are as varied as they are hilarious.”
    • “It's not only hard to get used to it, but even when you do, it's barren and unfunny.”
    • “Edit: 2 years later, the game is still the same, nothing has changed, it's buggy, not funny, no improvements, nothing. It's just trash, and I gave 20 € away for this crap.”
    • “Not a good game, looked promising but right now it's not good, too many bugs, not funny, too boring.”
  • atmosphere
    991 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    DayZ is widely praised for its intense, immersive, and unparalleled atmosphere that captures the bleak, tense, and authentic post-apocalyptic survival experience. The combination of haunting visuals, dynamic weather, eerie sound design, vast open-world settings, and unpredictable player interactions creates a gripping sense of isolation, suspense, and realism unmatched by other survival games. Despite technical flaws and clunky mechanics, the atmosphere remains the game's defining strength, drawing players into a hauntingly believable and emotional journey.

    • “Set in the hauntingly atmospheric post-Soviet landscape of Chernarus, DayZ creates an environment that feels bleak, authentic, and intensely immersive.”
    • “The atmosphere is unmatched: the sound design is eerie, the map is huge and full of hidden details, and the survival mechanics feel rewarding once you learn them.”
    • “The atmosphere is incredibly immersive, with quiet moments, sudden chaos, and a constant feeling that anything can happen at any time.”
    • “Although there is some atmosphere if you appreciate endless emptiness and despair, the game also suffers serious technical errors spoiling the fun.”
    • “The atmosphere is just awful and the animations are clunky; even the graphics look old to me. It's just not for me.”
    • “Cheaters ruin the game atmosphere very fast.”
  • grinding
    959 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Grinding in the game is widely described as extremely time-consuming, tedious, and often frustrating, with players spending hours gathering resources, farming, and building only to lose everything quickly, especially due to PvP encounters or bugs. While the realistic survival mechanics and slow-paced gameplay appeal to a niche of hardcore players who enjoy endurance and detailed management, many find the repetitiveness and clunky systems detract from overall fun, making it feel more like a grinding or farming simulator than an action-packed survival game. Playing with friends or on modded servers can alleviate some grind-related tedium, but the experience remains challenging and not suited for casual players.

    • “A bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “One long, tedious grind.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “The mechanics implemented for 'survival' are mostly just dumb, grindy, and not very realistic.”
    • “It just gets old grinding for hours getting to late early game only to be shot by the first person you come across every single time.”
  • monetization
    480 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's monetization is widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, with numerous complaints about overpriced DLC, slow development, and misleading advertising. While it avoids microtransactions and monthly fees, many feel the developers prioritize profit over meaningful updates or fixing core issues. Despite some praise for free content and lack of microtransactions, the overall sentiment is that the game exploits early access status to extract money without delivering a polished experience.

    • “It never stops innovating in its workshop and gives countless possibilities free of any kind of microtransactions or additional fees to this day!”
    • “Still no microtransactions, free updates and great content!!!”
    • “No microtransactions”
    • “Adding one or two guns every year isn't developing. Most bugs from the early access days are still present, and instead of working on features we've asked for like an overhaul to the AI and many other things, they decide to release a cash grab DLC based on an already made map and reused assets, pricing it at the cost of a full game. Bohemia, wake up! You are smothering your own game to death with scummy tactics and slow development. Give us new vehicles and other stuff that isn't locked behind paid DLC. This is genuinely disheartening to see.”
    • “It's an outrageous cash grab, preying on new players who are unaware of the game's deep-rooted issues.”
    • “With recent price hikes and cash grabs in the form of DLC, I cannot in good conscience recommend this game anymore.”
  • emotional
    471 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    DayZ delivers a uniquely intense emotional experience, blending heartwarming camaraderie with brutal betrayals and relentless survival challenges that deeply engage players. Its unforgiving gameplay creates a rollercoaster of emotions—from joy and attachment to despair and heartbreak—making every encounter and loss memorable and visceral. Despite technical flaws and player toxicity, the game's emergent stories and raw human interactions offer profound emotional impact rarely matched in other games.

    • “And yet, despite being frustrating, unforgiving, occasionally buggy, and emotionally abusive, DayZ creates stories no other game can replicate.”
    • “Few titles generate this level of tension, immersion, and emotional impact.”
    • “For those who embrace it, DayZ is unforgettable, emotionally powerful, and unlike any other game.”
  • music
    370 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's ambient soundtrack and sound effects are widely praised for enhancing immersion and atmosphere, creating a tense and haunting survival experience. While some appreciate the recent additions of ambient music and menu themes as fitting and mood-setting, others criticize the lack of a full in-game soundtrack or find certain music choices distracting or poorly integrated. Overall, the music is seen as a strong atmospheric element, though opinions vary on its execution and the developers' handling of soundtrack-related content and DLC compensation.

    • “Has one of the best ambient soundtracks.”
    • “The atmospheric music perfectly captures the game's ambiance, heightening tension in critical moments and providing an engaging backdrop during exploration.”
    • “The background music adds a soothing and calm vibe to the game, helping to enjoy it even further.”
    • “As someone who bought the Livonia DLC, I was very disappointed to receive only a soundtrack as compensation when Livonia was made free to everyone. The soundtrack felt like a cheap consolation for a $14+ DLC map, and most players who understand the value won't even buy it.”
    • “The developers did a massive injustice to previous supporters by giving away their first paid DLC for free and only compensating buyers with a limited soundtrack. This stingy approach makes no real amends for those who already paid cash for the map.”
    • “There is only music in the main menu, with none during actual gameplay, which detracts from immersion. Additionally, the music options are limited, and players cannot disable loud background music, making some moments frustrating and unenjoyable.”
  • replayability
    343 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    DayZ is widely praised for its immense replayability, largely driven by its dynamic survival scenarios, player interactions, and especially the vibrant modding community that creates a near-endless variety of gameplay experiences. While the base game can feel repetitive or less playable at times due to bugs and slow development, recent updates and community mods have significantly enhanced its longevity and freshness, making each playthrough feel unique. Overall, players find DayZ highly replayable, with virtually infinite replay value when including modded servers and evolving game content.

    • “Mods and community servers make it endlessly replayable, and no two lives are ever the same.”
    • “Unparalleled replayability: modding provides a virtually limitless amount of content and gameplay variety.”
    • “The constant struggle for survival, combined with the potential for unexpected alliances and emergent storytelling, makes DayZ an addictive and endlessly replayable game.”
    • “I don’t think it has a lot of replayability.”
    • “The game has no replayability, the content is too short.”
    • “The replayability is nearly non-existent, all you do is loot and do your best to keep hold of your loot until you either die or get killed.”
  • character development
    18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Reviews on character development in the game are mixed, with some praising its deep, complex portrayal of human behavior and customization options, while others criticize the lack of a meaningful leveling system and immersive progression. The game's unique and unpredictable character interactions contribute to a strong survival experience, though technical issues and limited traditional development elements somewhat hinder player investment. Overall, it offers promising character design variety and evolving gameplay dynamics, especially compared to similar titles.

    • “Now at this point the game has proven to be a contender of best game of the year or even best game of all time, but even through the character development and art, DayZ shows a complex knowledge of the way a human acts, erratically and randomly.”
    • “In all the game shows a deep understanding of character development, art, and the human mind, making it a commentary on society with messages as powerful as those in media not shown before, only in movies such as Schindler’s List, even there the power of the message is diluted with the use of Liam Neeson as an actor.”
    • “This has to be the best game I've played in the zombie genre; it has such character development, awesome community, and great gameplay features including great mods by the community to make your experience more fun and refreshing.”
    • “The game does not offer any meaningful character development or leveling system, which can make it difficult to stay invested in the game.”
    • “No character development.”
    • “Let me be honest with you though, there really are only a small amount of problems in this game, but the problems that do exist are almost game breaking (huge level clipping that can cause instant death, weapons not loading in your hands or inventory when you need them too, zombies glitching through objects or you with zero physics added to their models, spawning into a server deep even after hours of character development, and a few more small ones that are being worked out.)”
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20%Critics’ scoreBased on 1 critic reviews
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65h Median play time
517h Average play time
8-450h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 1,442 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

DayZ is a open world role playing shooter game with horror, drama, warfare, thriller and others themes.

DayZ is available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and others.

On average players spend around 517 hours playing DayZ.

DayZ was released on December 13, 2018.

DayZ was developed by TheDiscountManReturns.

DayZ has received negative reviews from players and negative reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its stability.

DayZ is a multiplayer game with local co-op support.

Similar games include DayZ, Miscreated, Project Zomboid, SCUM, Stay Out and others.