Many DayZ server configs use XML, not JSON.
If that's the case, here’s a companion feature to parse them:
import xml.etree.ElementTree as ET
import glob
import os
def parse_dayz_types_xml(xml_path):
"""Parse DayZ types.xml for loot items."""
tree = ET.parse(xml_path)
root = tree.getroot()
items = []
for type_elem in root.findall("type"):
name = type_elem.get("name")
nominal = type_elem.find("nominal")
lifetime = type_elem.find("lifetime")
restock = type_elem.find("restock")
value = type_elem.find("value")
items.append(
"name": name,
"nominal": nominal.text if nominal is not None else None,
"lifetime": lifetime.text if lifetime is not None else None,
"restock": restock.text if restock is not None else None,
"value": value.text if value is not None else None,
)
return items
Understanding and manipulating DayZ JSON files can greatly enhance your gameplay or server administration experience. However, it requires a careful approach to avoid errors and ensure compatibility with game updates.
DayZ server customization has evolved significantly beyond basic XML editing, with JSON files now handling advanced gameplay mechanics, object spawning, and environmental effects. To fully customize a server, understanding how to enable and configure these files is essential. Core DayZ JSON Configuration Files
While DayZ historically used .xml for its central loot economy, several critical modern features are managed via JSON files located in the mpmissions/yourmission/ folder:
cfggameplay.json: This is the most powerful JSON file for server owners. It controls:
Player Stats: Stamina behavior, health regen, and shock damage.
Environmental Factors: Server temperature, weather influence, and disease systems.
Mechanics: Vehicle damage scales, building constraints (no-build zones), and AI behavior.
cfgEffectArea.json: This file defines contaminated (toxic) zones. You can specify the exact coordinates, radius, and visual effects (like green gas) for static zones that require NBC gear. dayz json files full
admins.json: Found in the server's profiles folder, this file manages administrative permissions. It allows you to assign specific permission groups like "Owner" or "Moderator" to players based on their Steam 64 ID.
Custom Object Spawners: You can create your own JSON files (e.g., maze.json) to spawn custom buildings, walls, or map additions without requiring a full mod. These must be referenced in the objectSpawnersArr section of your cfggameplay.json. How to Enable JSON Functionality
server management, JSON files are primarily used to define gameplay settings, spawn custom structures, and configure specific environmental effects like gas zones or dark underground areas. While core loot counts are typically handled by types.xml, JSON files have become the standard for "Object Spawning" on both PC and console community servers. Core Configuration Files
These are the foundational JSON files located in the root mission folder (e.g., mpmissions/dayzOffline.chernarusplus/).
cfggameplay.json: The master switch for modern server settings. It must be enabled in serverDZ.cfg (set enableCfgGameplayFile = 1;) to function.
Object Spawning: Uses the objectSpawnersArr to point to custom building files.
Player Data: Configures character-specific settings like spawnGearPresetFiles to override default starting equipment.
Environment: Controls global variables like temperature, stamina limits, and personal lighting.
cfgundergroundtriggers.json: Used to create dark zones with unique lighting effects. It defines "outer," "transitional," and "inner" triggers to simulate deep darkness in tunnels or bunkers. Many DayZ server configs use XML, not JSON
cfgEffectArea.json: Defines the location and behavior of permanent contaminated (gas) zones, including their radius, height, and coordinates. Custom Object Spawner Files
These are user-created files often stored in a custom folder within the mission directory.
Custom Building Files: Contain coordinate data (X, Y, Z) and rotation (Yaw, Pitch, Roll) for static objects like extra military tents, trader camps, or custom cities.
Custom Loot Spawners: While loot is usually handled by mapgrouppos.xml, JSON files exported from tools like the DayZ Editor can define specific item placements within a custom area. Typical JSON File Structure Most custom spawner JSONs follow this format:
"Objects": [ "name": "Land_Hangar_2", "pos": [1234.56, 12.34, 7890.12], "ypr": [45.0, 0.0, 0.0] ] Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Common Troubleshooting
Activation: For any JSON change to take effect, enableCfgGameplayFile = 1; must be set in your main server configuration.
Formatting: DayZ is sensitive to syntax. Use tools like JSONLint to ensure you haven't missed a comma or bracket.
Paths: When adding files to cfggameplay.json, you must include the folder path (e.g., "custom/mybuild.json").
Mastering DayZ JSON files is the key to transforming a standard server into a fully customized wasteland. While XML files traditionally handle the loot economy, JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) files now control modern gameplay mechanics, object spawning, and player attributes. Core DayZ JSON Files and Their Functions Understanding and manipulating DayZ JSON files can greatly
To fully customize your server, you need to understand the primary JSON files located within your mpmissions folder:
cfggameplay.json: The most critical configuration file. It manages player stamina, movement speed, environment temperatures, and base-building rules. It also acts as the "bridge" for loading other custom JSON files via its object spawner array.
cfgEffectArea.json: Used to define specific areas on the map with custom environmental effects, such as toxic gas zones.
spawnGearPresetFiles: A string array within the gameplay settings that allows you to load separate JSON files to define starting gear for different player types.
Custom Object Spawner Files: User-created JSON files (often named custom_buildings.json or similar) that contain coordinates for spawning new structures or map edits. Step-by-Step: Activating Custom JSON Files
To make your custom JSON edits "live" on your server, follow these essential steps: Nitrado | How to add a json to your Nitrado Dayz Server
Defines every item, weapon, and tool — and where it can spawn.
Key fields:
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data format. In DayZ, the game uses JSON files for configuration, loot tables, spawns, types, and trading. Unlike the old .txt or .xml systems of the mod days, JSON is structured, human-readable, and much harder to mess up if you respect the syntax.
You’ll find these files in:
| File Name | Purpose | Full Scope |
|-----------|---------|-------------|
| serverDZ.cfg | The main server config (now JSON structured) | Contains server name, password, max players, save intervals, and BE paths. |
| globals.json | Global economy and time settings | Day/night cycle speed, month, persistent storage on/off, 3D audio, and vehicle damage scaling. |