Installing and Switching Custom Maps

Overview

DayZ supports custom maps through the template parameter in serverDZ.cfg. The map PBO files are loaded as mods, and the server mission is pointed at the new terrain. Common custom maps include Namalsk (12.8 km²), Esseker (8 km²), and Chernarus Plus (15 km², the default). This guide covers installing a custom map and switching between maps.

Prerequisites

• The map mod files (typically from Steam Workshop via DZSA or manually downloaded)
• pboProject (to repack mission files if needed)
• SSH or file manager access to your server's missionFiles/ and mods directories

Step 1: Install the Map Mod

Custom maps are distributed as mods. Upload the map mod folder to your server's mods directory (typically alongside the DayZ server executable):

/home/container/@Namalsk/
/home/container/@Namalsk_Terrain/

Namalsk specifically requires two mod folders: the terrain and the gameplay layer.

Step 2: Add the Map Mod to Your Startup Parameters

In your Pterodactyl/WISP panel startup parameters, add the map mod to your -mod= flag:

-mod=@CF;@Namalsk_Terrain;@Namalsk

Order matters for some maps. Check the map mod's documentation for the required load order. Terrain PBO must typically come before the gameplay mod.

Step 3: Update serverDZ.cfg

Change the template parameter to match the map name (no .pbo extension):

template = "dayzOffline.chernarusplus";

template = "namalsk.namalsk";

template = "dayzOffline.Esseker";

The template name must exactly match the mission folder name inside missionFiles/. Check the map mod's documentation or the missionFiles/ folder after uploading the mod to confirm the exact name.

Step 4: Upload the Mission Folder

Most map mods include a pre-built mission folder. Copy the mission folder into missionFiles/ on your server:

missionFiles/
  namalsk.namalsk/
    mission.sqm
    db/
      types.xml
      events.xml
    cfgspawnabletypes.xml
    cfgeventspawns.xml

Step 5: Wipe Storage (Required on Map Switch)

Switching maps requires clearing the persistent storage, or the server will attempt to load character positions from the old map and crash or corrupt data:

server_profile/storage/

Delete the entire storage/ folder before first launch on a new map. See Resetting Server Economy Without a Full Wipe for targeted wipe options.

Step 6: Start the Server

Start the server from the panel. Watch startup logs for:

Mission dayzOffline.namalsk read.

If you see the old map name, the template parameter was not saved correctly.

Map Reference

Switching Back to Chernarus

Restore the original template value, ensure no custom map mods are in the -mod= flag, and restore or create a fresh storage/ directory. If you backed up the original storage/ folder, you can restore player characters and economy.

Troubleshooting

• Server crashes on startup: The template value does not match the mission folder name exactly. Check capitalization.
• Map loads but no loot spawns: The mission folder is missing db/types.xml or it references item classes that don't exist in the map mod.
• Players load underground or at 0,0,0: Old storage files from a previous map are loaded. Delete storage/characters/ and have players respawn.
• Mods fail to load: Verify mod folder names match exactly what is in the -mod= parameter, including the @ prefix.

Related

• Creating and Loading Custom Mission Files
• Tuning Loot Spawns with types.xml
• Resetting Server Economy Without a Full Wipe
• DayZ Startup Parameters
• DayZ Server Mods
• DayZ Server Configuration