How to Configure DayZ Server Startup Parameters
Master the command-line arguments that control how your DayZ dedicated server launches, including mod loading order, port configuration, and log output.
Overview
The DayZ dedicated server binary (DayZServer_x64.exe) accepts command-line arguments that control everything not covered by serverDZ.cfg. These are set in your control panel's startup command or launch string. Getting them right — especially the mod paths — is critical. A wrong parameter often causes the server to silently fail to start.
Core Parameters
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
-config= |
Path to your serverDZ.cfg file |
-port= |
UDP query port (default 2302) |
-profiles= |
Path to the profiles/log directory |
-mod= |
Semicolon-separated client+server mod folder names |
-servermod= |
Server-only mods (not sent to clients) |
-mission= |
Override the mission defined in serverDZ.cfg |
-nosplash |
Skip the splash screen on startup (recommended) |
-noPause |
Keep the server running when the window loses focus |
-doLogs |
Enable detailed log output to the profiles directory |
Example Launch String
DayZServer_x64.exe -config=serverDZ.cfg -port=2302 -profiles=profiles -mod=@CF;@VanillaPlusPlusMap;@MuchStuffPack -nosplash -noPause -doLogs
This example:
- Loads
serverDZ.cfgfrom the server root - Uses port 2302 (default)
- Writes logs to a
profiles/subfolder - Loads three mods:
@CF,@VanillaPlusPlusMap, and@MuchStuffPack - Skips the splash, stays running, and writes detailed logs
Mod Parameters in Detail
-mod=
-mod= takes a semicolon-separated list of mod folder names relative to the server root directory. Each mod folder must exist at that path.
-mod=@CF;@Community-Online-Tools;@DayZ-Expansion-Core
Mod order matters. Some mods declare dependencies — if a dependency comes after the mod that needs it, the server will fail. Read each mod's documentation for load order requirements. As a general rule, framework mods (like @CF) go first.
-servermod=
Use -servermod= for mods that should only run on the server and not be required by clients. Admin tools and server-side economy mods often go here.
-servermod=@ServerMod;@AdminTools
What Happens With a Wrong Mod Path
If a folder listed in -mod= doesn't exist, DayZ typically fails to start without a clear error in the main console. Always check your profiles/*.RPT log file for lines like:
Unpacking archive... ERROR: Cannot find file @MyMod/...
That confirms a bad path.
Port Configuration
DayZ uses two UDP ports that must both be open in your firewall:
| Port | Purpose |
|---|---|
2302 (or your -port= value) |
Game traffic |
2303 (game port + 1) |
Steam query / server browser |
If you change -port=, remember the query port is always game port + 1.
Checking If the Server Started Successfully
Watch your console or the .RPT log in your profiles directory. A fully initialized server prints:
Roles assigned.
If you never see that line, the server didn't finish starting — check the log for errors above it.