DayZ is a commercial, standalone version of what was started as a modification with the same name for ArmA II: Operation Arrowhead. It is a multiplayer open world survival horror game with zombies in a persistent environment, the fictional post-Soviet state Chernarus after a zombie apocalypse. It consists of different cities and smaller towns, large plains and forests. It is a sandbox environment with no direct goals, instead the player has to survive as long as possible. Threats are offered through AI-controlled zombies that roam the environment and other players. Players can choose to work together in small teams or temporarily alliances, but can also kill each other for loot. A character always spawns near the coast of the map with some clothes and a flashlight. Basic supplies such as food and water need to be scavenged from villages. Animals in the environment can be hunted to acquire raw meat and cook it on a fire. Weapons and other items are mainly found in the villages, stores in large cities or in military bases and airports. The game has a full inventory for the player to customize the appearance, clothing with perks, and equipment. Crafting items from various materials is extensively used. Medical supplies are needed to bandage wounds and to resist diseases caused by eating spoiled food. It is also possible to transfuse blood, but only when the blood type is compatible or the character dies. The game has both melee and long-ranged weapons with various attachments. There are also vehicles that can be used to get around. The game encourages direct voice communication with other players and the volume is determined by the distance. Up to 40 players can join a single server and the player profile is persistent across servers.
