Even though DayZ has been on the market for many years, there are still plenty of new players looking to try their hand at this survival title. However, beyond the regular gameplay, simply navigating the map can be challenging. This is not only due to the size of Chernarus but also because of the language barrier the setting imposes. So you can reunite with friends, discover the best loot, or go hunting, today we’ll take a closer look at all the navigation possibilities in DayZ. With these tips, you’ll become a pro and can apply them to other maps in the game as well.
Understanding DayZ’s Location and Environment Better
DayZ is set in the fictional country of Chernarus by the Black or Caspian Sea, known in-game as the “Green Sea” and surrounded by other fictional countries (and Russia). This is the first hurdle for many new players. Everything you find in the game world is written in Cyrillic letters, making it significantly harder to navigate DayZ. The terrain is based on a small part of a northern region in the Czech Republic, near the Ústí nad Labem region. The river’s course in the west of the city aligns perfectly with Chernarus’s coastal region. Many locations were even adopted as they were, not surprising since the developers themselves are from the Czech Republic!
When you first spawn with a new character on the map, you’ll find yourself on a beach. The main map is bordered by the sea to the south and west, which provides a first orientation clue. Additionally, upon your initial spawn, you’ll always be facing north. We recommend familiarizing yourself with one of the larger coastal cities before heading further inland.
Helpful Techniques for Determining Directions in DayZ
Firstly, you should know where north, south, east, and west are. Without a compass, which we’ll discuss later, you can still determine directions through various indicators. As mentioned, upon spawning, you’re always facing north, which you can use as your first navigation aid. Try to remember this point.
Just like in real life, the sun rises in the east in Chernarus. At noon, it’s visible in the south, and by evening, it sets in the west. The sun never shines in the north. This can provide crucial clues about your current position on the map and guide your next destination. The visibility and position of the sun are influenced by the season, weather, and clouds. Sunrises and sunsets are the best times to determine a precise direction. However, clouds are also a good directional indicator as they always move from east to west in DayZ.
At night, the detailed starry sky can help you find the right direction. Many constellations are recognizable, including the Big Dipper. Follow its right edge upward, about five times its length, and you’ll find the bright North Star, which is also the starting point of the Little Dipper’s “handle.”
Recognizing Man-Made Features for Navigation
You don’t have to rely solely on natural features, as man-made hints are also helpful. Even if you can’t read Cyrillic, pay attention to town and road signs. These will at least tell you the name of the town you’re in or headed to. You don’t need to be able to read them; just remember the symbols.
Train tracks, power lines, and regular roads are also perfect for orientation. They all lead to a town or village if you follow them long enough. However, we advise against staying on open roads as it makes you an easy target for other players.
Forests are much better, and they too offer many real-life navigation aids. For example, picnic areas have large maps showing your current location. Hiking trails are another great way to explore the map, marked by white and colored stripes on trees and posts. Green and Yellow are easy, while Blue and Red mark difficult paths.
Effective Use of Navigation Tools in the Game
Besides these hints, there are tools that directly help you with orientation. Often, you don’t need to search long to find them. Depending on your play style and skill, you should have them all!
Compass: Easily shows you directions if you can’t or don’t want to determine them yourself. Found at campsites or military locations.
Binoculars: Not directly essential for navigation but helps you see further and maybe spot familiar landmarks. Especially useful when looking down on Chernarus from a high point.
GPS Device: Extremely helpful GPS devices can be found rarely in hunting lodges and stands. They require 9V batteries. The device gives you your exact coordinates and should be used with the next item on the list.
Map: The tourist map is probably your best navigation tool, giving you the entire area’s layout at once. You can also see your coordinates, direction, and elevation at a glance.
If that’s not enough, you can always use external maps. We recommend both iZurvive and the DayZ Interactive Map for accurate spawn points, city names, and a better overview. However, the game itself provides plenty of ways to find your way without these tools.
Successful Navigation Tips for DayZ Beginners
For newcomers, Chernarus’s map can be overwhelming, but with the right real-world knowledge, navigating DayZ is a breeze. Many concepts, like sunrises or hiking trail markers, can be directly transferred from real life. Rent your very own DayZ server with us and never lose track with our tips. Ideally, everyone should find a map, maybe even a GPS device for exact coordinates!
