DayZ is a multiplayer open-world survival game developed and published by Bohemia Interactive. Set in a post-Soviet fictional country called Chernarus, which has been devastated by a mysterious plague turning most of the population into infected “zombies,” the game challenges players to survive against both the environment and each other. Starting with minimal supplies, players must scavenge for food, water, weapons, and medical supplies while managing their health, stamina, and exposure to diseases. The game features a persistent world with a dynamic weather system and realistic day-night cycles that affect gameplay and visibility.
One of the most defining aspects of DayZ is its intense focus on realism and player interaction. Encounters with other survivors can lead to cooperation, betrayal, or deadly combat, creating a tense and unpredictable experience. There are no tutorials or objectives—players must rely on intuition and strategy to endure. The game also emphasizes permadeath: when a character dies, players must start over from scratch. Originally released as a mod for ARMA 2, DayZ later became a standalone title and has continued to evolve with updates that expand its mechanics and world. Its open-ended gameplay and emphasis on survival realism have made it a landmark in the survival genre.