Raymond Bernal GSP 475 Blog : Week 2: Player Behavior

*Note that for this post I will be using the map Utes to compare and contrast the main interactions that are presented on DayZ*

Background information on Utes
Utes is a 5 km2 map that is heavily focused on the PvP aspect of DayZ. The map is home to two small towns, one airfield, and multiple heli crash spawns. A trip around the map can take about 15 minutes. Like Chernarus, players will begin at the coast, in the water, or on one of the small islands around the map. The map is mainly built for deathmatch style gameplay while still presenting the zombie survival elements of DayZ.

Now that you have been in DayZ for a week, what types of of behaviors do you notice about your own relationship to the world and that of others toward you?

Playing the multiple maps within the DayZ mod have been quite a great experience. Each map has its own unique features and sets which separate itself from the others. From the rural forests of Chernarus, jungles of Lingor, the desert wasteland of Fallujah and Takistan, to the cold snow ridden mountains of Namalsk. There are multiple environments to experience, understand, and develop on. Hiding in a thick forest can hold animals as a source of food, lakes for water, and areas to hide tents and vehicles to store gear or other precious items.

A "heli crash" site which holds the rarest military loot in the game.

While playing alone I found myself scavenging high military loot spawns looking for a decent weapon. After finding a weapon I would look for other players in the hopes of earning a quick kill to gain their precious food, water, and medical supplies. In any map, especially PvP heavy maps, there is a clear advantage by being within a squad of survivors. While being a large moving target the advantage of being a large destructive force is advantageous enough. The ability to help, cover, heal, and coordinate with others is a huge advantage. Making friends in a game like DayZ can drastically increase or decrease your life depending on their mood. Other players will be out to help you, avoid you, or kill you.


Meeting my first two survivors! The one center screen is in a bandit skin.

When you do manage to find friends and build a squad there are more opportunities to be open and wild. This does not mean you should lower your guard as anyone can be watching you at any time. Work with your squad and find the best position that suits you. Maybe you want to be the designated sniper and take out targets from far distances. Or take up a medic role to carry supplies that will heal your squad mates in dire circumstances are some quick examples. There are multiple roles to pick so find the one that suits you. My experience with other players has been both positive and negative. At times I may have forged friendships that last through multiple lifetimes. Other times my friendliness has earned me a bullet in the back of my head, or theirs. In the end your experience and skill level will determine how well you do when trying to survive in the harsh environment of this post-apocalyptic world.