Hosting a Free DayZ Server on PS4: A Comprehensive Guide for Devs

Hey Devs, looking to host a DayZ server on PS4 without spending a penny? You have come to the right place. In this journal article, we will explore the ins and outs of hosting a free DayZ server on PS4, from start to finish. This guide is suitable for all skill levels, whether you are a seasoned server admin or a new comer to the world of DayZ. So, let’s get started!

1. What is DayZ?

DayZ is a popular open-world survival game that was released in 2018 by Bohemia Interactive. The game is set in a post-Soviet state and players must navigate the harsh environment while avoiding zombies and other players. The game has gained a loyal following for its immersive gameplay and realistic survival mechanics.

1.1 How to Play DayZ on PS4?

Playing DayZ on PS4 is simple. You can purchase the game from the PlayStation store for $49.99. Once downloaded, simply launch the game and start playing. If you want to host a server, you will need to follow the steps outlined in this article.

2. How to Host a Free DayZ Server on PS4?

Hosting a DayZ server on PS4 can be a daunting task, especially if you are new to server hosting. However, with the right tools and knowledge, it can be done for free. Here are the steps to follow:

2.1 Prerequisites

Before you can host a DayZ server on PS4, you will need to meet the following requirements:

Requirement
Description
PS4 Console
You will need a PS4 console to host a server on PS4.
DayZ Game
You will need to purchase DayZ game from PlayStation Store.
Internet Connectivity
You will need a stable high-speed internet connection for hosting a DayZ server.
Router Configuration
You need to configure your router settings to allow incoming and outgoing connections on specific ports used by DayZ.

2.2 Set Up a Static IP Address

Step 1: You will need to set up a static IP address for your PS4 console to ensure that it has a fixed IP address that does not change. This is important because it will allow you to forward ports to your PS4 without any problems. To set up a static IP address, follow the steps below:

Step 2: Navigate to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection on your PS4 console.

Step 3: Choose Wi-Fi or LAN cable (depending on your type of connection).

Step 4: Choose Custom setup.

Step 5: Choose Automatic IP Address Setting.

Step 6: Choose Manual DNS Settings.

Step 7: Enter the following primary and secondary DNS server addresses: Primary: 8.8.8.8 and Secondary: 8.8.4.4.

Step 8: Choose Manual IP address settings.

Step 9: Enter the following information:

Field
Value
IP Address
Enter an IP address that is within your router’s subnet. For example, if your router’s IP address is 192.168.0.1, you can enter an IP address between 192.168.0.2 and 192.168.0.254.
Subnet Mask
Enter the subnet mask for your network. This is usually 255.255.255.0.
Default Gateway
Enter the IP address of your router. This is usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.

Step 10: Choose Manual DNS settings.

Step 11: Enter the following information:

Field
Value
Primary DNS
Enter 8.8.8.8.
Secondary DNS
Enter 8.8.4.4.

2.3 Port Forwarding

Port forwarding is a process that allows external devices to connect to your PS4 console. For hosting a DayZ server on PS4, you will need to forward specific ports to your PS4 console. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Log in to your router admin panel by typing the IP address of your router in your web browser.

Step 2: Navigate to the port forwarding section of your router admin panel. This can be different for each router, so you may need to refer to your router’s manual.

Step 3: Create a new port forwarding rule using the following information:

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Field
Value
Service Name
DayZ Server
Internal IP Address
Enter the static IP address that you set up for your PS4 console.
Internal Port
Enter 2302.
External Port
Enter 2302.
Protocol
Choose UDP.
Enable
Check the box to enable the port forwarding rule.

Step 4: Repeat the above steps for the following ports: 2303-2305 (UDP).

2.4 Download and Install Linux Ubuntu

Now that you’ve set up port forwarding and a static IP address, you’ll need to install Ubuntu on your PS4 console. Ubuntu is a popular open-source operating system that is easy to use and lightweight. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Download the Ubuntu ISO file from the official website (https://ubuntu.com/download).

Step 2: Create a bootable USB drive with Ubuntu by following the steps outlined on the Ubuntu website.

Step 3: Plug the USB drive into your PS4 console.

Step 4: Boot into Recovery Mode on your PS4 console by holding down the power button until it beeps twice.

Step 5: Choose option 7, Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software).

Step 6: Follow the on-screen prompts to reinstall the system software.

Step 7: When prompted, choose to install Ubuntu instead of the default system software.

2.5 Install SteamCMD on Ubuntu

SteamCMD is a command-line tool that allows you to install and update game servers on Ubuntu. Here are the steps to install SteamCMD:

Step 1: Open the terminal on Ubuntu by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T.

Step 2: Type the following command and press Enter:

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install steamcmd

Step 3: Wait for SteamCMD to install (this may take a few minutes).

2.6 Install DayZ Server on Ubuntu

Now that you’ve installed SteamCMD, you can install the DayZ server on your Ubuntu machine. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Open the terminal on Ubuntu by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T.

Step 2: Type the following command and press Enter:

steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir /home/steam/dayzserver +app_update 223350 validate +quit

Step 3: Wait for the DayZ server to download and install (this may take a few minutes).

2.7 Configure the DayZ Server

Now that you’ve installed the DayZ server on your Ubuntu machine, you need to configure it. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Navigate to the following directory:

/home/steam/dayzserver/serverfiles

Step 2: Open the server.cfg file using a text editor.

Step 3: Configure the server settings to your liking. Here are some common settings:

Setting
Description
hostname “
Enter your desired server name.
password “
Enter a password for your server (optional).
maxPlayers “
Enter the maximum number of players you want on your server.
enableWhitelist “
Set to true to enable a whitelist (optional).
admins[] = “
Enter the Steam IDs of any admins (optional).
enableSpectator “
Set to true to enable spectating (optional).
disableVoN “
Set to true to disable voice over network (optional).

Step 4: Save the server.cfg file and exit the text editor.

2.8 Start the DayZ Server

Now that you’ve configured the DayZ server, you can start it up. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Open the terminal on Ubuntu by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T.

Step 2: Navigate to the following directory:

/home/steam/dayzserver/serverfiles

Step 3: Type the following command and press Enter:

./dayzserver_x64 -config=server.cfg -port=2302 -profiles=serverprofiles

Step 4: Wait for the DayZ server to start (this may take a few minutes).

3. FAQs

3.1 What are the system requirements for hosting a DayZ server on PS4?

To host a DayZ server on PS4, you’ll need a PS4 console, the DayZ game, a stable high-speed internet connection, and a router that can be configured for port forwarding.

3.2 Can I host a DayZ server on PS4 for free?

Yes, you can host a DayZ server on PS4 for free by following the steps outlined in this article.

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3.3 How many players can join my DayZ server?

The maximum number of players that can join your DayZ server depends on the server settings that you choose. The default maximum is 60 players.

3.4 Can I use mods on my DayZ server?

Yes, you can use mods on your DayZ server by following the steps outlined in the DayZ Server Hosting Guide.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve successfully hosted a DayZ server on PS4 for free. We hope this guide has been helpful for Devs who are new to server hosting or are looking for a cost-effective way to host a DayZ server. Remember to stay safe while navigating the harsh world of DayZ and have fun!