Cartoonrboy

There is an ongoing discussion as to what the HARDCORE classification means. I'd like to invite you to comment. What would YOU class as HARDCORE?

I have seen many servers classifying themselves as HARDCORE. In many cases the server features contain a lack of conviction in the interests of populating the server. First person view and no traders is a key aspect in my opinion; any server without these features cannot be classed as HARDCORE. Perhaps it is only a select few that prefer HARDCORE mode. So be it. I totally agree. Post updated with first person requirement. FINDALdayZ has a limited first person mode whereby when in combat or a rapidly moving vehicle the view is locked to first person; there is value in the third person, particularly when building. Some players have complained about this feature, but I refuse to affect the classification in favour of being popular. Once ones integrity is compromised there's no limit as to how diluted the experience may become.

Namalsk was chosen as it provides a much tougher environment as well as a darker dilapidated look and greater variation of terrain/environment. There is already a dedicated group of players here, even a player run trader post who recently was the subject of a burglary. PvP is permitted, but shooting the only trader will only serve to banish players from such assistance. This is DayZ. Namalsk will kill a player within hours due to the extreme conditions. Chernarus/Taviana will not meaning it's a more passive experience. This is Hardcore Survival, which is exactly what you will find here. I truly hope you give it a chance. Be a vet', survive Nam'...

There's been a flurry of hardcore servers lately. It's great to see. I believe they represent the core of the DayZ experience. Given the hardcore classification have you considered changing the map to provide a deadlier environment; like Namalsk? Or removing the canned food/drink to simulate the eventual evaporation of the food industry? Or limiting the first person view? Or limiting the weapons? What is a static NPC?

It's a labour o' love. I will be working on the labyrinth tonight. It should take me 2-3 hours. I hope you peeps like it...nothing for free right?

My server does - though it's quite a tough place to live. If your up for it...check the website or the forum advertisement for more details.

There's a common misconception that a server has to be vanilla to provide an authentic DayZ experience. This has developed from administrators expressing little restraint when adding features which dilute the core survival experience. But it is entirely possible to consider that, and in doing so produce a server which can provide a harsher environment than default. Vanilla DayZ is the benchmark which many server administrators ignore to their detriment.

Agreed. The player trader has configured his base to be not only be a trade post, but also as a service point for vehicles. This means that if a player wants to take advantage of that feature indefinitely, they'd have to consider the sanction of said service should any trade go sour. And as many of the weapons are still within the loot tables albeit very rare, they will demand a higher price and keen interest from other players looking to survive by any means necessary. Many of us want to help, but if you're crossed then it's less likely in the future. This dynamic affects the chance of survival of even the best survivalist and I'd hope that it may keep players from looting each other as the common goal is to simply survive rather than to gather wealth. But that is the nature of DayZ; whilst the consequences are considered, a player is free to make their own decisions regarding their mode of interaction, hostile or otherwise.

Correct! Though it would appear I may be a masochist.

I've used Villayer, DayZ.st, SurvivalServers, and currently use XstreamGaming.net. I have found that that my latest host to be the best for several reasons; they respond within hours to tickets, they allow a high level of modification to the server files and database, and they have high performance. They have rMod, a whitelist and passwork lock installed with a click. There is a great admin tool which has the option to show messages when admin tools are used, so players can conclude whether admin abuse is active. If you look around the mod forums you'll find plenty of guides on how to edit the code and, with a little practice you can achieve surprising results, particularly with the vast knowledge and support of the community. The trick is to just dive in there. It looks complicated or scary but once you get going you'll enjoy it more than gaming.

Your post was removed because it did not reflect the truth regarding the server and it's hardcore classification. I had written a following post to explain some of the points you'd raised (#15). Regarding the beans, I'd given them to draw your attention to the post. I'd like to invite you back as I believe you did not spend enough time on the server (15 mins) to experience and/or realise a few things: Had you noticed that you still hadn't found a knife? Without one you were going to starve. The is no canned food.You had not yet experienced the weather, it was relatively temperate when you played. Even with a ghillie suit (which acts as a pseudo warm clothes) you would start to freeze if it snowed/rained for prolonged periods, or it was night.You had found a G36C, it was an error with the loot tables which was corrected. My sincere apologies for that.You had played in the north of the map. The Ai are in the south and are well equipped and skilled.The zombies are very dangerous. Let them get close and you'll be in serious trouble. It is far too easy to become complacent while looting, until you're rendered unconscious by a stealthy zombie. I had reviewed what you'd classed as hardcore according to your YouTube video diaries and concluded that you were better equipped and nourished much faster in the video than you were on this server. In addition there was plenty of food, no third person limitation and temperate conditions. I am not opposed to criticism if it is accurate and constructive. But I feel you did yourself a dis-service by being so abrupt. So if you're serious about hardcore survival then please take another look. I have plenty of players who can vouch for the servers' credentials as such.

I totally agree with you. The server was configured that way, but I think with the elite Ai active it's too much to ask of players to cope with them and other players. If there is a desire for it I will revert back to anything goes as surely that is the point of DayZ. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I've thought more about this issue, I made the decision to make it PvE incorrectly. In such an environment it's clear what the strategy is; PvE+PvP. If a player can kill players in Namalsk; they deserve to survive here however they see fit. They understand DayZ best.

My friend. I have exactly what you need. FINALdayZnamalsk is back up. It's interesting to see more players like yourself rising above the maelstrom of gun nuts and shopping addicts lately. Please read my server advert and see what you think. I have a clutch of hardcore players who'd be glad to answer any questions you might have or I'll gladly entertain any suggestions you make regarding the server setup. Server Advertisement Server Forum Advertisement

Never seen that error. Have you tried verifying your namalsk folder? It's around 850MB so it should take only 10-20 mins to download again if necessary. I would recommend bypassing DZC or DZL and using the batch file. Batch file code: Just make sure you check the file paths in the batch code, and edit to match yours if necessary. Copy and paste this text into notepad and save it as .bat. Then run it. It will join the server from your desktop... Best regards...ARTyom

I'd ask you to try it out regardless. You will not find a more authentic survival experience than what I'm offering. I adore DayZ. It's why I spend day after day coding, posting and building this community so that other survivalists can enjoy a true survival experience. If you feel up for it I'd like to chat with you sometime. Skype: CartoonrBOY

Could you explain a bit more about what makes this server survival hardcore?

Live. Die. Repeat. Players start in the same place, unless your humanity is negative. PvP is permitted, though there is little to gain from killing survivors here, except notoriety. Your journey starts on the shoreline, your dilapidated boat rests near a fire for comfort and an INFO stand providing the servers' features. From there it is entirely your choice where you go but be warned, the southern areas of Namalsk are ridden with hostile Ai. Some are simulating players and have limited loot. Others are part of the highly trained and well equipped military forces whose presence on Namalsk is unclear except that they will not tolerate infiltration of their zones. Tread carefully. Stay ALIVE!

The server is configured to provide very little loot(1/5), although there are places to find decent loot; they are only accessible through hostile terrain. At present only low grade weapons are available, unless you travel to the southern end of Namalsk where the Ai will ensure you don't wander without caution. There are lots of scripts to enable crafting of certain items for survival. What I have done is increase the trash spawn rate(4/5) and then provide scripts to craft items from trash. Like the inherent bandage craft ie: clothes + toilet roll = 2 bandages. An example of this would be knife craft ie: bandage + razor + tin can = knife(there is a 45% chance to injure yourself and break the razor instead). There are many more included all designed to provide survival kit without having to find the item, but at the risk of injury in many cases. This extends the requirement of knowledge, logic, a little luck and the use of previously near useless trash items. A decision was made to include a craft-able ghillie suit as normally within an hour it was possible to freeze to death. Although I admit that is hardcore, it doesn't translate that well into an enjoyable gameplay mechanic(I prefer the time limit but many players don't). The ghillie suit acts as a pseudo warm clothes, although actual warm clothes are warmer and rarer. The ghillie suit will not keep you warm at night. The zombies are very difficult. They walk but they hit very hard. They usually go down with a head-shot, anywhere else is a waste of ammo. Their spawn rate is more than three times default and it is very easy to become trapped in a barracks with low ammunition and no way out. If you let them get close to you then you probably won't survive as they tend to knock players unconscious often. They can also pull players through a missing vehicle window! There are many features that differentiate this server from the majority and the main points for the hardcore classification are: No traders(100% craft).Limited loot(low grade weapons, higher grades are very rare).Limited 3rd person(when in combat or within a rapid vehicle).Colder and prolonged periods of weather.No canned food.Elite Ai.Infection zones.No heli-lift(only one helicopter lifts and it is locked and protected by elite Ai).Deadly zombies and hoards.No auto-refuel.No map markers or waypoints(unless in a military vehicle). There are a few items granted upon spawning in: Binoculars. These are included so that low end PC's can adjust their view distance.Side-arm. This is to enable suicide in case of injury (or for the weak).A can of beans (the only one on the map).Single use bandage (caution - use it wisely).A watch. Use a knife to break it into a compass.You don't get a map.You don't get a water bottle (rinse whiskey bottles at water sources to use).You will freeze if you either don't find fire regularly or find enough clothes and burlap to craft canvas and a ghillie suit.You will not find canned food (like other hardcore survival servers). You will have to hunt to stay alive or risk infection from unlabeled food/bio meat. Industrial loot spawns remain untouched. It can take a few days to gather enough cinderblocks to build a structure. There is a trader but he is not Ai; he is a player. To trade you will have to rely on the players presence, and he too is relying on players to provide items to trade; gold is almost useless in this environment. Industrial items are always welcomed trade items. Most good industrial loot areas are across the border within the hostile southern Namalsk, and have Ai to consider. I am not interested in guns or shopping; it is the hardcore player I am catering for. If you have any suggestions then please feel free to let me know. I'd appreciate constructive and informed observations rather than slander. In addition I'd like to post a comment from the DayZ mod developer kichilron: "Did see your server and I like some of the ideas, along with it being Namalsk - by far the best Survival-Map in my oppinion. I can assure you that this server is sticking to true vanilla feeling and is one of the few out there."

It would be a good idea to join the forum, it only takes a few moments. My mission is to gather a hardcore survival community. But players of that nature are quite rare; so if you're that way inclined I'd appreciate it very much if you'd join up so we can work together to not only survive, but thrive. I can also arrange for a meet with the other players as they are spread throughout the worlds various time-zones. There are also a few things about the servers content that you should be made aware of. Details can be found on the INFO stands located about the place, usually at the old traders posts. But I'd prefer to show you around. In any case, let me know...

Epoch has map markers. I understand their intention, but I do not condone their use. They diminish much of the mystery and intrigue a server has by supplying intel informing the nature and location of loot/vehicles/Ai. Markers encourage the mundane and dilute any desire of traversing the environment for reasons of exploration. It is preferable for such a large and open world space to explore, and discover specific events/missions dynamically. My missions spawn in key locations such as high loot areas, army bases, towns, airfields etc. The missions are held in context with their location and are often discovered whilst players search these locations systematically. In addition I have wrecked vehicle missions spawning with plumes of smoke telling of the location of said event, one only has to look to the horizon. The same is true of helicopter crash sites and supply drops. Although an obvious sign, the smoke/fire provides almost no further details, encouraging investigation. This is an apocalypse therefore there is no intel. Rely instead on visual cues and intuition to refresh ones status, instead of discouraging independent thought or actions.

Great answer. Thanks for taking the time to put that down. I'd like to differentiate the discussion and focus specifically on mission map markers. These are added by the server administrators specifically, or they are part of an Ai package (but can be switched off). Regarding a baseline of difficulty; it's odd to necessitate such a premise particularly in a combat simulation, where it's possible to die through inaction as well as engaging the enemy. If you want to play easy; there's an entire industry providing instant PvP gaming. But DayZ/Epoch is an emergent open environment that demands a baseline of ability. I understand their function; that I'm not disputing. But I feel strongly that they ruin an essential part of playing the game in its setting, an element of discovery is more interesting and resides in our very nature. Currently, mission markers act as focal points for PvP/PvE. I've killed whilst mission camping because I knew it would serve to attract players within my scope, particularly because it's content had been broadcast to everyone. Experienced players may know to be wary of these lures or may even make them an opportunity in the same manner. In that respect they actually make the game harder for new/less savvy players whom may not have considered that. I've also seen dummy markers; missions spawn several signs where only one actually contains the mission, sending players on a hopeless search. That is counter-intuitive to the function and wastes valuable time and resources. In my error I concluded Epoch as an extension of DayZ. But there are subtle differences between each, which actually make vast differences in play-style and intent. Epoch is Arma II with zombies, not DayZ with build-ables, and it is apparent there is a bitter rift between Epoch and DayZ players which extends to discontent on either side. It's extraordinary that such different games emerge within the same code base. But I find it surprising that DayZ server administrators have not taken advantage of the versatility of Epoch to produce a DayZ style game, carefully extending the feature-set to provide enhancements, rather than changing it so much it attracts a different type of player entirely. Perhaps the actual problem is where missions spawn. Instead of idly allowing the code decide their locale; usually within a field somewhere far from the beaten path, tailor them to spawn in context with their content. To list some examples: Disabled helicopter mission. It spawns upon the airfield. The airfield is already a focal point due to it's high grade loot. Broken down Ural mission. It spawns at one of the working repair centres. These are already focal points due to their nature. Building supplies mission. It spawns within an industrial site. This is already a focal point due to its loot content. And it's entirely possible to refresh the locations randomly (within context) rather than relying on one location for each event. When approaching any developed area it is rudimentary to scope the environment to check for zombies/players/vehicles etc. At a glance it's clear to see whether a mission is there and a decision is made whether it's worth tackling. Buildings and fences provide cover for both parties and dilute the sniping of entire missions. It's more exhilarating and interesting than shooting 10 Ai stood in a field running to and fro. In addition, removing the completed mission statements force players to maintain their vigilance, as they should. So I'll need to revise this question: If missions spawned in key loot areas, would we need mission map markers anymore?

Children have similar attitudes to prevent exertion. As an adult, I rapidly tire of any occupation I find easy.

I am the only Epoch server host that provides a hardcore survival experience as I prefer DayZ, but with build-ables and crafting. I would ask you to try and make your mark in Namalsk IP: 198.15.113.90:2412. You will not find it an easy proposition and therefore much more involving and rewarding than shopping or hoarding. I have a split day/night cycle: 3 hours of light into 3 hours of night at 6 hour intervals. Do not be discouraged by the lack of players as typical Epoch/Overpoch players do not like the survival theme. But if you head to the southern areas be prepared for Ai encounters, missions and other events to intrigue and challenge you. There's a lot hidden within the landscape and any familiarity with Namalsk will only serve to assist your navigation. There are a few regulars and if you can be patient; you will see more in due course as I post/blog/promote this server at every opportunity to the DayZ and Epoch community. I'd gladly work with you to help you settle, if you prefer. I'm online daily from 21:00GMT. Or Skype: CartoonrBOY Head to the advertisement for more details regarding the server content or register at the forum for regular updates. Stay ALIVE!

I too am trying to be different but I know exactly what you mean about getting noticed. So far I have managed to get a few loyal players, but it's tough going. I know there are players out there who appreciate DayZ for it's survival aspect; hence your server is populated. I think many players read Epoch and assume guns/tanks/traders/waypoints; but if one were to build a server with restraint then it could offer the DayZ experience with buildables, not Arma II with zombies. The main problem is that advertising survival on an Epoch forum gets ignored, yet advertising an Epoch survival server on a DayZ forum is forbidden. I think this comment was regarding my server as he mentions Namalsk. Have you considered offering this map? As an experienced DayZ player I find it truly challenging... I would really like to talk with you about our respective visions for DayZ, as I believe we are on the same page. Rather than trying to compete, perhaps we could form a community offering hardcore survival DayZ, for the players. At the risk of hijacking your thread, if you want to chat please send me a PM.

It's refreshing to see a vanilla server among the bastardization that is Epoch/Overpoch. I admire the survival aspect vanilla provides and people with integrity these days is rare. Unfortunately the Epoch players tend to be interested exclusively in guns and shopping, so getting noticed is difficult. So much is lost these days when administrators can add whatever they like to the server, non use restraint or appear to consider how they will alter the experience for the player. It's Arma II with zombies, not DayZ with build-ables (interestingly the DayZmod developers are working on adding build-ables to DayZmod). Keep up the good work and never give-in to tanks/shops/markers/traders; DayZ needs people like you. Many beans!