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Ok. I got to Zelenogorsk supermarket, avoiding hordes of zombies and checking out the green mountain on my way there. So i'll start from the beginning. It was dusk when I got to the Green Mountain because of it's military looting spots. I got to all three deer stands, gathered some loot (ACU backpack being the best :) ), and then I approached the radio tower. A large group of military zeds walked through the gate, so I waited and crawled inside. I couldn't find a way to enter any building, but I found something looking like a mass grave. All of the sudden a new group of zombies spawned from the southern building. Somehow I avoided them and climbed to the tower. There - a jerry can of no use to me. I look down and saw the group coming out by the gate and - suddenly - they all started running. First I thought they somehow noticed me when I stood up to get a better look, but they ran towards the woods. I look with my newly find binoculars for someone. Nothing. The zeds became calm again, so I climbed down and got away. On my way to Zeleno I checked out the barn, but nothing interesting in there (seriously, 4 hatchets and a lee enfield rifle). I refilled my canteen by the pond and went west, using trees as a concealment. I checked out the industrial buildings, but found nothing useful (windscreen and car wheels? come on...). Then I crawled to the supermarket. I've entered unnoticed and found lots of food. Having my backpack full of beans, I looked further for the matches. A crossbow? Nah. Binoculars times 3? Nah. Two hunting knives? Nah. A watch? Nah. I've searched the whole damn place and there was no single box of matches. Getting out by the backdoor I was somehow noticed by one zombie. I ran back to the supermarket, being too loud. A SWARM of zombies started entering the damn place from both entrances, giving me no chance to leave the place unharmed. I looked at the wide windows, but was unsure if they were breakable and had no idea if I'll make it to the barn up the hill. So I've decided to hold my ground. It was like the frickin Alamo. Pew! Headshot. Pew! Headshot. Another one got to me from the other side and hit me. I turned 180 and shot 4 rounds into his chest. Then I turned again and found that they were almost at my feet. Knowing that I don't have much ammo, I didn't switched my M4a1 to auto and kept it semi-automatic. I got hit a couple more times and started bleeding. So I ran through their ranks to the other end of the store and started bandaging myself. Just in the moment my wound was dressed and I finished them off. I've looted all 19 corpses to find... another beans and a bandage. And lots of empty tin cans obviously. I left Zeleno without being noticed again. It may sound stupid, but if I haven't killed that guy in the woods the other day, I wouldn't have a silenced M4a1. I would have to defend myself with the Enfield rifle, what would probably alarm all the zeds in the city, leaving me bleeding, out of bullets and being tortured by the zombies' sharp claws for a couple of minutes. So, another Q to you guys. Where should I look now for the matches? I have to say, that I'm not interested in server hopping and coming back there, as I see it "not cool". EDIT: An advice on getting more 5,56 STANAG rounds for silenced gun would be also most appreciated. EDIT2: Just noticed HerrJon reply. I guess I'll go to Pustoshka for the matches and deer stands for ammo.

I play this game for a couple of days now. Always a loner. After taking a bullet to my head from some random sniper, I've learned to avoid others, watch my sorrundings carefully. The game is much more challenging if you know there might be someone looking for you and your stuff.

Actually I think this kind of gameplay should be banned. 15-30 minutes of forced waiting time after leaving server would do. It's killing all the fun, isn't it?

Thanks for fast reply Baka. I'm in Pulkovo right now and heading to Zelenegorsk supermarket to look for matches. Any tips about this place? I'm still asking myself a question - if somebody would spot me and yell 'STOP', would I do it or run for my live? Stopping means instant death if it's a bandit. But, judging on my own experience, not stopping gets you killed also. What would you advice me to tell to spotted people next time, to keep me safe (I've heard that yelling "friendly" isn't good idea at all) and give the impression I don't want to kill 'em?

Too bad you're a loner, it would be awesome to meet and RP a little bit :)

Alright. I can see that humanity isn't displayed anymore, but still the table in the right upper corner uses both "Murders" and "Bandits killed" counters. My latest kill counted as a "murder" - does it mean that the guy I shot was a "good guy" and that he never murdered anyone? :/

Look for landmarks and the shape of the coastline and compare it with the map. I never had any trouble locating myself. If you don't know how to use a real map - then your survival skills suck.

I'm a new player too. During my first "life" I found a gun after 2 or 3 hours of gameplay, but in fact - i didn't knew where to look. During my second life it took me less than half an hour to get a hatchet from a barn and lee enfield during the next 30 minutes. Check out http://www.dayzdb.com/ - it points what different buildings spawn. Also, you need to be more careful with the zeds - every time they noticed me, it was of my fault - I had to hurry because of thirst or I didn't noticed one and crawled right in front of it. Losing zeds isn't difficult too - just ran and look for a building with two entrances. Zeds will walk inside, giving you more time to break the line of sight. If in outdoors, try to zigzag a hill - Zeds always follow you in a direct line, so they will be slower than you. Good luck with DayZ!

So, well. I'm still alive. And I did it - I've killed another player. Didn't wanted to do so, but he wouldn't react to my messages. I didn't need any stuff, but was afraid he'll spot me. I shot him twice with my Lee Enfield. I grabbed his stuff, pretty nice stuff I have to say, but I've got this moral hangover - maybe he just didn't noticed my messages? Maybe he was the guy who helps noobs like me? Or maybe in fact, after hearing my messages he was going to hunt me down. The player's name is Projekt X - if you're reading it and in fact you didn't want to threat me - then I'm sincerely sorry. About the game experience: One of you guys, Jtyler1995 said that this game is full of decision. You were right bro.

Thanks for more tips, guys. I've started a new life between Cherno and Elektro. I can say I'm not lucky - during my first life I couldn't find anything but trash, now within the first hour I've gathered some food and drinks. I also got myself a hatchet and a winchester (no bullets unfortunately). With this supplies I'm heading north - where according to your tips I'll have much bigger chances of not encountering any bandits. Any ideas where should I look for a box of matches? Oh and one more thing. My GF was watching me playing when I was shot by this bandit. I explained her what happened, and her response was "Well, I guess you should become a bandit too". I told her, that shooting other players on sight just to get some gear isn't cool. And then she said "It's you or them". And here's another Q to you guys: my experience tells me, that every player is a bandit (1 encounter with another player = 1 death). How is your experience? Do you actually meet people in this game who aren't just looking for a way to grab your gear? How often does it happen?

Well, I should have listened to you. After I got some decent gear including ALICE backpack, colt 1911 and lots of supplies (morphine & bloodpacks included) I was suddenly sniped in the middle of the field, while crawling to Elektrozavodsk powerplant. No warning, no questions. Most sadly, that was my first encounter with another player. Nevertheless, I'm starting a new exciting life ;)

Avoid Cherno. Got it.

Thanks for tips, guys. And stay tuned. My quest for the upcoming week: 1) find a box of matches 2) survive