What I have learned in the last few weeks

[zfleming12 395]

New Additions as of June 2013!

• Be wary of using servers that take away from the game design such as 24/7 daylight or starts you off with useful items. While it can useful for a little bit for those starting the game, it will leave you lacking when you take on a regular server which gives you none of such.
  
• Avoid emails, download links that folks will send you in game or around the web claiming to give you an advantage or a cool mod, more then likely ITS A SCAM. As such you could be faced with a Ban. Stick to the official websites!
  
• At night, its best to limit the use of light
  
• Stay in the trees as often as you can
  
• Low trees are a great means to loose Zeds
  
• Never run out into the open
  
• Plan out your course of action
  
• Scout out the area you want to raid, take over etc, before you rush in
  
• Rolling is a great means of moving without being detected
  
• Refrain from using big guns such as double barrels or AKs in highly Z infested areas
  
• Always ALWAYS make sure you have enough food and water
  
• Avoid giving out your location in side chat
  
• Think before you act as that will always make a difference in what could occur in the next few seconds
  
• Maps, Binoculars, firewood are just ass valuable as any sort of ammo
  
• Never stock on one thing
  
• Always try and find an alternative route
  
• If you have to, run through a town if you have been detected but make sure you can loose the dead
  
• NEVER, EVER USE FLARES unless you are with a group and or have a guarantee of safety as chances are someone will see them and target
  
• A g17 can be still useful even without ammo as a flashlight
  
• A m9 is recommended as it can hold more ammo
  
• Working with others can make your adventure easier, so if offered assistance take it!
  
• NEVER CHAT WHEN BEING CHASED, seconds of not moving can be all the difference between life and death
  
• Castles are a great location to check out for items and to stock on
  
• Be very cautious going into ANY military locations as in general you will run into someone who will more then likely shoot you on site
  
• Don't make enemies in chat, it could cost to the difference of either being rescued or being killed.
  
• You will die a lot. This is a fact. You can slowly learn to avoid death but eventually one way or the other you will get killed. Do not get frustrated, merely learn from your mistakes.
  
• Remember also that this is your story. You make the rules on how you want to and what you want to do the story.
  
• Always remember that if you think this game is bad, then war z is a hundred times worse.
  
• Crawling may take time but it does save lives from enemies.
  
• Always check and recheck your ammo.
  
• Conserve ammo unless you must use it. A hatchet can kill a zombie just as effectively as a loud gun.
  
• Don't ask for handouts. "This is a war. Survival is your own responsibility."
  
• Take a moment to check out the scenery if you have the time and safety to do so. It can be breathtaking at times.
  
• There is no shame in asking someone for assistance. Some things can't be done by oneself.
  
• Try new strategies. What works for you? What doesn't work for you?
  
• Always have a backup plan.
  
• The number of zombies you killed does not equate to how good of a personality you have.
  
• Try and use direct com with other players. IT protects both of you from being found!
  
• Be ready for anything! Even hackers!
  
• Patience is a need if you wish to get past all those zombies. Don't try and sneak by them, wait until you are in the clear!
  
• Mountain Dew is very rare.
  
• Always keep your wits in any given situation. A clear head can make all the difference in a bad situation.
  
• Avoid standing out. Try and be one with the shadows!
  
• Always hide your bodies. It may not attract more zombies, but it will leave a trail for someone else to follow.
  
• Just because you identify as friendly does not mean someone will not shoot you.
  
• Weigh your options. Is it really practical to take the double shotgun with only a few bullets or the hatchet?
  
• Use your camera control buttons! It can make all the difference of being sneaked upon from behind!
  
• Reflect on your actions. What did you find most useful in you own situations? What didn't work?
  
• Lost? Take a look around and see if anything stands out! Sometimes finding a road is your best bet to find your way around!
  
• Avoid going through large towns in general if you are heading somewhere specifically. It may take more time but it can make a difference in walking on both feet or crawling with a broken bone from Zs and Bandits.
  
• Listen to your surroundings. Chances are you might hear someone, or something nearby.
  
• If necessary use a glow stick but remember that someone is bound to see you!
  
• Mark locations you want to go on the map and use it for reference! It can make all the difference in walking into the wrong area.
  
• The same can be said for those firing at you if you can find their location.
  
• Look both ways before crossing the road. Whats coming, whats nearby?
  
• Listen for flies. Chances are in some cases a dead body is nearby which may contain gear but also could be an indication that someone else is waiting for you to enter that same spot!
  
• Less noise = less detection
  
• Try and find a tent! You will have a better means of storing and recovering items of value if you die later on.
  
• Deer stands often have a weapon! But be wary that most often 3 or more Zs will spawn near it!
  
• Tin cans can help distract the undead away from a location sometimes.
  
• Stores are you best location for finding the best survival gear! Military bases are great for finding guns.
  
• Check your corners. The Q & E buttons can let you lean to the side for a slight view of what might be nearby
  
• Always make sure you have the right thing in hand. It can make all the difference between throwing glow sticks at a zombie and actually killing it with your weapon.
  
• The DayZ wiki and the DayZ forums are always great sources of information if you are ever confused about something.
  
• Check with other survivors. What they do in thier travels that helped them?
  
• Just because you have never gotten a kill on another player does not make you a bad player. This game is about survival not how many kills you can get.
  
• Never run into a building while being chased especially if their only one way in.
  
• Fence in the way? Step over it with V!
  
• Check your ammo carefully. Some may look the same but they do not work for the same gun.
  
• Hide your vehicles. More then likely a means of transport left int the open will be gone when you come back to leave.
  
• Take breaks. Don't burn yourself out from playing the game way too much or you will loose interest.
  
• If you need to, turn the brightness, visablity and gamma to max can help you slightly see in the dark.
  
• Don't give up! See if you can turn a bad situation into a good solution!
  
• Never run off a ledge! You will break a bone, and you will most likely die.
  
• Be cautious of using mouse pads. Guns can and will discharge at times when you use it due to the sensitivity.
  
• Using your camera control can assist you if you need to roll with Q or E.
  
• Avoid lit areas in the dark. Someone may be watching that fire you are walking towards.
  
• Never make any quick movements when running into someone. Identify yourself if required and present yourself in a non threatening manner as best as you can, but be ready for anything.
  
• Always understand. Someone is always better then you but you can work harder to better yourself.
  
• Learn locations. This will save time and effort in going to locations for items or getting around.
  
• If you are in the hills with no foliage or grass then you have walked off the map.
  
• Be cautious when approaching a helicopter crash site. Zombies will be nearby usually as will someone else with a gun.
  
• Vehicles parts take up a load of space in your inventory so make sure you have what you need first before you start fixing your ride.
  
• A bigger backpack is always a good idea.
  
• Morphine is a necessity.
  
• Hospitals are your best means for medical supplies but be wary
  
• Remember, in rare cases zombies can walk through walls so just because you managed to close the door behind you does not mean you are safe.
  
• Pay attention to your UI. What needs to be fixed, what needs refilling?
  
• Running will drain your food and water faster.
  
• Keep a wary eye on chat. Sometimes a notification from other players can help you avoid their fate.
  
• Never consider that a location is clear once you killed all the zombies around you. They will re spawn!
  
• Just because you found a building does not guarantee that you will find decent loot.
  
• Make sure you have a steady aim when you are about to use your weapon.
  
• Don't rage about being killed (unless its by a hacker but even still). Others will see this as a sign of weakness and make you a target.
  
• You may never gain revenge on that one guy.
  
• Learn about the items you find and use.
  
• Avoid running on the middle of the road when traveling. You may end up as roadkill.
  
• Sometimes you may say to yourself to go a few more minutes and continue searching more then you need to. Try and refrain from doing so as it may wound up deciding whether you end the night with a full set and a continuation or a dead body with nothing.
  
• If you do find a set of wheels, check the back to see if items have been stored in it.
  
• It is not recommended to hide in a vehicle especially if it needs fixing. Someone will see you, and the dead will start to gather around.
  
• Make sure the individual crawling on the ground is not a undead. But also make sure its not someone trying to kill you.
  
• Silencers are always great.
  
• Hunting can be a viable means of surviving.
  
• Industry areas are always a good source for items to fix a transport with.
  
• For now docks are a good way to avoid the undead due to a bug that forbids them from walking directly over water.
  
• Zombies do not care that you are new to the game.
  
• Make a checklist! What are your goals?
  
• Study other player tactics. What has worked for them?
  
• Ask for advice on how to improve!
  
• Remember, you are not a superhuman. You cannot march into a town with guns a blazing as more then likely (but not always) you will be killed by the dead, bandits or both.
  
• Always bandage yourself as soon as you can.
  
• Accidents do occur. Apologize and move on.
  
• Never let your ego get in the way as it will get you killed in this game.
  
• Store your items back on the tool belt if you can! This way you can have both a weapon and a flashlight without loosing both!
  
• Take screenshots! You will have memories that you do not want to forget!
  
• Sometimes it never hurts to go onto a empty server to get a feel for the game. However it is recommend to learn how to play on bigger servers with others as you will learn a lot more.
  
• Army zombies usually have military equipment on them.
  
• You will hear and deal with trolls and mic spammers in game like anyone else in any game. If you have to mute your voice chat audio and don't give them the time or day in chat.
  
• Try and make friends. You never know when you might need backup!
  
• Don't get discouraged because you barely killed any zombies. Sometimes the most successful players are those who don't have to kill at all in order to survive. However if the situation demands it, do what you must do!
  
• Zombies only spawn near items and buildings.
  
• Snipers will often take position on hills over looking major areas or other high-spots. Try and make your way around those areas and if skilled sneak your way to that location and give em a few chops of the axe.
  
• Some servers will have on the left and right edges of the screen white dots that move as you travel. These can be indications of animals, survivors or zombies.
  
• Share your story! Someone may learn a thing or two from what you have gone through!
  
• Be aware of what another is wearing. It can sometimes make the difference in who is friendly and who is not. A bandit will always have a mask on!
  
• Whether you choose to be a hero or a bandit is up to you but you must be ready for the consequences of your choice.
  
• Be careful crawling over rocks, you can break a leg.
  
• Never forget that you also have room to store items in your bag and not just in your main inventory!
  
• Be respectful to others. It makes all the difference of someone shooting you or giving you an item.
  
• Sometimes finding the humor in a bad situation or any situation can make it all the more better.
  
• Sometimes if you are bored, you can try running through a town and attempt to see how many zombies you can get to chase you out of it. If you are lucky, you might just drag behind you an army. Just don't let anyone else get caught in their wake!
  
• Other times, see how far you can get without any weapons at all!
  
• Just because you died within a few minutes of spawning does not mean you suck.
  
• Observe the rules of the server you are on. You want to make allies not enemies!
  
• Always aim for the head as best as you can
  
• You will be forced with difficult choices at times, think about it before you decide.
  
• Refrain from dancing around a fire near a roar or in a city. Trust me...
  
• Always make sure if you are stealing a bus that no one else is on board first!
  
• Watch out for bear traps!
  
• Fortification and barb wire set up around a location is a sign that someone lives there and more then likely does not want you coming in!
  
• Be wary when moonlight illuminates the area for you. While you may be able to see better, others have the ability to see you as well.
  
• Always remember that no matter how long you have survived, it can end in a second.
  
• Just because you managed to get away in a car does not make you safe.
  
• Never, ever, broadcast how great you are because you did x at y while being z. You will be targeted.
  
• Never ever say, nothing could go wrong right now out loud!
  
• Have fun!
  That's all I have for now! Thanks for reading!
  

Edited June 12, 2013 by zfleming12

[ninjan777 104]

Just rush into a town and then glitch-hide in a pinetree or bush. No need for scouting and stealth!

[Ratsmon 131]

This is great, I will surely use it, thanks man! Beans to you.

[zfleming12 395]

This is great, I will surely use it, thanks man! Beans to you.

Quite welcome! I figure if this has helped me so well then it should be just as useful for anyone else. Feel free to contribute!

[dallas 5195]

I agree with all your points, I cannot find anything in your post that offends or outrages me. :(

Edited December 30, 2012 by Dallas

[Sula 1205]

What a lot you've learned! I'm still working on it. :)

[zfleming12 395]

What a lot you've learned! I'm still working on it. :)

Its an ongoing learn curve for all of us!

[sausagekingofchicago 4711]

I always use flares when raiding a town at night but I'm careful not to light only the area I'm in. If you need additional light for some reason, use red chemlights as they wont stand out as much as blue and green against the red light of the flares. I find using flares more fun and a player with a flashlight is a lot easier to pinpoint than a guy running around in a large and well lit area.

Other than that, good tips for people.

Edited December 30, 2012 by SausageKingofChicago

[zfleming12 395]

I always use flares when raiding a town at night but I'm careful not to light only the area I'm in. If you need additional light for some reason, use red chemlights as they will stand out as much as blue and green against the red light of the flares. I find using flares more fun and a player with a flashlight is a lot easier to pinpoint than a guy running around in a large and well lit area.

Other than that, good tips for people.

Thank you very much!

[gravedancer 35]

Awesome list for those new folks out.

Great job

[zfleming12 395]

Heh even after two hours, I am finding myself STILL adding to the list.

[Fraggle (DayZ) 15720]

Wow, that's becoming pretty comprehensive.

[TtS1991 211]

The only time I've used flares is to prevent death by sudden NVG snipers.

Except for the time when I was throwing around dozens upon dozens of them and began glitching out half of elektro's textures. All the stretching... So much stretching...

[zfleming12 395]

Additional thoughts that came to mind during the day.

• Looking for a clan, a crew, a team is never a bad idea at all. Set aside some time to learn about one, or form one with friends. As a team you have a better chance of surviving then on your own!
  
• IF you feel like it, take the time to journal your adventures on a word document and share em with the rest of us! Its a great way to gain insight into the minds of fellow members.
  
• Be wary of the rocket launcher. It does not make a big kaboom and takes away your sack. Best to use it with a Heli or a car.
  
• Stop and think for a moment. What will result if you follow this course of action? Is it really worth risking limb and health to take out the man that shot you in a situation where you have everything to loose and nothing to gain.
  
• Drunk? Try and see how long you can survive while so. (Note, Z does not encourage you to drink to play this game nor should you ever feel the need to unless you just want to for fun! Please be responsible!)
  
• Setting up a base with friends in a remote location can be enjoyable and a great means to stay alive. Suggestions for this include having at night Vehicles, with head lights aimed to crisscross over the beams as a mean to illuminate a large area to make sure it is secure. Follow through with barbed wire, and tank barriers. Throw in a few tents, a fire, and patrols for bandits and other survivors as well as the undead.
  
• Be wary when using helis. They can easily loose control if not used properly.
  
• NVGs are a rare and few thing to find within the game. If you are able to find one, make sure to use it to its full advantage as you can move more undetected through an area.
  

More to come tonight.

[Armordillo 0]

Amazing Man! I will soon be playing Day Z, and hopefully I will survive a small bit longer because of you!

[Fearless96 5]

Holy shit nice list!! That must have taken you ages haha! Definitely saving this one :)

[zfleming12 395]

It comes with the trade my friends! I am very glad that this has been an assistance to all of you! =D

Edited January 1, 2013 by zfleming12