DayZ Custom Spawn Loadouts: Step-by-Step Guide

Setting custom spawn loadouts on a DayZ server lets you control exactly what gear players start with when they join for the first time or respawn after death. This guide walks you through editing the server’s types.xml and cfgspawnpoint.xml files, covering both basic loadouts and advanced per-spawn-point variations. You’ll need file access to your DayZ server’s mission folder and a text editor like Notepad++.

What You’ll Need

• Access to your DayZ server’s mission folder (usually mpmissions/dayzOffline.chernarusplus or similar)
• A text editor that handles XML well (Notepad++, Visual Studio Code, or even basic Notepad)
• Basic understanding of XML syntax
• Ability to restart your DayZ server to apply changes

Step-by-Step

1. Locate the mission folder – Connect to your server’s file system via FTP or your hosting control panel. Navigate to the mpmissions folder and open the folder corresponding to your map (e.g., dayzOffline.chernarusplus).
2. Open types.xml – Find the types.xml file in the mission folder. This file defines all loot spawns, but you’ll use it to add starting items.
3. Understand the structure – Each item in types.xml is defined by a <type> block with a name attribute. For spawn loadouts, you’ll add a <nominal> tag and a <lifetime> tag, but more importantly, you’ll use the <tag> element to mark items as spawn items.
4. Add spawn tags to items – For each item you want players to start with, add <tag name="spawn" /> inside the <type> block. For example, to give every player a water bottle, find the type entry for Bottle_Base and add that tag. If the item doesn’t exist in types.xml, you must create a new <type> entry with the correct class name.
5. Set spawn quantities – The <nominal> tag controls how many of that item spawn in the world, but for spawn items, it also determines how many players get it. Set <nominal> to a high number (like 1000) to ensure everyone gets one. Lower numbers may cause some players to not receive the item.
6. Edit cfgspawnpoint.xml – Open cfgspawnpoint.xml in the same folder. This file defines where players spawn and which loadout they receive. Each spawn point has a <pos> (coordinates) and a <loadout> attribute.
7. Create a custom loadout – Inside cfgspawnpoint.xml, you’ll find a <loadouts> section. Add a new <loadout> entry with a name (e.g., default). Inside it, list the items you want players to start with using <item name="ClassName" /> tags. For clothing, use <item name="Shirt_Base" /> etc. For items that stack (like ammo), you can add a count attribute.
8. Assign the loadout to spawn points – For each spawn point in the <spawnpoints> section, add loadout="default" (or whatever you named your loadout) to the <point> tag. If you want different loadouts for different spawn areas, create multiple loadouts and assign them accordingly.
9. Save and upload – Save both files and upload them back to the server if you were editing locally. Make sure to keep a backup of the originals.
10. Restart the server – For changes to take effect, restart your DayZ server. Players who join after the restart will spawn with the new loadout. Existing players won’t be affected unless they die and respawn.

Common Mistakes

• Using wrong class names – DayZ uses specific class names for items. If you misspell a class name, the item won’t appear. Always double-check against the game’s files or a reliable source.
• Forgetting the spawn tag – Adding an item to the loadout but not tagging it as spawn in types.xml means it won’t be given to players.
• Setting nominal too low – If <nominal> is less than the number of players, some players won’t get the item. Set it high (like 1000) to avoid this.
• Editing the wrong mission folder – If you have multiple maps or instances, make sure you’re editing the folder that matches the map your server runs.
• Not backing up files – A simple typo can break your server’s spawn system. Always keep a backup before making changes.

Tips

• Use a loot table reference – Keep a list of DayZ class names handy. Sites like the DayZ Wiki have comprehensive lists.
• Test on a private server – If possible, test your loadout on a local or private server before applying to your public server.
• Include essential items – A typical spawn loadout includes a melee weapon, a water bottle, some food, and maybe a flashlight. Avoid giving high-tier weapons as it can unbalance the game.
• Use the same loadout for all spawns initially – Start with one loadout for all spawn points, then later create variations for specific areas (like coast vs. inland).
• Keep the loadout file organized – Use comments () to label sections, especially if you have multiple loadouts.

Troubleshooting

• Players spawn with nothing – Check that the loadout name in cfgspawnpoint.xml matches exactly (case-sensitive) the one you assigned. Also verify that the items in the loadout have the spawn tag in types.xml.
• Server won’t start – This usually means an XML syntax error. Review your edits for missing closing tags or misplaced quotes. Check the server log for the exact line number of the error.
• Only some players get items – Increase the <nominal> value for those items. If it’s set to 10 and you have 20 players, only 10 will get the item.
• Items appear in the world but not in inventory – This happens when the item is not tagged as spawn. Add <tag name="spawn" /> to the item’s type entry.
• Changes not applying – Ensure you’ve restarted the server completely, not just reloaded the mission. Also confirm you’re editing the correct mission folder for the active map.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I give players a full clothing set?

Yes, list each clothing item (shirt, pants, jacket, etc.) in the loadout. Make sure each has the spawn tag in types.xml.

How do I give a weapon with ammo?

Add the weapon class name to the loadout, then add the ammo item with a count attribute, e.g., <item name="Ammo_9x19" count="30" />.

Can I set different loadouts for different spawn points?

Yes, create multiple loadouts in cfgspawnpoint.xml and assign each spawn point a specific loadout using the loadout attribute.

Will this affect players who are already on the server?

No, only new spawns after the server restart will get the loadout. Existing players keep their current inventory.

Do I need to add every item to types.xml?

If the item already exists in types.xml (most vanilla items do), you only need to add the spawn tag. If it’s a modded item, you may need to add the full type entry.

Is there a limit to how many items I can put in a loadout?

No hard limit, but keep it reasonable. Too many items can cause lag when players spawn, and it may unbalance your server.

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