Mods are what turn a vanilla DayZ server into a trader economy, a base-building sandbox, or a hardcore PvE world. Unlike some games, DayZ servers don't pull Workshop mods in automatically, they need to be added to the server manually. On MintServers, you have two ways to do this: uploading a modlist exported straight from the DayZ Launcher, or uploading and configuring mod files by hand.
Method A: Using An Exported Modlist (Recommended)
This is the simplest option if you've already built your mod collection in the DayZ Launcher.
- In the DayZ Launcher, subscribe to and enable all the mods you want on your server.
- Use the Launcher's export option to save your modlist as an HTML file.
- Log into your MintServers panel and open the Files tab.
- Upload the exported HTML file to your server's root directory.
- Open the Game Settings tab and confirm the Modlist File field matches the filename you uploaded (this defaults to
modlist.html). - Save your settings and start your server.
.bikey file into your server's keys folder on its own. If your server rejects players or fails to start after a modlist install, check your server's keys folder against each mod's own keys folder and copy over anything missing, the same way described in Method B's key step below. This hasn't been confirmed internally as expected behavior, flagging for Chris to confirm exactly what the Modlist File automation does and doesn't handle.
Method B: Manual Mod Upload
Use this method for mods you've downloaded outside the Launcher, or if you want full control over exactly what's loaded.
- Subscribe to your mods on the DayZ Steam Workshop and launch the game once so Steam downloads them locally as
@ModNamefolders. - On the MintServers panel, open the Files tab and upload each
@ModNamefolder into your server's root directory. - Inside each mod folder is a
keys(orKeys) folder containing a.bikeyfile. Copy every one of these into your server's ownkeysfolder. - Open the Game Settings tab and list your mod folders in the Additional Mods field, separated by semicolons.
- Save your settings and start your server.
@ and often capital letters (for example, @CF). We haven't internally confirmed whether this field requires renaming your mod folders to match its naming rule, or whether it handles standard @ModName folders as-is. Test with a single mod first and confirm the exact expected format before documenting this step further.
Common Gotchas
- Dependency order: Community Framework (
@CF) is a requirement for most major mods and needs to be listed first. - Missing keys: If a mod's
.bikeyfile isn't in your server'skeysfolder, the signature check will reject any player using that mod. - Server-side files: Some mods ship a separate server-side download that goes in your server's
profilesfolder rather than the mod folder itself. Check each mod's page for specific instructions. - Loot merges: Mods that add new items often ship their own
types.xmlentries that need merging into your loot table. See our guide to DayZ Loot Editing for how the Central Economy works.
What Players Need To Do
Every player connecting to a modded server needs to be running the exact same mods, in the exact same versions. When a player tries to join through the DayZ Launcher, it automatically prompts them to subscribe to and download any mods they're missing, so this is usually a one-click step on their end rather than something they need to configure manually.
🛠️ Troubleshooting Mod Issues
Server rejects every player after adding a mod:Almost always a missing.bikeyfile in your server'skeysfolder. This can happen even after a Modlist File import, see the note above.Server fails to start:Check your mod load order. Dependencies like Community Framework need to be listed before the mods that require them.A mod updated and now breaks the server:DayZ servers don't auto-update Workshop content. Re-download and re-upload the mod whenever the author pushes an update.Players can't find the server, or it disappears from their list:Signature or key issues can cause a modded server to drop off the public browser. Double-check every mod has a matching key installed.
Once your mods are uploaded and your server starts cleanly, you're ready to build the exact DayZ experience you're going for. If you run into any trouble getting mods installed correctly, no worries! Just open a support ticket and our team will gladly jump in and help.