Advanced sights | Weapon list DayZ - ArmA 2 mod Guide

Last update: 11 May 2016

DayZ includes a realistic ballistic model, simulating the dropping trajectory of a bullet. The weaker the weapon (lower speed of the bullet), the faster the bullet will fall down to the ground. The effect doesn't have a large influence on lower distances (less than 200m), however it's very noticeable when using a sniper rifle or a scoped weapon.

Most rifle weapons in DayZ have the option of zeroing (by default [PageUp] and [PageDown]), that is adjust the sight according to the distance between you and your target. It can be changed at a 100m ratio, up to the maximum range of a given weapon (ranges can be found in the weapons list below). The adjustment can be seen in the upper left corner of the screen, right below the ammunition count. The default value is usually 300m.

The best and most accurate method of determining the distance to your target is using the Rangefinder. It allows you to determine distance with 1m accuracy, as seen in the above screen. Unfortunately, using it requires you to temporarily put aside your weapon or play in a pair (a sniper and a look-out man).

Knowing the distance to your target, you can use the sight in two ways. The easiest method is setting the adjustment to the proper distance and aim with the middle dot of the sight. You can also aim without the adjustment, using the dots found below the middle of the sight. Use the middle dot with the target 200m away. Further dots indicate a 200m jump, up to 1000m.

An optimum solution is using both methods at the same time, therefore zeroing your weapon to a proper distance and then manually adjusting the sight with the dots. That's the method you need to use when the distance to your target isn't a round number. Properly using the sights will require a little practice and a feel of the weapon currently in use. For example - if your target is 350m from you, set a 300m adjustment and raise the sight a bit, so that the target is around 1 of the distance between middle and first dot below the middle.

The unique sight which comes with the SVD Camo is a whole other kettle of fish. Additional lines and chevrons on the sight aren't just for decoration and play an important role. Each chevron ("roof") on the vertical axis is an equivalent of the standard dots, with the exception of the biggest one above the horizontal axis, which is used for shooting on distances lower than 100m.

The SVD sniper rifle cannot be zeroed, so you need to manually adjust the bullet trajectory considering the distance to your target. In return, the SVD sight has a built-in rangefinder in the form of curved lines to the left of the crosshair. Using it might be tricky for beginners, but it becomes a very helpful gadget with some practice.

How to use the built-in rangefinder? Each line plays a role:

• the horizontal line represents the base on which your target is standing
• the short curve is the height of a crouching target (~0,5m)
• the long curve is the height of a standing target (~1,5m)

Place the horizontal line so that the target you're aiming at stand on it. Now, depending on whether the target is crouching or standing, set the rangefinder so that the long or short curve touches the head and read the distance from the scale. For example: if the target's head touches the longer curve between points 4 and 6, it means that it's 500m from you.

The built-in rangefinder is useable on distances of 1000m for standing targets and ~650m for crouching ones. Unfortunately it won't be of much use in case of prone targets, so you'll have to depend on your intuition. You can of course you the shorter curve and imagine where the target's head would be if it would be crouching. It requires some practice and training, but is doable.

In DayZ, There are two weapons which come with sights with thermo and night-vision. These sights don't have lines as those on sniper rifles, as they're mounted on assault rifles. Both weapons (FN FAL AN/PVS-4 and L85A2 AWS) have the option of zeroing and their range is 400m and 300m. Zeroing should be enough to be able to use the middle of the sight to accurately shoot at the maximum possible range.