7. Other players - enemies or allies? DayZ Guide

This guide will give you information about other survivors, their psychology and possible actions. You'll learn also when you should ally with them and when to avoid them.

Accidental meeting in shed

Player's psychology in DayZ: Standalone

To understand other players, you need to feel what this game is about. Living in the communist country taken over by zombies, everyone will feel endangered. When you spent hours on collecting equipment, travelling around cities, you're afraid to lose it. Proper attitude towards others is a basic thing. You never know how the other player will behave. Who knows, maybe he is a bait? Maybe he needs your help and will help you back somewhen? Answers aren't always the same, because game is full of random events. Persons you meet aren't the same players you think they are. It may turn out that they fire at will at everything that moves. You should treat each one of them as a potential threat. But there are some criteria along which you should act when encounter happens. First of all, you have to notice if player you meet has a weapon on his back. If he has, it's important sign to be careful. But when you see someone with only clothes and a shovel, he should not be dangerous.

Meeting an unarmed player

When you see an unarmed player, make sure that your vicinity is safe. Recon contains, among others, searching nearby buildings and forest. If you feel confident and you know that there are no armed players around, you can start getting in touch. While running towards other player, you should have your gun in hands, but don't aim it to not frighten the other player. When you get near to him, you should use voice communication (default: caps lock) and greet him. You should use English at first. In such a situation, 2-3 meters away from the other player (so he can't hit you) you can ask if he didn't see anyone or if he doesn't need anything. But remember not to stay in place for too long, the best is to hide somewhere, as you can be easily spotted in the open terrain by bandits e.g. If you have to much of food, water or medicaments, you can share it with other player. If playing with a group of 3-4 players, you should set up a sniper who'll scan the area. If player you're talking to is aggressive, it's enough for the sniper to pull the trigger. And while you're playing alone and not completing equipment at the moment, you can think about joining forces with other player. Playing single is much more difficult, as you have no one to help you.

Contact with an armed enemy

Here difficulties begin. If you see player carrying a weapon, you should think of him as a potential enemy. The fact he has a weapon means that he is ready to kill you. After checking the vicinity, you have to choose from two options.

First is to fire at the enemy. Aim at head or legs to not damage the backpack with equipment. When you're sure that enemy is dead, you can approach his body, confirm the kill (fire at head or use hatchet) and search it. Do it ASAP, as someone else may have heard the shot. After searching the body, use the option hide body, so other players can't use his items.

The other option is to disarm or stop this player. The best is to approach him with the weapon aimed and loaded and start a conversation. You should tell him to hide weapon and put his hands up (F2 key). You can in some cases use handcuffs (make sure you have keys) what is recommended when player acts in weird way. When you overpower him, you can display his equipment, unload weapon and take what you can. After that you can release him (keeping safe distance) and talk to. It's not the only way of behaving. There is no need to overpower and rob other players. But it's the safest option in dangerous world of Chernarus.

Situation looks a bit different when you meet an armed group alone. In such a case you should retreat calmly. More about in the further part of the guide.

What if I'm being searched?

There is sure to happen situation, when armed enemy finds you first. If someone approaches you and asks you to not move and give back your weapon, listen to him. It's the best way as he has an advantage over you. But don't let him handcuff you. Try to disorient him with voice chat, but carefully. If you get overpowered, you can try run away by pressing E and Q. But, after all, it's best not to provoke him to open fire.