Once again, a year of successful development of DayZ comes to an end, and the content plans for 2024 by developer Bohemia Interactive are already set. In this article, we give you a first glimpse of what you can expect — I mean, expect.
DayZ Roadmap in 2024 TLDR:
In their year-end report (via dayz.com), the DayZ developers talk about the year's successes, such as 70,000 concurrent players on PC or over 4.0 million new players. However, they also address the future of the survival game and provide small hints about what might come to DayZ in 2024. Fans suspect a new map due to the anniversary video (embedded below) could be in the works.
Among other things, the team announces the usual update schedule, which spreads four major updates throughout the year. In this cycle, updates typically arrive every three months. However, the timeline for the final update of a year can be extended:
Update Preview for 2024 (based on the 2023 rhythm):
Provided there are no significant incidents in the development of a feature, we can only say with certainty: You can expect an update every quarter.
At the beginning of the year, technical improvements will primarily be introduced to DayZ. These smaller updates lay the groundwork for major content later in the year. But don't worry, the smaller updates for DayZ have always brought some content, such as new weapons or clothing. By mid-year, you can expect more, and perhaps you can identify important building blocks for the big update at the end of the year. And at the end of 2024, the team has a special treat in store:
A New Map is Coming: As mentioned at the beginning, the developers have teased a massive addition to DayZ for the year-end. While they haven't explicitly confirmed a new map, there are clear hints, including:
For most fans, it's clear that a snowy map is on the way, as what else would the Yellow King be catching if not a snowflake? Additionally, Lead Designer Adam Francu, who is responsible for the mod map Namalsk, which is located at the Arctic Circle, posted on Twitter (X):
(...) Exciting times await you! Snowflake
Some fans believe that the snowflake is just a clever distraction from Francu. In reality, it could be ash. However, regardless of which type of map it will be, some fans might be disappointed. In a survey of around 2,500 users, over 50% voted for a city setting similar to The Division. Unfortunately, due to DayZ's technical limitations, this is unlikely to happen. Our DayZ expert, Kevin Willing, summarizes fan theories and adds an intriguing possibility.
For the complete analysis of the new DayZ map, click here! Discover all the hints and why it can only be one map...
Your turn: What map do you wish for DayZ, and what content would you like to see in 2024? Helicopters are still missing, which the developer has already added to the sister game Arma Reforger. Share your thoughts in the comments or join the discussion in our Community Discord.