Some mods and server packs use a “merge” system (e.g., CF’s $merge: directive). If you see a JSON file containing:
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Solution | |---------|--------------|----------| | Loot not spawning | types.xml not in correct folder or malformed | Validate XML (not JSON if file is actually XML) | | Server fails to start | Invalid JSON syntax | Run through JSON validator | | Custom spawns ignored | File name mismatch or wrong path | Compare case-sensitivity (Linux) | | Mod JSON not applied | Mod not loaded or wrong profile folder | Check -mod startup line |
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data format that DayZ uses to store structured server data. Unlike the legacy .txt or .xml files used in earlier versions of the game (or other Bohemia Interactive titles like Arma 3), JSON provides a more readable and hierarchical way to manage:
A single syntax error will prevent your mod from loading. Here is how to avoid disaster.
When running multiple mods, the order in which they load can affect JSON file precedence. For DayZ Expansion AI, for instance, the mods must be loaded in this specific order: CF (Community Framework), then DayZ Expansion Core, then DayZ Expansion AI. If loaded incorrectly, the server will fail to start.
| File Type | Typical Path | What It Controls | |-----------|--------------|------------------| | cfggameplay.json | mpmissions/dayzOffline.chernarusplus/ | Stamina, damage, lighting | | ObjectSpawner.json | Mission root directory | Custom structures and objects | | Expansion settings | profiles/ExpansionMod/Settings/ | AI, vehicles, safe zones, markets | | Spawn settings | profiles/ExpansionMod/SpawnSettings/ | Player spawn points and gear | | Custom mod JSONs | config/ or mod-specific subfolders | Variable by mod |
A: You likely edited the mod’s original files inside @ModFolder\profiles\ instead of the server’s root profiles\ directory.
Before diving into installation, it helps to understand what JSON files actually do in DayZ. The game uses three primary configuration formats: XML files handle the economy, events, and spawn configurations; JSON files manage modern gameplay mechanics and effect areas; while CFG files control server startup settings and core configuration.
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data format that has become the standard for modern DayZ server configurations. Unlike older XML files, which primarily manage the legacy Central Economy, JSON files control a wide range of gameplay mechanics including loot spawns, world objects, player loadouts, and mod-specific settings. These files are human-readable, easy to edit, and the preferred format for popular mods like and Community Framework .
Drag and drop the downloaded .json file from your local computer into the designated server folder.