Finding a gun is the moment DayZ really begins — but the map is full of choices, and the wrong one gets you killed. This guide covers the best weapons in DayZ and where to find guns.
The best weapons
- M4A1 — the top assault rifle: low recoil, fast fire rate, plentiful 5.56 NATO ammo, and tons of attachments (suppressor, ACOG). Found at helicopter crash sites and contaminated zones.
- KA-M — AK-pattern rifle in 7.62×39; higher damage per shot than the M4 but more recoil. Found in military barracks.
- Mosin Nagant — a five-shot bolt-action in 7.62x54mmR; brutal power and accuracy at long range, common and reliable.
- SGK-5 — MP5-pattern 9mm SMG: low recoil, fast, takes a suppressor — the best close-to-mid stealth weapon. Found in police stations.
Where to find guns
The best places, in order: military bases and airfields (barracks at the Northwest Airfield and other camps hold AKs, the AKS-74U and explosives), helicopter crash sites (high-tier weapons like the M4), and police stations (pistols and SMGs). Civilian “gun houses” — identifiable by metal roofs and dark/yellow wood trim — often have a firearm on the floor in a corner.
Match your ammo
A gun is useless without the right rounds. Loot the same areas for ammo, and pick a weapon whose caliber you can actually feed — common calibers (5.56, 7.62×39, 7.62x54R, 9mm) are easier to keep stocked than rare ones. Find exactly where each gun spawns with our free DayZ loot map.
Gear up on your own server
Want more weapons available for your group? On your own DayZ server you control the loot economy — boost military weapons via types.xml (see our increase loot guide).
Frequently asked questions
What is the best weapon in DayZ?
The M4A1 is the best all-round assault rifle (low recoil, great attachments); the Mosin is the best budget long-range rifle, and the SGK-5 the best suppressed CQB option.
Where do you find guns in DayZ?
Military bases and airfields, helicopter crash sites, and police stations — plus civilian gun houses (metal roofs). Use the loot map to find exact spawns.
Where do you find the M4A1 in DayZ?
At helicopter crash sites and contaminated zones — high-tier loot areas.
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