If you're in the mood for a brutal fight for survival in a post-apocalyptic world riddled with zombies, DayZ is here for you! There are plenty of maps to choose from, and loads are community-made favorites such as Namalsk. However, the official development team behind DayZ, Bohemia Interactive, has also created some popular maps of its own, such as Chernarus. This enormous expanse of land is ripe for both high-tier looting and player-on-player violence. We've got the info you need to know below!

What is the DayZ Chernarus Map?

Chernarus is one of only three official maps in DayZ. Of those three, it is easily the largest. In fact, even among community-made maps, Chernarus is massive at a whopping 225 square km. Given its enormous size, it's covered in a variety of geological formations. The following list is all of the different locations you can expect to see while trekking across Chernarus:

• Airfields
• Camps
• Settlements
  • Villages
  • Towns
  • Major Towns
• Sea and Coast
• Local Areas
• Military Bases
• Castles
• Hills and Mountains
• Lakes, Ponds, and Dams

With such a gigantic area of land to fight over, one might expect constant sniping fights. However, the diverse points of interest listed above and scattered over every point of the map means that you'll encounter firefights of all types. So, as you're running around and looting, don't immediately dismiss more close-ranged weaponry. Of course, despite the large amount of POIs scattered around Chernarus, there will be large swaths of land between each point. While the default map can feature dynamic weather events, you won't necessarily need to worry about being warm. The odd rainstorm might make things cold, but, unless you're heading to a colder region of the map, you can keep your inventory focused on weapons and food. When you spawn in on Chernarus, you'll be somewhere along the coast. The first thing you want to do is find some food. When you're starting out, fruit trees near towns along the coast or killing zombies in towns are the best bet for sustenance. Once you have enough loot to get you started, you'll want to slowly head toward the northwestern region of Chernarus. The entire map could be divided into four segments based on loot tiers. The coastline is the lowest tier, and the most northwestern portion of the map is tier 4.

Major Points of Interest in Chernarus

Chernogorsk

The city of Chernogrosk is absolutely massive. Located along the southern coast of Chernarus, this is an early-game location that many players will encounter right away. As a result, it's highly likely that violence will take place when you're here. You either have to work your way through your enemies or sneak your way around to grab whatever loot you can. In terms of loot, as mentioned above, you'll find plenty of early-game options here. However, Chernogrosk is such a massive city with so many buildings and sources of loot that you can even find tier 3 gear. Weaponry, clothing, vehicle recs, food, and more are scattered all over the place. Despite the likelihood of fighting other players in Chernogrosk, it's a great starting point for a run. You can grab plenty of loot, and it's an easy entry point to the rest of the continent to the north. Here is a list of the most noteworthy facilities within the city's boundaries:

• Large Police Station
• Chernogorsk Town Hall
• Hospital
• Fire Station
• Supermarket
• Two Churches
• Train Station
• Office
• Water Pump
• Military Camp
• Suburbs
• Apartment Blocks
• House Blocks
• Houses

Novodmitrovsk

Like Chernogrosk, Novodmitrovsk is an absolutely massive city. Similarly, you can find all manner of loot here. Weaponry, food, clothing, military gear, and more. However, all of the loot will be around a tier 2 rarity, and this city is far along the northern border rather than the southern. Yet, as with Chernogrosk, this is an incredibly popular area for players. Even in a zombie apocalypse, cities are a magnet for human activity! If you do find yourself on the receiving end of enemy gunfire, Novodmitrovsk actually has a slightly higher abundance of healing items than other cities. Its Hospital, Supermarket, and Police Station can all house medical gear. Throw in two Water Pumps and a large number of residential areas, and you should be able to stock up for a long journey. Keep in mind, however, that dynamic contamination events can take place within city limits. If one of these starts, the streets will be awash with hazardous gas. It's best to either get out of the area as quickly as possible if an event starts, or come prepared with gas masks.

Devil's Castle

Moving much further inland and to the northwest, Devil's Castle is a unique DayZ location. Yes, there are multiple castles scattered around Chernarus, but this one has a healthy amount of mid-to-high tier gear and plenty of surrounding POIs. A nearby pub, for example, can be found to the southeast as a reliable source of food and civilian clothing. Within Devil's Castle itself, players can expect to mostly find hunting gear. However, the best loot with a chance of spawning here is rarer and more exotic. Chainmail, helmets, and even a sword can spawn within the castle walls. All of this can prove useful in the right situation and it makes for a bold post-apocalyptic fashion statement.

Pobeda Dam

Just a bit ot the west of Novodmitrovsk is the Pobeda Dam. There are a few dams scattered around the continent, but this one is noteworthy for its location. Sure, the loot here can be useful too. A bit of food in a nearby house, perhaps a few weapons, and some boat spawns along the water. However, this location is a great go-between when you're exploring the far northern reaches of the land. Whether you're leaving or entering the city of Novodmitrovsk, it can offer plenty of space to plan your next move. While it may not have loads of players visiting for looting's sake, it is a great area for catching travelers unaware. Loot the nearby city and houses to gather some gear, set up on the dam, and pick off players as they try to travel past. If you're a monster, of course.

Vybor Air Base

Now, if you're looking for the best loot available on Chernarus, this is where you need to be. Located nearly as far from the coastline as possible to the northwestern reaches of the map, the Vybor Air Base is a military dreamland. This is where tier 4 loot can be found. Game-changing gear such as Vaiga shotguns, KA-74/101 rifles, loads of plate carriers, and night vision goggles. For the best loot at Vybor, you want to check the following:

• Airplane Crates
  • Typically located on the Middle Tarmac and filled with top-tier guns.
• Tent Clusters
  • Found on both the north and south ends of the base. Filled with ammo, gun attachments, and military clothing.
• Medical Tents
  • Found on the eastern side of the base, holding plenty of medical equipment.
• Barracks
  • You'll see these all over the base. They can hold weapons, vests, plate carriers, and helmets.

Of course, given the high-tier loot of this location, everyone wants to get here. There aren't a lot of spots to hide in the Vybor Air Base. There is, however, a tall ATC tower in the base's center. Players love to head up there and practice some easy sniping on other players looting below. Wherever you move in Vybor, make sure you move there quickly. Or, if you think you've got the eyes for it, do your looting at night so that players who have set up in the base before you can't see you moving around.