The harsh world of DayZ has just gotten even more exciting thanks to the latest updates. Game Updates 1.24 and 1.25 introduce a slew of new content, fresh features, and technical improvements that will appeal to veteran survivors and new adventurers alike. Whether you’re playing on a public server or running your own DayZ server, you’ll notice how these updates make the experience more atmospheric, balanced, and community-driven.
This action-packed scene symbolizes the new challenges and opportunities players face in DayZ after the recent updates. With Updates 1.24 and 1.25, survivors have even more tools at their disposal – from powerful weapons to improved audio and ambience.
Highlights of Update 1.24
Released in February 2024 as the first stable update of the year, Update 1.24 focused on reinforcing the foundation for future content. While 1.24 wasn’t as flashy as later updates, it still brought some exciting additions and important improvements:
- New Weapon: SR-3M Vikhr – A compact Russian assault rifle (9×39 mm) was introduced, along with a matching 30-round magazine. This gives players a new way to take down zombies and enemies at close range.
- Tactical Gear – New camouflage variants of the ballistic helmet were added, helping you blend into the environment and remain undetected.
- Expanded World – The Livonia map got an overhaul at the Lukow Airfield, which was updated and improved. Survivors now have even more to explore in one of DayZ’s most lush regions.
- Better Server Experience – The update officially introduced support for Linux server files – a big deal for those hosting DayZ servers, as it enables more stable community servers. Additionally, 1.24 included a slew of bug fixes and tweaks that improved overall game stability and balance.
Update 1.25 – enhancing atmosphere and gameplay
Building on 1.24’s momentum, Bohemia Interactive released Update 1.25 in May 2024 with a strong focus on atmosphere and sound. The standout addition was the long-awaited background music in the game. Approximately 70 minutes of new, dynamic ambient tracks – composed by Czech musician Dikolson – now play subtly as you explore Chernarus and Livonia. The music adapts to the time of day and the area you’re in, intensifying the atmosphere whether you’re sneaking through a foggy forest or looting an abandoned city.
The new ambient tracks in Update 1.25 make moments like this even more atmospheric for players. Even when you’re alone in the wilderness, the silence is now accompanied by subtle melodies that make the post-apocalyptic world feel even more alive. That’s immersion in action!
But Update 1.25 wasn’t just about audio. Survivors also got a new toy in the arsenal: a new sniper rifle (VS-89) with a 10-round magazine. This bolt-action rifle – known in real life as the SV-98 – allows for precise long-range takedowns, letting you eliminate threats from afar before they spot you.
In addition, 1.25 marked a new era for the Livonia map, which was made free for all owners of the base game. From 1.25 onward, the Livonia DLC is included with the base game, meaning the entire community can explore the Nadbór region’s lush forests and deserted villages at no extra cost. This move was met with cheers from the community and ensures even more players can enjoy everything Livonia has to offer.
To top it off, Update 1.25 delivered a host of improvements and fixes under the hood. Here are some of the key ones:
- Limited the use of items in containers via quickslots to prevent items from vanishing from inventories.
- Improved synchronization of player position with the server (fewer instances of getting stuck in doorways, etc.).
- Added a new crash reporter on PC to help the developers identify and fix issues faster.
All in all, Updates 1.24 and 1.25 have significantly enhanced the DayZ experience. The game world feels more alive and polished, and both survivors and server admins have gained new tools to play with. Bohemia Interactive has already teased the upcoming 1.26 update as well as the impending DayZ: Frostline expansion featuring a winter map – exciting times are ahead for DayZ fans. Until then, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into with the latest updates.