The Frostline DLC from “Bohemia Interactive” brings a new survival scenario to DayZ. The wintry map and innovative expansions provide a breath of fresh air. But what justifies the price of 27 dollars?
The Czech development studio Bohemia Interactive recently decided to merge the main game DayZ with the Livonia DLC, which was released in 2019. The main game now includes the old DLC map and its functions at no extra cost, which will please console players in particular. Previously, DayZ only offered one official map without additional DLC.
In contrast, PC players could choose from many professionally modified maps, including tropical, winter and tundra looks. So far, DayZ console players had to make do with the maps “Chernarus” and “Livonia”.
This DLC therefore seems to be primarily intended for PlayStation and Xbox players, in order to provide this part of the community with new content without Steam mods. Nevertheless, the DLC is also very popular with the PC community. If it continues to be successful, it could also drive the development of a possible DayZ 2.
Sakhal – New map with tough challenges
The Frostline DLC introduces the wintry map “Sakhal”, which is modeled after the Russian island of Kamchatka. Sakhal impresses with its harsh, volcanic and icy landscape. A volcano dominates the main island, surrounded by smaller islands on the edge of the map, some of which offer valuable end-game loot. The various loot routes are crucial for DayZ players and survival fans.
You start as a “freshie” on the north coast and fight your way south to find better loot. In the beginning, food, water and clothing are particularly important. On Sakhal, you have to find warm clothes quickly and drink as much as your stomach can hold at a well.
Look for food such as canned meat or animals whose meat you can cook. But be careful! Unlike on other maps, you have to defrost your food first, as it is constantly freezing on Sakhal.
Innovative areas, diseases and animals
You can now discover foxes, rabbits and deer on the 105 m² map. Only the deer are edible and you can enjoy their meat without hesitation. In addition to the cute foxes and hares, you are also likely to encounter bears and wolves. These are less friendly, so it's better to retreat without a firearm.
Unlike on other maps, you can no longer safely eat bear or wolf meat on Sakhal. Bohemia has introduced the challenge that eating wolf or bear meat has a 50 percent chance of triggering a disease that can only be cured with special medication.
Over 346 new sounds for snow, wind and animal effects have been added to create a harmonious atmosphere on the harsh island of Sakhal. The entire vegetation has been given its own soundscape for the best immersion yet. There are also new textures, revised building types and clothing with optimal insulation against the cold. Inventory space has been reduced to provide more realistic management.
The heat system
The heat system often forces you to warm up by the fire and dry your equipment. Make sure that your fire burns for a long time to make use of the “heat buff”. This is also known on the modified map “Namalsk” and has been refined by the development studio.
The temperature display can show up to three plus symbols next to the thermometer. It is advisable to continue your journey with full three plus symbols in order to cover longer distances without fire breaks.
The new cold and heat system also takes into account altitude meters and different terrains. It will get cold faster if you are on high mountains or get caught in a snowstorm. Food also influences your character's temperature.
Preferably, eat warm food to keep your body and the heat buff active for longer. Cold or almost frozen food will cool you down quickly. Store your items in your backpack or fanny pack, not in the clothes you are wearing. If you have warm food with you, wear it directly on your body to benefit from the warmth.
What do you think of the Frostline DLC? Are the survival mechanics too demanding for you or are you looking forward to the new survival challenges? Let us know in the comments!
The long-awaited feature of making your own wooden fishing hook is now available. Now nothing stands in the way of building an improvised fishing rod. Fish are one of the best sources of food on Sakhal and provide plenty of energy and nourishment. You can also combine fishing directly with a warming fire to save a lot of time.
