If you run a DayZ server, the types.xml file controls how much of every item spawns on the map. Mastering it lets you tune loot to be hardcore-scarce or loot-heavy. Here is how the types editor works.
What types.xml Controls
types.xml (in your server's db folder, part of the mission files) defines spawn rules for every item and creature. Each item has an entry with several values that control how often it appears and how long it lasts.
Key Values Explained
| Value | Meaning |
|---|---|
nominal | Target number of this item on the map |
min | Minimum on the map before the central loot economy spawns more |
lifetime | Seconds an item persists before despawning |
restock | Seconds before the economy tops up toward nominal |
quantmin/quantmax | Quantity range (e.g. ammo in a stack, liquid in a container) |
cost | Spawn priority weighting |
How It Works Together
The DayZ Central Economy keeps roughly nominal of each item on the map. When the count drops to min, it spawns more. lifetime controls how long untouched loot stays before vanishing.
Common Edits
Increase an item's spawns: Raise nominal (and min).
<type name="M4A1">
<nominal>20</nominal>
<min>10</min>
...
</type>
Make loot rarer: Lower nominal and min.
Make loot last longer on the ground: Increase lifetime.
Category, Usage, and Tags
Each entry also has:
<category>, loot category (weapons, food, clothes, tools)<usage>, where it spawns (Military, Police, Town, etc.)<value>, tier (loot tiers across the map)<tag>, placement tags (floor, shelves)
These determine where items spawn, not just how many.
Editing Safely
- Back up your mission files before editing
- Use a types.xml editor tool (web-based or app) to avoid XML syntax errors
- Validate the XML, a single broken tag can stop loot spawning entirely
- Restart the server for changes to take effect
- Test in-game and adjust
Tips
- Small changes go a long way, the economy reacts over time
- Adding modded items requires adding their
typesentries too - Keep a clean backup so you can revert if loot breaks
FAQ
What does nominal mean in types.xml? It is the target number of that item the server tries to keep on the map.
How do I make loot spawn more often?
Increase the item's nominal and min values, then restart the server.
Where is types.xml?
In your server's mission db folder.
Related: DayZ server hosting, DayZ Chernarus map server settings, DayZ crafting recipes