messages.xml Configuration
Defines server messages, notifications, and MOTD. Used for communicating with players on join and during gameplay.
Overview
messages.xml defines server messages that are displayed to players during various events — joining the server, disconnecting, scheduled announcements, and more. Located in your mission folder at db/messages.xml.
Messages are a simple but effective way to communicate server rules, upcoming restarts, Discord links, and other information to your players without requiring mods.
File Structure
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="yes"?>
<messages>
<message deadline="0" text="Welcome to our DayZ server! Check Discord for rules." />
<message deadline="1" text="Server restart in 1 hour." />
<message deadline="2" text="Server restart in 30 minutes." />
<message deadline="3" text="Server restart in 15 minutes. Find a safe spot!" />
<message deadline="4" text="Server restart in 5 minutes!" />
<message deadline="5" text="SERVER RESTARTING NOW" />
</messages>
Message Parameters
| Attribute | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| text | String | The message content displayed to players. Supports basic text only — no HTML or rich formatting. |
| deadline | Integer | Controls when the message is shown. 0 = shown on player connect. Higher values are used for scheduled/timed messages relative to server restart. |
| shutdown | Integer | Optional. If set to 1, the server will shut down after displaying this message. Used for the final restart warning. |
Message Types
Login / Connect Messages
Messages with deadline="0" are displayed when a player connects to the server. Use these for welcome messages, server rules, and Discord links. Players see these every time they join.
Logout / Disconnect Messages
Disconnect messages are handled by the game engine and are not configurable through messages.xml. The logout timer is controlled by TimeLogout in globals.xml.
Scheduled / Timed Messages
Messages with deadline values greater than 0 are displayed at scheduled intervals, typically used for restart warnings. The deadline value corresponds to a countdown sequence managed by your server's restart script or scheduler.
Broadcast Messages
Broadcast messages are sent to all connected players simultaneously. These are useful for server-wide announcements, event notifications, and restart warnings.
Example Configurations
Welcome Message with Rules
<messages>
<message deadline="0" text="Welcome to MyServer! No KOS in safe zones. Join Discord: discord.gg/example" />
</messages>
Restart Warning Sequence
<messages>
<message deadline="0" text="Welcome! Server restarts every 4 hours." />
<message deadline="1" text="[SERVER] Restart in 60 minutes." />
<message deadline="2" text="[SERVER] Restart in 30 minutes." />
<message deadline="3" text="[SERVER] Restart in 15 minutes. Secure your gear!" />
<message deadline="4" text="[SERVER] Restart in 5 minutes! Log out safely." />
<message deadline="5" text="[SERVER] Restarting NOW!" shutdown="1" />
</messages>
Multiple Welcome Messages
<messages>
<message deadline="0" text="Welcome to Survival Island! Population: Hardcore" />
<message deadline="0" text="Rules: No duping, no glitching, no stream sniping." />
<message deadline="0" text="Report issues on Discord: discord.gg/example" />
<message deadline="0" text="Trader is located at Green Mountain." />
</messages>
Formatting Tips
Keep messages short and clear. Long messages get cut off or ignored by players.
Use [SERVER] or [ADMIN] prefixes to distinguish system messages from player chat.
Avoid special characters and XML entities in message text. Stick to plain ASCII text.
Multiple deadline="0" messages will all display on connect, one after another.
Test messages on a local server before deploying to production to verify formatting and timing.