Bohemia Interactive, the developers behind DayZ, recently rolled out the first major update following the release of the Sakhal map (Frostline DLC). This patch introduces several changes that impact both gameplay and exploration. Let’s break down the most important updates you will notice in your day-to-day exploration.
Geothermal Plant Revamp: Military and Medical Presence
The Geothermal Plant, located in the heart of the Sakhal map, used to be a fairly lackluster area. Thankfully, Bohemia Interactive heard the community’s feedback and totally revamped the location.
The update introduces military and medical zones at the plant, turning it into a must-visit point of interest (POI). Expect to find medical supplies, military gear, and more action.
Take a look below at some comparisson screenshots.
South Coast Expansion: Easier Ice Crossings
One of the more subtle but significant updates is the addition of a southern peninsula to Sakhal. This new landmass extends further into the icy waters, making it easier for players to cross the treacherous ice fields without soaking their gear.
By reducing the risk of hypothermia, this update improves quality of life for survivors navigating the island’s southern regions.
Note: On KarmaKrew we added multiple ice crossings so you can traverse the ice better and explore the islands. You’d still need a boat in most cases but with these crossings we want to make the southern large military peninsula and islands more engaging.
Check the KarmaKrew map here:
Military Checkpoints Added in the South
The new military checkpoints scattered across the southern part of the map are another small but impactful addition. These checkpoints improve loot distribution and make the southern region more rewarding to explore.
Loot Spawn Fixes for Tall Buildings and Barracks
Great news! Tired of finding nothing in big barracks, cranes, or tall towers? The developers addressed this frustration by tweaking loot spawn mechanics. Now, these large structures are worth exploring, with better loot spawns and more incentives for scavenging.
Player Spawn Points Tweaked
Players will notice slight adjustments to spawn points, which have shifted further southeast. This change impacts early-game navigation and could alter where survivors begin their journey.
Quality of Life fix: Food Thaws Faster
Unfreezing food in DayZ could feel like it took forever—especially when you just wanted to eat and move on.
This patch fixes that. Food now thaws much faster, allowing you to prepare meals more efficiently in the cold Sakhal climate.
Bunker Loot Nerfed: AKMs, SVDs, and Glow Plugs
If you’ve been farming the bunker for high-tier loot, brace yourself. Bunker loot has been nerfed, with lower spawn rates for AKMs, SVDs, and ammo. Additionally, glow plugs have been removed from vanilla loot spawns.
The only way to obtain glow plugs now is through the Scientist mission. If you’re not sure how to complete this mission, check out our guide here.
Final Thoughts: Sakhal’s First Steps Towards Balance
The Sakhal map offers breathtaking visuals, but its gameplay has needed polish since launch. With this patch, Bohemia Interactive takes a step in the right direction. Enhancements like the Geothermal Plant revamp, loot spawn updates, and new POIs improve gameplay, but there’s still room for growth.
As the first official winter map, Sakhal holds immense potential—especially for the console community, who can now experience the thrill of snow-covered survival. Here’s hoping the developers continue to refine this map into a masterpiece on par with Chernarus.
What do you think of these changes? Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments below. See you in Sakhal!
