DayZ Badlands Expansion Announced: Largest Map Yet in 2026
Just last year, developer Bohemia Interactive introduced a cold new chapter to the survival game DayZ with the Frostline expansion , bringing players to icy, snow-covered terrain. Now, the team is shifting gears — and temperatures — with the upcoming Badlands expansion , which promises to be the game’s largest update yet.
Set to launch in 2026 , the Badlands expansion will transport players to a harsh desert environment filled with extreme heat, war-torn landscapes, and an all-new survival experience. You can watch the announcement trailer above.
The Largest Map in DayZ History
As the third official expansion for the long-running survival title, Badlands introduces a massive 267 km² map , making it the biggest playable area ever created for DayZ.
According to Bohemia Interactive:
“Set west of Chernarus and bordering Takistan’s frontier, the terrain offers a desolate blend of cracked soil, sand-swept plains, and mountainous divides. Here, every inch of land tells a story of failed invasions, abandoned cities, and the silence that followed decades of war.”
This setting brings a fresh visual and environmental tone to the game, giving players a completely different set of challenges compared to previous maps.
New Survival Challenges and Content
The Nasdara province , where Badlands takes place, introduces several new mechanics and elements designed to test even the most experienced survivors:
- Hydration management : Players must deal with droughts and carefully manage their water supply.
- New zombie variants : Fresh types of infected enemies bring new dangers to the desert.
- Exclusive loot and gear : Expect new weapons unique to the region, as well as cosmetic items and equipment tailored to the harsh environment.
As always, while the developers provide the tools and world, it’s ultimately up to players to create their own stories, alliances, and survival strategies in this vast multiplayer sandbox.
Release Date and Platforms
While no exact release date was revealed, Bohemia Interactive confirmed that the DayZ Badlands expansion is currently scheduled to arrive in 2026 . It will be available on:
- PC (Windows)
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
As for pricing, no official details have been shared yet. However, based on past expansions like Lifeline and Frostline , the price is expected to be around $30 USD at launch.