Updated: January 14, 2013
You are reading this article because you liked my DayZ review and you loved my DayZ unofficial trailers in HD on my Youtube channel. So now you are wondering how does one go about installing and integrating this superb mod with their original ArmA II game?
Not to worry. In this article, we will learn about Play withSIX, the official mod manager for DayZ, as well as other mods. As it turns out, all Bohemia Interactive games are easily extensible, including Operation Flashpoint as well as ArmA, so if you're in a mood for some extraordinary scenery, weapons and fun, you will grab some mods and get them running. The easiest, most flexible way of doing that is by using Play withSIX. Do read.
Play withSIX setup
Download the client and set it up. Very simple, a no brainer. Fire up the client. Play withSIX features a tabbed, browser-like interface somewhat like Steam. The client requires that you setup an account and login to take full advantage of its features. It also comes with a self-update mechanism, which is really dandy.
Using Play withSIX
Different tabs in your interface let you browse games and mods and look for available servers. As you can see, ArmA II comes with a whole load of available mods, with DayZ perhaps being the most popular at the moment, but you can also search for other mods and play them. For example, the Finnish forces or Invasion 1944.
Other notable features of this game management client is that it can run with or without administrative privileges and launch the Steam client for you, as well as chat with your friends. The server browser is also quite useful, as it lets you search for games even before you launch ArmA II. Quite decent overall, and even rather pleasing visually.
The best part is that users do not need to go mucking about, manually searching for files. The manager provides an abstraction layer that takes the complexity out of the equation, and it will update your files automatically, which means you will always be using the latest versions of your program and mods. This is quite important, as some servers will kick you if you login with the wrong, outdated software. Neat, don't you think?
Conclusion
This is a very short article, but it's precursor to one even more important than this - the setup of the DayZ mod, the one you've all been waiting for. Well, that happens next week. Play withSIX is a fairly straightforward tool, but some users might need a bit of guidance with their first steps. Well now you have it, an awesome manager that extends your basic game with dozens of new mods, scenarios, maps, and weapons.
Anyhow, that's all for this time, see you around soon.
Cheers.