DayZ is back, if it ever really left, and has a new patch to show for it. The game's developer, Bohemia Interactive, recently dropped patch 1.04. The patch is pretty big, hoping to fix some of the game's worst issues as well as introduce fun new ways to blow stuff up. These things do come at a cost, however. In order to partake, you have to start from scratch.
The 1.04 patch for DayZ is hitting the PC and console versions together, says a press release. It will also separate them as Bohemia finally got private servers for the console versions. They accomplished this by partnering with Nitrado, who said "It's a privilege to be the exclusive provider of DayZ private servers for XBOX and PS4." Having dedicated, separate servers available should alleviate the game's connectivity-based problems. Bohemia also hopes 1.04 will tackle frustrating issues like duping, server hoping, and frame-rate issues.
Once you do get into the allegedly stable servers, you'll find new weapons and grenades to play with. The throwing mechanic has also been updated so that you can actually put the new grenades to good use.
There is one downside to this patch. In order to implement it, Bohemia had to do a complete character and server wipe. That means everyone who logs in after 1.04 will have to start from the beginning. The good news is that DayZ already has a permadeath mechanic. Longtime players have probably already lost a few characters to the wilderness or each other. They probably won't be too bothered by having to start anew again if it means a better experience.
Meanwhile, new players can soon experience the thrill of permadeath thanks to DayZ's physical launch on PS4 and Xbox One. That will happen... soon. The current release date is listed as December 31st, 2019. That seems like either a placeholder or a terrible idea.
DayZ is available digitally now on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. The game has had very mixed reviews since its 2013 early access days, with many citing its frame-rate issues and general lack of polish as reasons to stay away. Maybe 1.04 will fix those issues. Maybe people have already moved on. If nothing else, you can't blame Bohemia Interactive for trying.