CF (Community Framework) on Your DayZ Server

CF, short for Community Framework, is the backbone of the DayZ modding scene: nearly every substantial server mod depends on it because it resolves the notorious problem of conflicting RPC type IDs between multiple mods. Without CF, many mod combinations crash with cryptic errors. Place CF first in your -mod= startup parameter, ahead of any mod that depends on it, and load it both on the server and on every client that connects — mods aren't server-side only. Wipe your server once before the initial installation so old item IDs don't clash with CF's own. With more than 4.8 million subscribers, CF is effectively mandatory groundwork for any modded server.

Tip: Check a new mod's dependencies first — most of them require CF.

Plan the rollout and operation

Treat CF as part of the server platform rather than as a visible gameplay feature. Keep a list of every mod that depends on it and update that chain together on a test instance. After boot, inspect the RPT logs for missing classes or RPC errors and connect with a clean client. If CF fails, do not disable content mods at random; restore the last working framework version and its matching dependants first.

Before changes, back up the mission, profiles directory, and persistent storage, then record the Workshop ID, mod folder, and position in the -mod= parameter. Copy any supplied signature key into the server key directory and edit XML or JSON files only from a validated copy. After boot, review RPT, script, and admin logs, connect two clients, and test joining, the core feature, persistence, and reconnecting. Loot or types changes do not happen merely because the mod is loaded; merge them deliberately and verify the result in the world after restart. Schedule a maintenance window for updates, move server and clients to the same Workshop release, and keep the previous configuration ready for rollback. Remove a mod first on a test copy after stored items, vehicles, buildings, or profile entries have been handled. This prevents signature kicks, empty spawns, and unnecessary wipes.