The first GameArena DayZ server is live - AU 20

After literally hours of hard work from Malthius, the first of GameArena's DayZ servers - AU 20 - is now online. It's no secret that we here at GameArena are fans of DayZ - so many episodes of the GameArena Podcast involve stories from the game that we started a show dedicated to it. I've also talked at length about relishing your first in-game kill - and I've dropped more hours into the game a week than I ever did at the height of my World of Warcraft addiction.

If you've been holding off on getting into DayZ for a situation just like this, let me give you a quick rundown on how to play.

First, get Arma 2 Combined Operations, or Arma 2 and Arma 2 Operation Arrowhead. DayZ is a mod of Operation Arrowhead, so these are required for you to play.

Next, download the mod itself. The easiest way to do this (to my knowledge) is to get SixLauncher. This program will keep you up-to-date with the latest Arma 2 beta patch and the latest version of DayZ. Simply install SixLauncher and let it do its thing.

The files are pretty small, so they won't impact your data too much. Word on the street is that DayZ Commander is a pretty good alternative for Six Launcher - consider trying that if SixLauncher offends your delicate sensibilities.

Once the mod is installed you need to jump into the game - hit Launch on SixLauncher to boot Arma 2 into DayZ. Hit multiplayer and you'll bring up a list of all the DayZ servers available. Click on Filter, and in the top field type GameArena. The servers that come up are GameArena servers - pick one and you're in!

I could explain to you what to do once you're in the game, but let's face the facts. Once you're in DayZ you're an enemy. Your survival will indirectly - and sometimes directly - impact my survival. You're on your own. Okay, here's one tip. If you want to live, don't spend a lot of time in the two major cities - Elektro or Cherno.

We've also created a forum for the mod that you can head to if you're looking for help or if you want to talk about the game more. The DayZ veterans on GameArena spend most of their time in the General Forums DayZ thread - here you'll find all sorts of stories from people who've also put ludicrous amounts of time into the game.

Everyone who has been hanging out for GameArena DayZ servers has Malthius to thank - he has put a ridiculous amount of effort into making it happen and it's fantastic that it's all worked out.

I'll see you in Chernarus... but I have a Ghillie suit, so you probably won't see me.