These are the 'silent bosses' of DayZ, constantly working against your survival. Neglecting them will lead to a slow, inevitable death.
Threats:
- Hypothermia: Caused by cold weather, wet clothing. Drains health, causes shivering.
- Hyperthermia: Caused by hot weather, too much clothing. Drains health, causes sweating.
- Dehydration: Lack of water. Causes blurred vision, health drain.
- Starvation: Lack of food. Causes blurred vision, health drain.
- Sickness (Cholera, Salmonella, Wound Infection, Common Cold): Various symptoms, health drain, can be fatal if untreated.
Strategy:
- Proactive Management: Don't wait for icons to turn red. Maintain green status for all vitals.
- Temperature Control:
- Cold: Wear warm clothing, build a fire, seek shelter, drink hot drinks.
- Hot: Remove clothing, seek shade, drink cold drinks.
- Hydration: Always carry a full water bottle/canteen. Drink from wells. Purify questionable water.
- Nutrition: Always carry extra food. Hunt, fish, or farm for sustainable sources. Cook all raw meat.
- Medical Preparedness:
- Antibiotics: For bacterial infections.
- Charcoal Tablets: For food poisoning.
- Disinfectant: For wounds.
- Water Purification Tablets: For contaminated water.
- Rest: Allow your character to rest and regenerate health/stamina.
Rewards: Long-term survival, a healthy character, and the ability to focus on other objectives.