Bohemia Interactive, the developer behind DayZ, has revealed its upcoming expansion, Badlands, set to launch in 2026. This DLC introduces a sprawling desert region within the Nasdara province, marking the franchise’s most expansive map to date, alongside mutated infected variants and new survival mechanics tailored to arid conditions.

Bohemia Interactive claims Badlands introduces the most expansive official terrain yet in DayZ history, spanning 267 square kilometers. Urban settlements, ancient remnants, derelict oil installations, and subtle narrative cues await within Nasdara’s arid expanse, blending desolation with hints of pre-collapse civilization.

Survival in Badlands demands adaptation: Players must prioritize moisture intake and seek shelter from relentless heat waves while contending with mutated threats unique to the badlands. These evolved infected, shaped by the desert’s brutality, introduce unpredictable combat dynamics.

The expansion emphasizes emergent narratives shaped by community alliances and the uncovering of clandestine histories buried beneath the dunes. Bohemia Interactive describes Nasdara as “a territory molded by conflict, purged by catastrophe, now a blank slate for survivors to imprint their tales.”

“Bohemia Interactive promises to redefine survival mechanics within DayZ through Badlands,” states their announcement. “Nasdara’s battle-scarred cities and wind-swept dunes await fresh chronicles from survivors carving their legacies.”

This update marks a stark contrast to 2023’s Frostline expansion, which focused on frigid environments. Further details, including confirmed release dates and gameplay insights, are anticipated as development progresses toward the projected 2026 launch.