It’s no secret that DayZ’s base building is a little lack-luster. This is probably because it was never intended to be for “bases”, but rather make-shift camps, as depicted in early concept art. The main issue that arises from this involves safely storing loot, which is almost impossible to do in a base currently. The reality is, you are much better off stashing your loot in a pond or buried stash. While an overhaul to base building would be what many players want, root cellars offer a more feasible compromise.

A root cellar is a shallow hole in the ground that is used to store root crops to help them last longer and protect them from animals. In DayZ, a root cellar would be a blend of traditional stashes and existing base building, which would result in a medium-capacity storage unit that can only be accessed through a player-constructed hatch. This would server as a low-key way to keep some gear hidden while also being more protected from passing travelers and cheaters. As far as storage goes, the cellar itself shouldn’t be able to store raw items in the same manner as a tent or barrel, instead it could have slots to attach crates to, just like the truck.

Root cellars could be implemented onto the preexisting building infrastructure without the developers having to spend a lot of time making something brand new. The process would begin with a rope and stick kit just like all other structures, and after adding a few planks, the player would need to use a shovel or pick to dig up the plot. The next stage would involve constructing a frame for the hatch and adding wire so that it can swing open, followed by adding small amounts of either planks or sheet metal to seal it off, and a code lock to keep it safe.

The structure itself could be as large or small as necessary to be balanced, but visibility would be the cornerstone of the root cellar’s strength. Either it would be just like any other structure and have the option to add camo net to hinder other survivors, or developers could take a different approach. If the hatch nestled just below the terrain, then it would be much more viable for storing loot. Either no actual structure would be present and the soil would just be disturbed (just like a buried stache), or only the code lock would be sticking out to clue in raiders. Better yet, you could use both. The root cellar would start as just a wood or metal square laying flush with the ground, and a code lock securing the hatch itself. Players would have the option to leave it alone OR they could use a shovel, pick, or hoe to cover the cellar, making it blend in much better with its surroundings.

Raiding a cellar could be balanced differently as well. After exposing the structure by removing the soil with a tool, It could be raided with grenades. It could take the same amount of grenades as a normal wall to break into the hatch and the successive frame. If that left the root cellar too powerful though, it could be balanced by reintroducing the original raiding method, which required a hand tool and a lengthy animation.