Definition
The Dispersion in DayZ represents the weapon’s bullet spread, i.e. how tightly bullets group when fired.
It is defined in the weapon’s fire modes (CfgWeapons) and can be modified by attachments and weapon condition.
Lower dispersion means better accuracy. Projectiles (Bullet_xxx) usually have dispersion = 0
and do not affect the value directly.
Formula
Base Weapon Dispersion:
\(Dispersion_{mode} = value\ defined\ in\ weapon\ fire\ mode\)
Each fire mode (SemiAuto, Burst, FullAuto) has its own base dispersion, typically between 0.0005 and 0.004.
Modifiers:
\(Dispersion_{final} = Dispersion_{mode} \times \prod_{i=1}^{n} (1 + DispersionModifier_i)\)
Attachments (scopes, silencers, grips), weapon damage state, and player stance can all apply
a dispersionModifier, which increases or decreases spread.
Where
- \(Dispersion_{mode}\) = base dispersion from the weapon’s fire mode (SemiAuto, Burst, etc.)
- \(DispersionModifier_i\) = per-attachment or condition modifier applied to accuracy
Explanation
Dispersion determines how accurate a weapon feels in combat.
An M16A2, for example, has dispersion = 0.002 in both SemiAuto and Burst modes.
Attachments like suppressors may worsen accuracy (+0.0005),
while some grips can slightly improve it.
The system is multiplicative, meaning small modifiers stack with each other.
Example
If the M16A2 fires in SemiAuto mode (Dispersion = 0.002),
equipped with a suppressor (dispersionModifier = +0.0005)
and slightly damaged (dispersionModifier = +0.0002):
- \(Dispersion_{final} = 0.002 \times (1 + 0.0005 + 0.0002)\)
- \(Dispersion_{final} \approx 0.0020014\)
The result is only slightly less accurate than the base value, but modifiers become more noticeable when combined with weapon condition and multiple attachments.
