DayZ field wiki · Start
Drop versus place
One is a pile, one is a pin
Short answer
Dropping dumps it at your feet. Placing sets it down like you meant to. Piles are invitations.
Also: place item · drop item
How it works
A dropped plate is a glint. A placed crate is a statement. Both persist until the server says they don't.
What to do
Place in a bush you can name without a grid. Drop only if you are already running.
Don't
Don't drop a gun on tarmac for the VOD.