DMZ returns in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 and is set to launch with the game on October 23. In the first part of its DMZ deep dive on October 5, Activision laid out the basics: a new map called Hajin, a home base for gear and crafting, and a separate level track for the mode.
DMZ is Call of Duty's extraction shooter. You drop into a large map alone or with a squad, loot gear, complete objectives, fight AI soldiers and other players, and try to leave with what you found. If you die first, you lose what you were carrying.
In Modern Warfare II, DMZ was a free-to-play beta tied to Warzone. This time it is part of Modern Warfare 4: Activision says it launches alongside the campaign and multiplayer, and GameSpot notes that it is not free-to-play.
Hajin and the home base
DMZ takes place in Hajin, an exclusion zone on the Korean peninsula that the game ties to the aftermath of the campaign. It is an open-world map with changing weather, enemy forces and rival players. Activision's deep dive lists the major locations in detail.
Between runs, you return to a Forward Operating Base. It stores your loot, lets you craft gear from looted materials, and has a gunsmith and a weapon vendor. Every run counts toward a DMZ level that goes from 1 to 70, and leveling up unlocks new stations at the base along with other rewards.
Three ways to deploy
Before each run, you pick one of three options:
- Story Missions: replayable objectives that continue the Modern Warfare 4 story.
- Dynamic Operations: objectives generated for each match, with a supply drop as a reward.
- Free Roam: no mission, just exploring Hajin.
Where the risk comes from
Dying costs you the character you brought, called an Operator, but you can pay in-game cash to recover them.
Lieutenants and Commanders are the bigger gamble. These tougher bosses roam Hajin and drop strong loot and plenty of XP. Kill a Lieutenant and their Dog Tag Case shows up on the map for every player. Picking it up also broadcasts your own position, so Activision calls a fast exit the safest option. I'm curious how often players will take that trade when everyone can see the tag.
What comes next
Activision plans to publish the second part of the deep dive later this week. It covers every station at the base, including crafting, weapons and progression. After launch, GameSpot reports that the latest From the Ward episode teases a new map in Season 1, more Hajin locations in Season 2 and special events.
Modern Warfare 4 is set to launch on October 23 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC.
