Modern Warfare 4’s DMZ is now available in early access, bringing major upgrades to Call of Duty’s extraction mode. This iteration of DMZ has in-depth story missions, side objectives, and plenty of opportunities for exploration. The mission types and match selections can be a bit confusing, so this guide will explain each mission type and what you should choose before loading into a match of DMZ.
MW4 DMZ mission types explained
Matches of DMZ allow for up to 60 players in trios, and you’re tasked with surviving and extracting. This is PvPvE gameplay where you have the choice of how you want to play, including several different mission types. You have 30 minutes of matchtime before a deadly circle of irradiated gas floods the map, and then you’ll have a final 10-minute timer to escape via one of the map’s exfil locations.
As a beginner, DMZ throws out the names of several different mission types, and each one is drastically different in how they affect your match of DMZ.
DMZ Orders
At first, DMZ sounds like your story missions, but these are actually a larger continuation of the tutorial mission, and they are designed to teach you how to scavenge, craft items, and upgrade your FOB. These are the first missions you’ll have access to when loading into DMZ, and they can be completed at any time for XP. They can also be completed no matter which infil type you choose at the start of your match.
Story missions
Story missions offer multi-step narrative objectives tied to Modern Warfare 4’s post-launch story. These missions are tailored story objectives located at specific POIs across Hajin, but there is enough freedom to allow for various strategies and replayability when tackling these missions. Completing these missions earns you DMZ XP and rewards.
There are currently six story missions at launch, and you must choose a specific story mission during the infil selection of the FOB. You’ll still be in standard matches of PvPvE with other players, but selecting the story mission infil is required to prevent multiple teams from competing for the same mission.
Dynamic Ops
Dynamic Ops are multi-step objectives found in DMZ, but they aren’t quite as robust as the story missions. However, these are still engaging and valuable missions to complete, offering actions such as hacking enemy systems, securing valuable assets, and assaults on the enemy’s military camps. Dynamic Ops will reward you with both cash and XP.
While you can only complete one story mission per match, you can tackle as many Dynamic Ops missions as you can handle within the time constraints of the match. These are the green phone-shaped icons marked on the DMZ map.
Side Ops
Side Ops are objectives with the lowest stakes, and these are marked as white indicators on the map. Side Ops offer a lower-intensity opportunity to explore Hajin while still earning cash and DMZ XP. These tasks might include locating supply drops, hacking SAM sites, or repairing equipment.
MW4 deployment options
Before loading into a game, you are given three different deployment options for your match: Story Missions, Dynamic Ops, and Free Roam. It’s important to understand that no matter which of the three options you pick, your match is always going to be PvPvE.
Also, Free Roam isn’t a private match. This just means you’re going into a match without a clear mission goal. This might mean you’re hoping to loot resources, hunt bounties, or other random tasks.
Choosing your infil preference at the start of the mission simply gives you and your squad something to focus on, and if you’re doing story missions, it makes sure not to pair you with other squads working on the same one. You can still loot, engage in Dynamic Ops, and complete Side Ops no matter which infil deployment option you pick. At the end of the day, your only definitive goal is to survive and successfully extract from your match.
For more, make sure to check out our campaign guide on how long it takes to beat Modern Warfare 4, as well as a guide for recommended settings to use on console.
