Infinity Ward is bringing back DMZ for Modern Warfare 4, and the latest blog from Activision provides a deep dive into this new evolution of Call of Duty’s extraction mode. This DMZ sequel features more robust player progression and choice, including the option to pick from a variety of mission types with various risk levels.
In Modern Warfare 4, players will drop into DMZ matches on the brand-new Hajin map, which features an open-world combat environment for players to loot, complete objectives, and fight both NPC enemies and rival operators. Successfully extracting from the map means they keep their rewards, while dying in the DMZ means losing all their valuables and gear they were holding. Operators will also be lost in the DMZ when the player dies, but they can be retrieved from the map for a price.
Every deployment in Hajin works towards a DMZ player level, which progresses from level one to 70. Like most extraction shooters, looting is a top priority in DMZ and a primary way to level up. Of course, killing enemies and completing objectives also play a large part of progression.
Modern Warfare 2’s DMZ mode was a free-to-play beta tied into Warzone, but the missions often lacked story depth and variety. This year, the mode is packaged with Modern Warfare 4, so it’s not free-to-play, but it does showcase a more premium feel. Activision’s blog suggests a deeper variety of missions and objectives, including story-based DMZ Orders to get more of MW4’s post-launch narrative.
DMZ also features dynamic and side operations. Activision describes dynamic operations as missions that give players a clear objective for the match, while side operations offer a “lower-intensity opportunity” to explore Hajin while still earning DMZ XP, finding useful resources, and uncovering valuable intel.
Lieutenant Hunts are also an optional way to earn DMZ XP, in-game cash, and valuable loot. Players will need to explore Hajin and uncover intel to find the specific location of these high-value targets, but the risk will provide quality loot and even the potential of rare keys needed to unlock special loot rooms.
Players aren’t forced into missions or Lieutenant Hunts, though. Anyone can choose to drop in and play without following a direct mission path, allowing for a greater sandbox-style experience within the map of Hajin. The map is alive with dynamic weather, the constant threat of NPC, and other players roaming the world.
Each match of DMZ will provide an After Action Report, where the game breaks down how much XP was earned, what loot (if any) was successfully scavenged, and provides the player with an overall match rating. The player’s match rating is scored based on their performance, including their contributions toward mission objectives, combat, and looting efforts within the deployment. Leveling up also unlocks new rewards and additional stations for the mode’s Forward Operations Base, which serves as a social hangout and area for mission preparation.
Additionally, Infinity Ward’s latest episode of the “From The Ward” docuseries teases plenty of post-launch content for DMZ, including new Building 21-type map for Season 1, expansion of Hajin map locations in Season 2, and special events.
Modern Warfare 4 launches on October 23 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, and PC.
