Recent trailers for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4's DMZ mode have left players speculating about the potential inclusion of a PvE-only playlist. Infinity Ward has yet to officially confirm or deny such a feature, a common point of discussion for extraction shooters.
The speculation began after an episode of "From the Ward," a developer behind-the-scenes feature. At a specific point in the video, the deployment screen displays four options, one of which is "Single Squad Mission." This particular option lacks an on-screen description, leading some players to believe it could signify a PvE-focused experience, where a single squad could engage in missions without interference from other players.
Discussions on platforms like Reddit and X have seen players debating the meaning of "Single Squad Mission." Some interpret it as a dedicated PvE mode, offering a less stressful alternative to the PvPvE environment. Others propose it might relate to Lieutenant Hunts, suggesting it could mean only one squad can extract with a Lieutenant's Dog Tag per session. However, this latter theory is considered less likely by some.
Further complicating matters, a subsequent official trailer for DMZ's "Dynamic Ops" omits the "Single Squad Mission" option from its displayed deployment screen. This discrepancy has fueled theories that the trailers may represent different builds of the game, with the "Single Squad Mission" either removed or slated for post-launch content.
Another possibility suggested by the community is that "Single Squad Mission" could be an introductory feature for new players, offering a lower-stakes environment to learn the game's mechanics. This approach mirrors practices seen in other titles, such as Battlefield 6's early access playlists or Fortnite's bot-matches for new users.
The ongoing discussion underscores a desire among a segment of the player base for a dedicated PvE option within DMZ. Players have pointed to the success of extraction shooters offering both PvE and PvPvE modes, such as Escape from Tarkov, as evidence of market demand.
DMZ is set to launch as part of Modern Warfare 4 on October 23 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The inclusion of a PvE mode, if confirmed, could broaden the appeal of the extraction shooter experience within the Call of Duty franchise.