Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4's DMZ mode is now in early access, offering an enhanced PvPvE extraction experience. Matches can accommodate up to 60 players in trios, with a 30-minute timer before a deadly irradiated gas circle begins to close, followed by a 10-minute window to reach an exfil location. Death in DMZ results in the loss of all gear, making it a high-stakes, high-reward endeavor.
Understanding Mission Types
DMZ features several mission types, each affecting your gameplay. DMZ Orders serve as an extended tutorial, guiding players through scavenging, crafting, and FOB upgrades. These can be completed at any time for experience points (XP) and do not depend on your initial deployment choice. Story missions offer multi-step narrative objectives tied to Modern Warfare 4's post-launch campaign, located at specific points of interest within Hajin. While these missions are played in standard PvPvE matches, selecting a story mission infil ensures that multiple teams are not competing for the same objective. Currently, there are six story missions available at launch. Dynamic Ops are also multi-step objectives, less extensive than story missions but still valuable. They involve actions such as hacking enemy systems, securing assets, or assaulting enemy camps, rewarding players with cash and XP. Unlike story missions, multiple Dynamic Ops can be tackled within a single match. Side Ops represent the lowest stakes, offering opportunities to earn cash and XP through tasks like locating supply drops or hacking SAM sites.
Deployment Options and Strategy
Before each match, players can choose from three deployment options: Story Missions, Dynamic Ops, or Free Roam. It is crucial to understand that regardless of the chosen option, all matches are PvPvE. Free Roam does not denote a private match but rather entering a game without a specific primary objective, allowing players to focus on looting, bounty hunting, or other spontaneous tasks. Selecting a deployment preference provides a focus for the squad and, in the case of story missions, prevents concurrent teams from working on the same objective. Ultimately, the primary goal in any DMZ match is survival and successful extraction.
Base and Equipment Management
Your Forward Operating Base (FOB) serves as your hub between matches. Completing DMZ Orders will guide you through scavenging and unlocking FOB stations. Upon unlocking the 3D Printer at level two, players can use in-game cash to upgrade their FOB, including expanding stash and bank storage. Prioritizing these upgrades is essential to avoid losing money by not having sufficient storage. For missions where gear is limited or risk is low, consider using a free loadout, which provides a random low-rarity weapon and basic supplies. These are selected during the "ready up" phase before deployment.
Crucially, DMZ in Modern Warfare 4 does not feature a persistent parachute. Players must remember to scavenge for and equip parachutes to their loadout. Jumping from high structures without one will result in a downed state, requiring self-revival or assistance from teammates. While rare legendary parachutes exist, they require a specific 3D printer recipe. Following each mission, players should manage their inventory by transferring items from their backpack to their stash and selling valuables. Upon reaching DMZ level five, the Vendor station unlocks, offering random loadout items that refresh daily. Players should check this vendor regularly for potentially valuable gear.
Navigating the Map and Encounters
UAV towers scattered across Hajin can be activated as a Side Op, providing cash, XP, and crucial intel by revealing nearby operators and enemy positions. These locations are typically guarded by a small number of enemies. The environment of Hajin can shift due to fog and rain. Fog reduces visibility for all players and AI, which can be advantageous for stealth. Rain also reduces visibility and can slightly lower AI awareness, though players should move cautiously to avoid creating noticeable footsteps in water.
Players should be aware of heavily armored commanders, such as the minigun-wielding Colossus. Listening for their distinctive heavy metal audio cue is vital for detecting their proximity. Additionally, certain missions require eliminating enemies in hazmat suits, often found in radiation zones or near the irradiated power plant. These areas are dangerous and require protective gear. Alternatively, hazmat-suited soldiers can be found on helicopters flying over Hajin; shooting them out or destroying their transport can complete these objectives.
For specific story missions or Dynamic Ops involving hostage rescue, escorting the NPC to an exfil point offers an alternative to public exfils, potentially providing a safer extraction method.