The DMZ mode in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 features a traits system that can significantly enhance operator capabilities. While some traits are randomized within skill trees, several stand out as particularly powerful if they become available.
Possum (Warfighter)
Possum is a major trait located on the final row of the Warfighter skill tree. It allows an operator to revive themselves even after being fully eliminated. When activated, the operator returns to a downed state, enabling them to use a healing item to recover and continue fighting. This can lead to surprising enemy encounters, as opponents may not expect a seemingly eliminated player to return to the fight.
Plate Speed (Scout)
Plate Speed is a minor trait that, if found in the Scout tree, offers a significant advantage. It dramatically speeds up the animation for applying armor plates. This allows for quicker self-protection during combat, making it easier to stay alive on the fly.
Fast Learner (Warfighter)
Another minor trait, Fast Learner, provides a slight increase to operator experience gain. In DMZ, where leveling up and unlocking more traits is crucial, any boost to experience acquisition is a valuable addition.
Overwatch (Scout)
This major trait from the Scout tree makes activated UAV towers in Hajin permanent. This means operators gain a constant view of enemy locations on their minimap from any activated tower. Beyond the tactical advantage of real-time enemy tracking, it can also serve as a psychological deterrent, leading opponents to believe a player is still in the vicinity even after they have moved on.
Expedited Extraction (Survivalist)
Expedited Extraction is a minor trait found in the Survivalist tree that significantly reduces extraction times. Normally, calling in an exfil involves a considerable wait for the helicopter and a subsequent boarding process. This trait streamlines the extraction sequence, making it much faster to get out of the game.
Impact Smokes (Survivalist)
Impact Smokes, a major trait within the Survivalist tree, automatically deploys a smoke grenade the moment an operator is downed. This can provide cover for a tactical retreat, allow for a self-revive, or disorient opponents, especially in chaotic situations involving both AI and player enemies.
Quick Knife (Survivalist)
Quick Knife is a minor trait that improves stealth gameplay. When equipped, melee attacks automatically use a knife instead of the butt of a gun. This saves the time required to manually switch to a knife and can prevent operators from being caught off guard in close-quarters combat against the alert AI enemies in DMZ.
Equipment Professional (Warfighter)
Found on the first row of major traits in the Warfighter category, Equipment Professional ensures that tactical and lethal equipment slots automatically refill after use. This eliminates the need for mid-fight inventory management and the reliance on finding replacement equipment in the field.