What is DMZ in CoD? Warzone 2 new mode explained
Get the lowdown on DMZ.
Call of Duty Warzone 2 is here with yet another evolution of the battle royale formula, but it also contains a brand new and rather interesting mode: DMZ.
DMZ once again sees you fighting for your life on the streets of Al Mazrah, but rather than competing to be the last one standing you're simply looking to loot up and escape alive – which you can do however you like.
This sandbox approach to Call of Duty will likely take some getting used to, but luckily we're here to explain all below. Read on to discover everything there is to know about the new mode, including its release date, gameplay details, and whether it is free with Warzone 2 or not.
When did the MW2 DMZ mode go live?
The MW2 Warzone 2 DMZ mode went live on Wednesday 16th November. This is the same day as the Warzone 2 release date, with the mode launching alongside the much-anticipated battle royale sequel.
As the game is still in its early days following release, expect there to be plenty of delays and potential issues as the servers are overloaded with eager CoD players who couldn't wait to dive into the new game.
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What is the DMZ mode?
The new DMZ mode in Warzone 2 is, according to Activision, "an open-world, narrative-focused extraction mode where Operator squads have free rein to complete faction-based missions."
You begin DMZ matches by being spawned randomly on the Al Mazrah map. Each operator has a backpack full of weapons, equipment, and more, ready for the ensuing missions.
DMZ is a single-life mode, but you can be revived when downed and even after you have begun spectating. You will lose all of your non-permanent items though, but using Insured Weapon slots can return your beloved guns after a time limit – or for the right price...
In DMZ, you will also be able to "take on additional side objectives, engage with enemy Operators or AI combatants, and search for valuable items." This will all be done "while fighting to survive toward exfiltration."
More like this
Check out this DMZ overview by Triple G on YouTube for all the details:
You'll likely need to join forces to complete the missions given to you by one of three factions: Legion, White Lotus, and Black Mous.
Faction missions are chosen before each match and will make up the core of the DMZ experience, rewarding you with items but also advancing the story of the power struggle between the three groups.
However, you're also completely free to take on side missions such as Contracts and World Activities. Contracts work very much the same as in Battle Royale and even have the same icon, offering quick-completion objectives in return for cash and other loot. World Activities include finding and engaging with sites on the maps such as safes, strongholds and UAV towers, but also includes hazards such as sandstorms and radiation.
It's therefore likely that each squad will be working on different objectives, so while you can gun down enemy players for their loot, it may be a more tactical decision to leave each other alone. You may even decide to work together using proximity chat, as you may share a faction mission that will be easier to complete together.
Once you have completed the missions it's time to exfiltrate. You can call in a helicopter at any of the marked exfil locations, though beware that AI soldiers will begin swarming the area and the location will be marked on enemy players' minimaps. After all exfil points have been used, there will be a fight for one final exfil site before the game end for all players.
Anything that you manage to extract with you upon completing a DMZ match will be placed into Storage, so you can use it again for another DMZ infiltration. Weapons found in DMZ are called contraband weapons, but once extracted they will be unlocked for all other game modes - for example, DMZ is the only way to unlock the M13 for free.
Somewhat surprisingly, DMZ launched as a beta, implying that Activision intends to improve and expand upon the mode with many players calling for an in-game economy system. The developers have also hinted at a new map in the future, with a blog post stating: "While DMZ begins in Al Mazrah, no one quite knows where it may lead…"
Is DMZ free with Warzone 2?
DMZ is free with Warzone 2 as it is part of the free-to-play battle royale game. As stated above, the new narrative-driven mode launched alongside the release of Warzone 2 and as such, is bundled with the game.
You don't need to own Modern Warfare 2 to play Warzone 2. CoD: Warzone 2 is its own separate free download and its DMZ mode is simply an extra mode within the entirely free-to-play game.
Now that you know everything there is to know about the new DMZ mode in Warzone 2, it's time to get online and seeing what it's all about.
Read more on Warzone 2:
- Best guns in Warzone 2 - what should you use?
- The best Warzone 2 loadout - the ultimate choices
- Warzone 2 tactics - pro player gives tips
- Warzone 2 map - spots to avoid
- Warzone 2 SBMM - skill-based match-making explained
- Warzone 2 nuke - the rumours you need to know
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