When it comes to first-person shooters, Call of Duty is often the gold standard, known for its fast-paced gameplay, extensive weapon selection, deep customization, and signature features. Over time, the franchise has expanded beyond its traditional multiplayer modes, introducing large-scale experiences like battle royale and DMZ through its free-to-play title, Warzone.
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The DMZ game mode, introduced alongside the launch of Modern Warfare 2 (2022), offers a unique take on Call of Duty gameplay, shifting the focus toward tactical, team-based combat rather than the usual high-speed action. If you want to dive into this extraction-style mode, here’s everything you need to know about DMZ, including how to play, its key mechanics, and what sets it apart from other CoD modes.
What Is DMZ In Call Of Duty: Warzone?
DMZ is Call of Duty’s take on an extraction-based shooter, delivering a free-to-play open-world experience across multiple Warzone maps. Players must navigate these environments while battling real-life opponents and AI-controlled enemies, gathering valuable equipment, and completing various objectives — all with the ultimate goal of successfully extracting from the area.
How To Play DMZ In Call Of Duty: Warzone (2025)
To play DMZ in Call of Duty: Warzone in 2025, you’ll need to install the content packs from Modern Warfare 2 (2022), including the Warzone version of the game. Follow these steps to download it:
- Open the Call of Duty app.
- Navigate to the Settings menu.
- Select 'Manage Files.'
- Choose Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II.
- Scroll down to find the DMZ option and press the interact button to begin the installation.
This process will also download the necessary MW2 shared content packs alongside the Warzone version of MW2, ensuring smooth access to DMZ. Keep in mind that the total storage requirement is around 60GB, though this may vary depending on your platform.
Is Warzone's DMZ Updated With New Content?
In December 2023, Call of Duty announced that DMZ would no longer receive major content updates as it had during the MW2 lifecycle, stating that development teams would instead focus on evolving open-world experiences in future projects.
Despite this, DMZ still offers a fully playable and complete experience, retaining all previously released content, including multiple maps, quality-of-life improvements, new equipment, and in-game challenges.
All Content Available In Call Of Duty: Warzone DMZ
DMZ mode in Warzone offers a diverse range of pre-match and in-game content, giving players the flexibility to customize their loadouts and strategies before deploying into the exclusion zone.
DMZ Pre-Match Deployment
Before entering a match, players must choose their Active Duty Operator, who will carry all selected gear onto the battlefield. This includes:
- Primary & Secondary Weapons – Players can equip either standard attachment-equipped weapons or contraband weapons, which are obtained through loot or enemy drops and can only be modified at specific locations.
- Tactical & Lethal Equipment – A selection of grenades, stuns, and explosives designed for different combat scenarios.
- Field Upgrades – Special tools or abilities, such as Deployable Cover or Dead Silence, to enhance gameplay.
- Backpack – Available in different sizes, allowing players to store essential gear like armor plates, UAVs, enhanced armor, gas masks, and self-revive kits.
- Missions – Players can select various objectives before deployment, including faction missions, gear upgrades, location-based challenges, and collectible notes scattered across the map.
- Find a Party Feature – Solo players can use this tool to team up with others, increasing their survival chances.
DMZ Maps & Gameplay Objectives
DMZ features four unique maps, each varying in size, difficulty, and environment:
- Vondel
- Ahiska Island
- Al Mazrah
- Building 21
Each map includes faction-based objectives and high-risk stongholds, which serve as fortified AI-controlled enemy zones that reward players with top-tier loot upon completion. Additionally, exclusive cosmetic rewards can be unlocked and used across other game modes.
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Will DMZ Return As A Mode In Future Call Of Duty Titles?
According to reliable leaker TheGhostOfHope, DMZ mode could potentially return to Call of Duty in 2026 alongside Infinity Ward’s next installment in the franchise. Similar to its original version, the extraction-based mode may once again be developed by the team behind the Modern Warfare saga.
Reports indicate that DMZ would function as a third core mode in the CoD 2026 title, much like Zombies in Treyarch’s games or its inclusion in MW3. However, several key changes are rumored, including a dedicated map and a “forked version” of Warzone’s engine designed specifically for the mode. Unlike its previous iteration, which shared a map with Battle Royale, this version would reportedly share a set map roster with Ground War mode.
Regarding gameplay, developers are allegedly considering whether to focus on a pure PvE experience, a PvPvE hybrid, or offer both options. In its original version, DMZ blended AI enemies with real players, creating dynamic encounters and continuous action.
It’s important to note that these details remain unconfirmed by Call of Duty or Infinity Ward. If official announcements or updates emerge, we will continue to provide the latest information on DMZ’s potential return to the franchise.
Call of Duty: Warzone
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 80 /100 Critics Rec: 78%
- Released
- March 10, 2020
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Infinity Ward, Raven Software
- Publisher(s)
- Activision
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- IW 8.0 & IW 9.0 (Warzone 2.0)
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
- Cross Save
- YES
- Franchise
- Call of Duty
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- no
- Genre(s)
- First-Person Shooter, Battle Royale
- Platform(s)
- Xbox One, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- How Long To Beat
- 30-36 hours
- X|S Optimized
- YES
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
