WHAT IS DMZ?
DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) was a free-to-play extraction-based game mode introduced alongside Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022) and Warzone 2.0. It offered a different pace from traditional Call of Duty multiplayer or battle royale, focusing on tactical, team-based combat, looting, and objectives with the ultimate goal of successful extraction.
EXTRACTION SHOOTER
DMZ is Call of Duty's take on the extraction shooter genre, similar to titles like Escape from Tarkov. Players deploy onto large, open-world maps, battling both AI-controlled enemies and other player squads.
OBJECTIVE
The primary goal is not to be the last team standing, but to complete various missions, acquire valuable loot (weapons, cash, intel, valuables), and successfully "exfil" (extract) from the map via helicopter.
PvPvE COMBAT
DMZ features a blend of Player vs. Player (PvP) and Player vs. Environment (PvE) combat. While AI enemies are prevalent, other player squads are also present, creating dynamic encounters.
GEAR PERSISTENCE
A core mechanic is the "Stash" or "Inventory." Players can extract with "contraband" weapons and other valuable items, which can then be used in subsequent deployments.
MISSIONS & FACTIONS
Players undertake various missions provided by different factions (White Lotus, Legion, Black Mous, Crown, REDACTED, Phalanx, Shadow Company).
MULTIPLE MAPS
DMZ launched with Al Mazrah and expanded to include Ashika Island, Vondel, Building 21, and Koschei Complex.
DMZ'S JOURNEY
LAUNCH
DMZ was released as part of Modern Warfare II Season 1. It was presented as a "beta" mode, indicating an ongoing development process. It shared the large Al Mazrah map with Warzone 2.0.
INITIAL RECEPTION
DMZ was generally well-received at launch by many players who enjoyed the tactical gameplay, the blend of PvP and PvE, and the sense of progression and risk. It offered a fresh experience within the Call of Duty franchise.
SEASONAL UPDATES
Throughout the Modern Warfare II seasons, DMZ received consistent updates:
- New Maps: Ashika Island (Season 2), Vondel (Season 4), Building 21 and Koschei Complex
- New Factions and Missions: Additional story elements and mission sets
- New Gear: Additional weapons, equipment, and field upgrades
- Quality-of-Life Improvements: AI difficulty tweaks, looting mechanics, and exfil points
COMMUNITY CONCERNS
- "Pay-to-Win" Bundles: Store bundles offering in-game advantages sparked community anger
- PvP vs. PvE Balance: Ongoing debate about player encounter preferences
- Development Focus: Players felt DMZ wasn't receiving adequate attention
CONTENT UPDATES DISCONTINUED
With Modern Warfare III Season 1 launch, Activision officially announced that DMZ would no longer receive new content updates. The mode was effectively "hived off" into a separate, static experience.
CURRENT STATUS
As of June 2025
PLAYABLE BUT STAGNANT
DMZ is still accessible and fully playable within the Call of Duty: Warzone section of the CoD HQ. You can access all maps and complete existing missions.
NO NEW CONTENT
There have been no new weapons, missions, maps, or significant balance changes since the discontinuation of updates in December 2023.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITY
While no longer actively developed, a dedicated community still plays DMZ. Discussions continue on Reddit and other platforms.
FUTURE UNCERTAIN
While Activision has expressed interest in "evolving this style of play," there has been no official announcement of a direct "DMZ 2.0".
AVAILABLE MAPS
AL MAZRAH
The original DMZ map, shared with Warzone 2.0. A large, open-world environment with diverse terrain and locations.
ASHIKA ISLAND
Added in Season 2, this smaller island map offers intense close-quarters combat and unique extraction challenges.
VONDEL
Introduced in Season 4, featuring urban environments and tactical gameplay opportunities.
BUILDING 21
A challenging, confined indoor area that tests players' close-quarters combat skills.
KOSCHEI COMPLEX
Another indoor environment offering high-risk, high-reward gameplay for experienced operators.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
1UP Discord Community
1UP COMMUNITY
Join the most dedicated DMZ community focused on mastering the toughest challenges. We specialize in missions, upgrades, bosses, weapons, and the legendary grinds that define true DMZ operators.
SPECIALTY MISSIONS & CHALLENGES
DEAL WITH THE DEVIL
LEGENDARY DIFFICULTYThe notorious "Deal with the Devil" mission has become significantly more challenging since the disguise item was removed from the game over a year ago. Our community has developed new strategies and workarounds to complete this legendary challenge.
Original Requirements (No Longer Possible):
- ✗ Equip a disguise (Removed from game)
- ✓ Buy an item at Scavenger's buy station while disguised
Current Community Strategies:
- 🎯 Alternative stealth approaches
- 🤝 Team coordination tactics
- ⚡ Speed run techniques
- 🛡️ Advanced positioning strategies
SERPENTINE GRIND
EXPERT LEVELMaster the art of the Serpentine grind with our dedicated community. We provide comprehensive guides, team coordination, and proven strategies to maximize your efficiency and success rate.