Can You Play CoD DMZ For Free? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you absolutely can play Call of Duty DMZ for free. This extraction-based mode is a part of Warzone 2.0, which itself is a free-to-play game. You do not need to purchase Modern Warfare II (MWII) or any additional game pass to access and enjoy DMZ. This accessibility has made DMZ a popular choice for players looking for a unique and challenging experience within the Call of Duty universe.
What is DMZ and Why is it Free?
DMZ, short for Demilitarized Zone, is a distinct mode within Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0. Unlike the traditional battle royale format, DMZ focuses on mission objectives, loot collection, and successful extraction. Players are dropped into a large map, like Al Mazrah, and must complete specific faction missions while navigating a landscape populated by AI combatants and other player squads.
The decision to make DMZ free-to-play stems from its integration within Warzone 2.0. Activision, the developer, uses the free-to-play model to expand the player base and generate revenue through other avenues like battle passes and cosmetic items. DMZ is a key component of this strategy, offering an engaging alternative to the traditional battle royale experience and attracting a wider audience.
How Does DMZ Gameplay Work?
In DMZ, you’ll start by selecting a mission set before being deployed into the map. Once in, you’ll need to achieve your mission objectives, gather valuable loot, and fight off both AI bots and, occasionally, other player teams. Success lies in safely extracting via a helicopter at one of the designated exfil points.
One of the unique elements of DMZ is its risk-reward system. If you are killed during a mission, you lose the weapons and items you were carrying in your inventory, adding a layer of tension to each encounter. The game mode has a time limit, as gas will begin to close in after 25 minutes.
Key Elements of DMZ Gameplay
- Faction Missions: Players undertake missions for various factions, which provide guidance, goals, and rewards.
- Looting: The DMZ map contains diverse loot, including weapons, gear, and items that can be used during gameplay or extracted to lower wait times for insured weapons.
- AI Enemies: A significant number of AI-controlled bots patrol the map, posing a consistent threat. These bots can be challenging and require tactical awareness.
- Player Encounters: While AI is a primary antagonist, you will also encounter other player teams, creating unpredictable and often intense firefights.
- Exfiltration: The main goal is to complete missions, collect loot, and safely extract via helicopter, otherwise you will lose all the equipped and carried items.
Tips for Playing DMZ Effectively
Preparing to Enter DMZ
- Unequip Your Starting Guns: This helps to save some weapons and items in the very beginning
- Complete the Faction Missions: They offer a structured way to progress and understand the mode.
- Use A Marksman Rifle As Your Insured Weapon: This enables you to take long-range fights.
- Start Your Fights From A Distance: Stay aware of your surroundings and engage enemies with a tactical advantage.
- Take Strongholds And Fortresses Slowly: Approach these areas carefully, as they are often heavily guarded.
- AI won’t use Tactical Sprint: This can give you an advantage in close combat.
- All Exfil Points Will Respawn: Keep track of all potential exfil points to have options.
- If You Think You Should Leave, Leave! Don’t risk everything for a mission, knowing when to retreat is a skill in itself.
General DMZ Tactics
- Teamwork: DMZ is designed for trios, although you can play as a solo or duo by disabling squad fill. Good communication and coordination are key for team success.
- Map Awareness: Pay attention to the map for contract locations, exfil points, and other key markers, like safes for destroy supplies contracts.
- Strategic Gear: Utilize backpacks, gas masks, and other utilities to enhance your survival chances.
- Money Management: Money earned from looting can be used to purchase items from Buy Stations, including ammunition, gear, and weapons.
Is DMZ Still Being Developed?
Even with the arrival of Modern Warfare III (MWIII), DMZ continues to be an integral part of the free-to-play Warzone experience. DMZ is included in the latest update of Warzone, meaning that you can still enjoy the mode.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to buy Modern Warfare 2 to play DMZ?
No, you do not need to purchase Modern Warfare II (MWII). DMZ is a free mode within Warzone 2.0.
2. Is DMZ available on all platforms?
Yes, DMZ is available on all platforms where Warzone 2.0 is available, including PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
3. Can I play DMZ solo?
Yes, while DMZ is designed for trios, you can disable the squad fill option to play as a solo or a duo.
4. What happens if I die in DMZ?
If you die, you lose any weapons or items you were carrying in your inventory.
5. How long is a typical DMZ match?
DMZ matches typically last 25 minutes before the gas closes in.
6. Are there other players in DMZ?
Yes, you will encounter other player squads in addition to the AI bots.
7. Is DMZ against bots only?
No, while the AI bots are the primary antagonist, you will also encounter other player squads.
8. Where does DMZ take place?
DMZ takes place in several locations, such as Al Mazrah, Building 21, Ashika Island, Koschei Complex, and Vondel.
9. What is the point of money in DMZ?
Cash and valuables are used to purchase items at Buy Stations and the more money you extract, the lower the wait time for your insured weapons.
10. Does DMZ have split-screen?
No, DMZ mode does not offer split-screen compatibility.
11. What kind of missions are in DMZ?
Missions in DMZ are called Faction Missions and they can range from finding and retrieving certain items, to killing specific enemies, and visiting designated locations.
12. What is an “exfil”?
Exfil, short for exfiltration, is the process of safely leaving the DMZ map via a helicopter after completing your objectives.
13. Is DMZ good for new players?
DMZ can be challenging for new players but it is a great mode to learn and improve their skills. The mode allows you to move at your own pace.
14. Is the AI difficult in DMZ?
Yes, the AI in DMZ can be quite challenging, particularly in certain areas, and may require a tactical approach to overcome.
15. What are insured weapons in DMZ?
Insured weapons are the weapons you can take into DMZ at the start of a game that you will not lose if you are killed during a mission.