How Does DMZ Work in Warzone 2? A Deep Dive into Extraction Royale
DMZ in Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 is a unique and challenging extraction royale mode that blends elements of survival, looting, and objective-based gameplay. Unlike the traditional Battle Royale format, where the goal is to be the last team standing, DMZ focuses on infiltrating the Al Mazrah map, completing missions, gathering resources, and escaping alive via exfil. Players, either solo or in squads of up to three (or four in certain scenarios), navigate a dynamic environment populated with both AI enemies and other player teams, creating a tense and unpredictable experience. The core gameplay loop involves entering the map with a basic loadout, completing faction missions or contracts, looting valuable items, and then extracting safely, usually by calling in a helicopter. Failing to extract means losing everything carried. It’s a high-stakes environment where strategic planning, teamwork, and careful decision-making are paramount for success.
The Core Gameplay Loop
The DMZ experience revolves around a simple yet engaging loop:
- Infiltration: Players deploy onto the Al Mazrah map with a basic set of equipment, usually a pistol, some tactical gear, and potentially one or more Contraband weapons (weapons extracted in previous matches).
- Objective Acquisition: Players begin by reviewing available faction missions and contracts. These can range from eliminating specific AI targets, looting certain locations for items, or securing specific objectives.
- Exploration and Looting: While completing objectives, players explore the map, scavenging for loot and resources. Cash, weapons, tactical equipment, and consumable items are all found within containers and across the environment. Cash registers are known to hold an above-average amount of cash.
- Engaging AI and Players: Throughout the match, players must contend with a variety of AI enemies, who can range from basic foot soldiers to heavily armored foes and sometimes even boss-level characters. Additionally, players encounter other squads, creating the possibility for both alliances and intense firefights. DMZ is a Player-versus-Environment-versus-Player (PvEvP) mode.
- Exfil: Once players have completed their objectives, gathered loot, or simply decide it’s time to leave, they must extract using one of several available exfil points. Typically, players will interact with a specified location to call a helicopter that arrives after a short time. Successfully extracting with loot allows players to retain it for future matches, including Contraband weapons.
- Loss on Death: Failing to extract, either by dying to enemies or the encroaching radiation gas, results in the loss of all loot and Contraband weapons. The only items retained are those stored in the Forward Operating Base (FOB), such as cash from the Wallet.
Key Features of DMZ
Faction Missions and Contracts
Faction missions are specific objectives given by different in-game factions. These missions often require players to complete challenges across multiple matches and yield rewards such as Contraband weapons, weapon blueprints, or operator skins. Contracts, on the other hand, are in-match tasks that can provide players with cash and other immediate benefits.
AI Difficulty
The AI bots in DMZ are significantly more challenging than those encountered in other modes. They exhibit intelligent behavior, actively flanking, throwing explosives, and utilizing accurate gunfire. Their aimbot like precision, constant spawning, and tendency to react aggressively makes each encounter a high-stakes event.
Contraband Weapons and Inventory
Weapons and equipment that are acquired during a match and successfully extracted become Contraband and can be used in subsequent matches. These weapons provide a strategic advantage and must be protected, since losing them in a match means they are permanently lost. Players can also find and utilize insured weapons, which are not lost on death, these will recharge their insurance when not in use.
Private Exfil
Players have the option to purchase a private exfil at a Buy Station. This option costs $50,000 and calls in a helicopter to an exfil point not active for other players. This allows for a safer escape but requires a substantial amount of cash to be spent.
The Wallet and Forward Operating Base (FOB)
Cash found in matches can be stored in a Wallet, which is accessible through the Forward Operating Base (FOB). This allows players to accumulate cash across multiple matches, which can then be used to purchase items or gear in the DMZ.
Limited Time and Map Hazards
DMZ matches are timed, usually around 25 minutes, before a dangerous radiation gas begins to close in, making survival much more difficult. This timer creates a constant sense of urgency and encourages players to complete their objectives efficiently. Players will also want to avoid locations where the gas has already settled, it will be deadly.
Solo Play and Team Dynamics
While DMZ is designed as a trios-based mode, players can also choose to play solo or in duos by disabling squad fill. Squad play allows for better resource management and offers added safety in combat. In squad play, downed teammates can plea for help. However, whether they get picked up is at the will of another player.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main objective in DMZ?
The main objective in DMZ is to enter the Al Mazrah map, complete faction missions and contracts, collect valuable loot, and successfully exfil without dying.
2. How do I exfil in DMZ?
Players need to reach a designated exfil point on the map and activate it, which calls in a helicopter for extraction.
3. Are there other players in DMZ?
Yes, DMZ is a PvEvP mode, meaning you’ll encounter both AI enemies and other player teams during your matches.
4. What happens if I die in DMZ?
If you die in DMZ, you will lose all the loot you were carrying, including Contraband weapons; they are gone forever.
5. What are Contraband weapons?
Contraband weapons are weapons that you have successfully extracted from a previous DMZ match. If lost in a match, they are gone forever.
6. Can I play DMZ solo?
Yes, you can play DMZ solo, in Duos or in Trios by disabling squad fill before entering a match.
7. How long does a DMZ match last?
A DMZ match typically lasts for 25 minutes, after which a radiation gas begins to close in.
8. What is the Forward Operating Base (FOB)?
The FOB is a menu screen that allows players to view their current cash stored in the wallet and access other progression systems.
9. How do I get more cash in DMZ?
The most efficient way to get cash in DMZ is by looting areas, especially cash registers and completing contracts.
10. Are AI bots harder in DMZ than in other modes?
Yes, the AI bots in DMZ are significantly more challenging, often exhibiting highly accurate aim, flanking tactics, and relentless spawning.
11. Can I permanently lose weapons in DMZ?
Yes, Contraband weapons can be permanently lost if you die and fail to extract.
12. What is the point of the Wallet in DMZ?
The Wallet stores cash that is extracted over multiple games and may be used in future games to purchase items and perks.
13. How do I level up weapons in DMZ?
Weapon XP in DMZ is earned by using the weapons to kill enemies and complete contracts. The more you use a weapon, the higher it will level.
14. What is a private exfil in DMZ?
A private exfil is an exfil point that is purchased at a Buy Station for $50,000, allowing players a safer, private extraction.
15. Is there a maximum team size in DMZ?
Teams are now limited to 4 man squads. In some instances teams may exceed this through the in-game plea system.
DMZ offers a compelling and distinct experience within the Warzone 2.0 ecosystem. Its blend of objective-based gameplay, intense combat with both AI and other players, and the risk of permanent item loss, creates a highly engaging and replayable game mode. Whether you’re a solo player seeking a challenge or part of a squad looking for strategic team play, DMZ provides a refreshing and exciting alternative to the traditional Battle Royale format.