Unveiling the Mystery: What’s the Goal in DMZ MW2?
The goal of DMZ in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (MW2) is multifaceted, deviating significantly from the traditional Battle Royale format. Instead of a single objective like being the last squad standing, DMZ presents a dynamic sandbox experience where players infiltrate the Al Mazrah, Ashika Island, Building 21, Koschei Complex, and Vondel maps with the primary purpose of completing objectives, gathering loot, upgrading their arsenal, and ultimately, extracting safely. This extraction-based mode challenges players to strategically navigate a hostile environment, manage resources, engage with both AI and human enemies, and make calculated risks to succeed. The core gameplay loop revolves around infiltrating, completing contracts, looting, and extracting, but the specific goals within each match are determined by the player, leading to a highly varied and engaging experience. Success isn’t simply about winning a battle; it’s about the accumulation of power and resources over time, all while surviving each foray into the Exclusion Zone.
The Core Gameplay Loop: Objectives and Extraction
Infiltration and Survival
At the outset of a DMZ match, players deploy into the map with limited gear. Survival is paramount from the very beginning. The first few moments are often the most critical, as you assess your surroundings and look for initial loot and opportunities. Avoiding early confrontations is often a wise strategy. The emphasis here is on awareness and tactical movement, ensuring you can evade both AI opponents and hostile player squads.
Completing Contracts
Contracts are a core component of DMZ, offering both cash rewards and a sense of direction. These contracts vary from securing areas to hunting specific targets and finding specific items. Successfully completing these objectives not only nets you immediate rewards but also allows you to earn reputation with factions, which can unlock further content. Planning a route that incorporates contracts effectively is key to optimizing your time in the Exclusion Zone.
Looting and Resource Management
Looting is essential in DMZ. The equipment you recover from the map forms the basis of your Stash/Inventory and dictates your effectiveness. Weapons, equipment, killstreaks, and cash are all valuable commodities. The careful management of this inventory, combined with the strategic use of found items during each match, is vital to success. Moreover, remember that contraband weapons found are lost if you are killed, so selecting what you keep from a successful match is key.
Exfiltration: The Final Objective
The ultimate goal of each match is exfiltration. Safely extracting from the map with your accumulated loot is just as important as completing contracts. The Exfiltration Zone can often be a high-risk area, potentially putting you in the crosshairs of other players seeking an easy kill. Careful planning of your extraction route and engaging with your surroundings strategically are the cornerstones to a successful exfil. Remember, if you die in the Exclusion Zone without extracting, all the weapons and items you were carrying are lost.
Deeper Goals and Progression
Upgrading Your Arsenal
While surviving each match is important, it’s not the sole goal. DMZ is about progressive improvement. The items you extract successfully are stored in your Stash. Contraband weapons and items allow you to start your next match with better gear, making subsequent infiltrations less perilous. This creates a satisfying sense of growth and progression throughout your DMZ experience.
Faction Reputation and Unlocks
Engaging with the game’s factions is also key. By completing tasks for various factions you are able to increase reputation. Higher reputation leads to additional items and upgrades, including blueprints and even unlocking base weapons. This progression system offers an incentive to continually engage in missions and refine your skills.
Exploring the Exclusion Zone
DMZ offers a sandbox environment that rewards exploration. While completing contracts and looting are essential, uncovering secrets and finding high-tier loot areas adds another layer of excitement to the game. Locations like the Aquarium on Vondel are often hotspots for loot. Discovering the best loot locations becomes a goal in itself for seasoned players.
Mastering the Game
Mastery of DMZ goes beyond mere survival; it involves understanding the game mechanics, developing strong tactical skills, and making sound strategic decisions. This includes an understanding of both AI behavior and potential player tactics. It requires knowledge of the map, effective resource management, and an awareness of the risks and rewards of each action.
DMZ: A Unique Experience
DMZ stands out as a distinct offering within the Modern Warfare universe. It’s not just about fighting, but about surviving, progressing, and mastering a complex and engaging mode. It’s a challenging and satisfying experience that rewards strategic thinking and calculated risk-taking, making it a memorable addition to Call of Duty. The emphasis is on continuous improvement and the thrill of extracting safely with valuable rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the time limit in DMZ?
You have a limited time of 20 to 25 minutes in each DMZ match before a gas circle forces players into a smaller play area, making extraction increasingly difficult and risky.
What happens if I die in DMZ?
If you die in DMZ, you lose all the weapons and items you were carrying. However, any weapons or items that were stored in your Stash are safe.
Can I play DMZ solo?
Yes, while DMZ is designed for squads, you can play solo. However, you will be at a disadvantage against groups of players, so extra caution is advised.
How do I earn cash in DMZ?
You can earn cash by completing contracts, looting cash registers, and finding loose cash around the map. Certain areas of the map such as storefronts are usually a better bet for finding large amounts of cash.
Are there other players in DMZ?
Yes, other player squads will be present in the DMZ. They can be allies or enemies, so be prepared for potentially hostile encounters. You will encounter some squads doing perimeter sweeps looking for other players.
Can I do finishing moves in DMZ?
Yes, you can perform finishing moves in DMZ by getting behind an enemy and holding the melee button.
Do AI kills count towards camos in DMZ?
Yes, you can unlock weapon camos through killing AI enemies in DMZ. This allows you to progress towards some cosmetic rewards even without engaging other players.
Can I buy back teammates in DMZ?
Yes, you can buy back downed teammates via Buy Stations located throughout the map. You can find them using the shopping cart symbol on the minimap.
Where can I find the best loot in DMZ?
Areas such as the Aquarium on Vondel and locked spaces on other maps are known for having higher-tier loot. However, these areas often come with increased risk.
Can I unlock base weapons in DMZ?
Yes, you can unlock base weapons through specific missions in DMZ or by looting them from fallen enemies or through special blueprints.
What are Contraband weapons in DMZ?
Contraband weapons are weapons you obtain from the Exclusion Zone that you can store in your stash. If you are killed while carrying them in a match you will lose them. They are also only usable in DMZ.
What does DMZ stand for in networking?
DMZ stands for demilitarized zone, a perimeter network that protects and adds an extra layer of security to an organization’s internal local area network from untrusted traffic. In the context of the game, it is also an apt name considering how dangerous it can be.
Are there squad assimilation features in DMZ?
Yes, DMZ allows for a team size of up to 6 using the squad assimilation feature, although the default is 3. This is significantly larger than the 4 person cap in Battle Royale mode.
How can I improve my chances of extracting safely in DMZ?
Prioritize stealth, use cover, complete contracts to earn cash and equipment, choose your exfil location carefully, and be aware of other players nearby and their activities.
Where can I find hidden caches in DMZ?
The best places to look for Hidden Caches on Al Mazrah are Sectors D1, D2, C7, and D7. The Sawah Village & Cemetery, in particular, hosts a high density of caches.