The Warzone 2 DMZ mode brings exfil gameplay to Call of Duty for the first time, with mechanics familiar to players of extraction games like Escape from Tarkov and Scavengers, DMZ gives players the choice to risk it all for high reward, take out human enemies or AI opponents, or just play it safe until the final moments. From insured weapon slots, to Strongholds, unlockable areas, and new weapon blueprints, there is a lot to unpack in this new game more.
What is Warzone 2 DMZ?
DMZ is a new mode available in Warzone 2. Utilising the entirety of the massive Warzone 2 map, AI opponents are stationed around the many POIs, protecting Strongholds full of items. Players must defeat these opponents to claim the loot within, before taking it to the extraction point. There is also an assortment of contracts and world events you can expect to take on as you explore the open world, as well as faction missions to complete within the mode’s time limit.
While you’re trying to take loot from under your AI enemies’ noses, don’t forget you’re also up against your usual lobby of real-world players, too – supposedly up to 100 players in total, just like Warzone’s normal battle royale mode. They’re after you, and the same items you seek, so it’s up to you and your squad whether you go in all guns blazing or take the more subtle approach, watching enemy teams from afar and taking them out once they’ve done the hard work.
Technically, as this is an exfil mode, you can win without taking out one IRL opponent, as long as you get the loot to the extraction point without being taken out yourself. But beware of any opposing teams waiting at the extraction point itself for a last-minute win.
Stash and insured weapons
Your stash in Warzone 2 DMZ is your inventory, and contains contraband weapons, insured weapons, and anything you pick up as you explore Al Mazrah. Aside from insured weapons, anything in your stash when you die will be lost, so there’s more reason to fight for your life than ever. Successfully extract with your stash though, and you can carry your items into your next DMZ match.
Insured weapons are protected against loss, but will be locked out when you die, only accessibly after a ten-hour wait which can be reduced with in-match cash. You start with one insured weapon slot, but you can unlock two more by completing faction challenges.
Factions
There are three factions in DMZ: Black Mous, White Lotus, and Legion, each offering their own set of challenges to complete in-match. Upon raising your association with all three factions to tier 3, a second insured weapon slot is unlocked, with a fifth earned at tier 5. Expect these challenges to be just that, though – a challenge. They include successfully racking up Warzone 2 AQ soldier kills to secure areas, obtaining intel from opposing factions, and more.
Strongholds and Black Key sites
As you explore the Al Mazrah DMZ map, you’ll come across Strongholds, areas guarded by challenging AI opponents. These contain the best loot available in the game, including Black Site keys. Obtain one of these, and successfully unlock a black site to earn weapon blueprints that you can keep (if you exfil) and use across battle royale and multiplayer. Whether you choose to take the Stronghold on yourself or lie in wait for an enemy team to do the hard work for you is up to you.
M13B weapon blueprint and other rewards
By successfully extracting with Stronghold loot, and knowing how to kill the Chemist in Warzone 2, you can obtain the M13B weapon blueprint for use across multiplayer and battle royale modes. Just check out our best Warzone 2 M13B loadout for some tips on kitting out what may be the best Warzone 2 AR available. That’s not all though, as those who don’t have MW2 will unlock other weapon platforms by levelling up in Warzone 2, and you can also earn operator skins, charms, calling cards, and many more rewards by getting out of Al Mazrah alive.
Warzone 2 DMZ release date
As mentioned, DMZ mode became available as soon as Warzone 2 was released, which was on November 16, 2022.
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro$180VIEWNetwork N earns affiliate commission from qualifying sales.
That’s everything we have for the Warzone 2 DMZ mode. If you’re on the lookout for the best Warzone 2 guns, then it’s well worth getting up to speed on the best Warzone 2 loadout drops available. We’d also recommend any Warzone veterans take a look at changes to the Warzone 2 gulag, as well as the latest features like proximity chat and the interrogation mechanic. You might also be interested to know Infinity Ward’s plans for Warzone Caldera, too.