Top 8 Modern Warfare 4 DMZ tips you need to know before playing
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is here, and with it comes the return of the extraction mode, DMZ.
DMZ in Modern Warfare 4 may feel daunting at first, but those worries should soon fade once you jump into the sprawling Hajin map, where teamwork and high-octane action are key. However, to make life a little easier, we've put together some helpful tips in this MW4 guide to help you survive and take down your opponents.
What is DMZ in Modern Warfare 4?
DMZ (Demilitarised Zone) is Call of Duty's extraction mode, similar to games such as ARC Raiders, Escape from Tarkov and Hunt: Showdown 1896. DMZ made its debut in 2022 with Modern Warfare II and is now back in MW4.
In DMZ, you deploy your Operator into the Hajin Exclusion Zone to complete objectives, collect loot, compete against human players and fight enemy AI. The goal is to complete as many objectives as possible and extract with valuable loot before time runs out.
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You can play solo or team up with two other players in a squad of three. If you don't have a full squad, you can use the Squad Fill option to find other players to team up with. DMZ blends PvE and PvP combat, meaning you'll face both AI-controlled enemies and rival Operators.
Matches can accommodate up to 60 human players across 20 squads of three, although the actual number of players in a match may vary.
8 essential Modern Warfare 4 DMZ tips for beginners
1. How long does a Modern Warfare 4 DMZ match last?
A typical DMZ match has a 30-minute timer, followed by a 10-minute final escape period. However, you can choose to extract early, which can significantly reduce the length of your run.
In a nutshell, DMZ matches can last much longer than traditional multiplayer games, so make sure you have enough time before jumping in. You don't want to start a deployment only to realise you need to leave halfway through.
Complete your DMZ Orders
Before deploying into the map, check your Orders at the FOB (Forward Operating Base) so you know what to prioritise. It's also worth choosing objectives that you can realistically complete during that run.
It's highly unlikely that you'll achieve every possible objective in a single deployment, so don't unnecessarily overload yourself with tasks. Having a realistic plan will give you a better chance of completing your objectives, earning progression rewards and extracting with valuable loot.
2. Prioritise loot for crafting in DMZ
Crafting in DMZ may be more important than you realise, and it's something that's easy to overlook when the action gets intense. There's a huge amount of loot across Hajin, but not every item is worth collecting when your backpack space is limited.
Aside from essential supplies such as ammunition, equipment and healing items, focus on collecting resources that can be used to craft useful gear. You can use these resources with the 3D Printer at your FOB to prepare equipment for future deployments.
Having the right resources and crafted equipment can make a big difference to your chances of survival, particularly when facing tougher AI enemies and rival Operators.
3. Learn Hajin's points of interest
It's practically impossible to learn everything about Hajin during your first few DMZ runs, but over time, you'll become more familiar with its points of interest. This knowledge will become vital as you learn where to find valuable loot and which areas are worth exploring.
Hajin has 13 major points of interest, with more than 60 named locations. The map features a mixture of military installations, industrial areas, urban districts and rural countryside, each offering different environments and loot opportunities. For example, if you're running low on weapons or ammunition, a nearby military installation might be worth exploring.
However, each area also has its own threat level, ranging from Low to Extreme. Lower-threat areas are generally safer, while Extreme locations can feature much tougher AI enemies and more dangerous encounters, although the rewards can be greater. If you're a beginner, it may be worth getting comfortable with lower-threat areas before taking on something more challenging.
Some zones also contain AI targets that pose a much greater threat. Taking on a Commander or Lieutenant can require plenty of preparation and teamwork, but the rewards can make the risk worthwhile. You can earn DMZ Cash and valuable loot, including crafting resources, depending on the target and encounter. Just make sure you scout the area before rushing in and putting your squad at unnecessary risk.
Here are some of the main areas in Hajin worth knowing:
- Military and high-threat areas: 14th Political Prison, Chang-san Air Base and The Grid. These include heavily guarded installations and dangerous compounds, making them riskier places to explore.
- Rural and residential areas: Deadtown, Imjin Farmland, Cheongun Village and Hajin River Heights. These offer a mixture of abandoned buildings, farmland, villages and residential locations to explore.
- Urban and industrial locations: NuriGO Mall, Mirae General Hospital and Wolves Stadium. These provide different environments, with buildings and facilities that may contain useful loot.
- Specialist and coastal locations: Haneul Nuclear Reactor, Songdo Wharf and Cheonwang Peak Array. These include a hazardous reactor, a coastal port and a communications facility.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 - DMZ, Activision
4. Use Dynamic Operations to earn better rewards
Dynamic Operations are multi-stage missions that give you an extra reason to explore Hajin and take on objectives during a deployment. Completing them earns you DMZ XP and in-game cash, while successful operations also provide Supply Drops containing loot that increases in rarity as you progress.
These rewards can help you gather better gear and resources for future runs. However, you also need to consider how much time you're spending on Dynamic Operations alongside your other objectives. Pushing for another reward can be tempting, but you risk losing the loot you've already collected if you fail to extract.
Work with your squad, assess the risks and know when it's time to get out.
5. Avoid unnecessary fights with AI enemies
As fun as it can be to take on enemy AI, fighting every soldier you encounter can quickly become a waste of valuable ammunition, equipment and healing items. You may not always find enough supplies to replace what you've used, particularly if you're still learning the map.
Taking out enemies can help you clear an area and earn XP, but it's important to find the right balance between combat and resource management. If an enemy isn't blocking your route or threatening your objectives, sometimes it's better to avoid the fight and save your supplies for when you really need them.
Be careful when fighting rival Operators
Fighting rival Operators can be much more unpredictable than taking on standard AI enemies. Human opponents may have better weapons and equipment, and they could be working together as a well-coordinated squad. If they kill you, you also risk losing the loot you've collected.
Before engaging in PvP combat, assess the situation and consider whether the fight is worth the risk. If you're already low on resources or carrying valuable loot, it may be safer to avoid confrontation and live to fight another day.
Sometimes, though, a tactical retreat isn't possible, especially if a rival squad is blocking your route or threatening your objectives. If you have to fight, work with your teammates and communicate where possible. Don't run in like you're a solo John Rambo, leaving the rest of your squad behind.
6. Work with your squad and take your time
As I've already alluded to, teamwork in DMZ is absolutely vital. We've all been in a match where, as soon as it starts, that one guy runs off in the opposite direction to do his own thing. Don't be that guy.
Stick together, communicate and coordinate your objectives whenever possible. Support your teammates, watch their backs and hope they'll do the same for you. Having a squad that works together can make a massive difference when completing objectives, taking on tougher enemies and escaping dangerous situations.
That doesn't mean you need to rush through every encounter, either. Take your time, plan your approach and remember that surviving with your loot is often more important than chasing every fight.
READ MORE: Modern Warfare 4 campaign length reveal and mission list
7. Know when to extract
Simply put, don't get greedy. It's always tempting to squeeze in one more objective in the hope of earning better loot, but doing so risks losing everything you've already collected.
You could be killed by rival Operators or AI enemies, or run out of time before reaching an extraction point. If there are only a few minutes left on the clock, it may be worth heading straight for your extraction zone rather than risking everything for one more reward.
Vehicles scattered around the map can help you cover long distances more quickly, particularly when you're racing against the clock. Just keep an eye on your fuel, as you may need to stop at a gas station before continuing your journey.
Remember, completing every objective isn't always necessary. Sometimes, the smartest move is to get out safely with what you've already earned.
8. Prepare your Operator before deploying
As the old saying goes, preparation is key, and that absolutely rings true in DMZ. Before heading out to Hajin, make sure your Operator is as prepared as possible at the FOB.
Check that you're carrying weapons and equipment you're comfortable using. There's nothing worse than accidentally taking a weapon you're unfamiliar with, such as a sniper rifle when you prefer close-range combat, or an automatic assault rifle when you'd rather use something more precise.
Check your available resources to see what you can craft with the 3D Printer, upgrade your gear where possible and double-check your Orders before deploying. A little preparation can make a big difference once you're on the battlefield, especially when things don't go according to plan.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is out now on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch 2.
Where to buy Modern Warfare 4?
You can pre-order Modern Warfare 4 across several retailers; currently, Amazon UK has a 14 per cent saving on the RRP of the standard physical edition, reducing it to £59.99 for a limited time only.
Digital Standard Edition
- PS5: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Playstation UK | Walmart
- Xbox: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Green Man Gaming 3% off | Walmart
- PC: CJS CD Keys 10% off
- Switch 2: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Walmart
Digital Vault Edition
- PS5: Playstation UK
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Standard Physical Edition
Topics: Call Of Duty, Call Of Duty Modern Warfare, Activision, PlayStation, Xbox