Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 adds a new game mode: DMZ. It blends the popular extraction-shooter genre with the wild, chaotic gameplay CoD is known for into one amazing experience. However, getting started in the new mode can be confusing because it's a completely new experience. Luckily for you, here's a beginner's guide to MW4 DMZ.
MW4 DMZ Starter Guide
Recruiting your First Operator
The first thing you will do when starting DMZ is select an Operator. Your options range from well-known Call of Duty characters like Captain Price and Ghost to generic military personnel. Once you've recruited your first operator, you'll complete the rest of the tutorial. After you unlock more of the game mode, you can have up to 4 operators with different builds and loadouts. Don't worry about which operator you choose, since it's mostly cosmetic.
DMZ Mission Types
DMZ has 3 mission types: Story Missions, Dynamic Operations, and Freeroam.
Both Story Missions and Dynamic Operations are objective-based modes where you complete a series of tasks to finish the mission. In these modes, the maps are usually smaller and more focused than in Freeroam. Each completed Dynamic Operation rewards you with 10,000 to 20,000 Cash, deposited directly into your Bank. Completing Story Missions and chaining Dynamic Operations is a great way to earn decent cash and other loot, especially early in the game.
Freeroam is the true extraction shooter experience, with much more open maps and no real objective, except the one you choose. You can farm enemies for loot, take down bosses, or even hunt players.
The FOB (Forward Operating Base)
You'll spend a lot of time inside the FOB (Forward Operating Base). This is your base, where you can buy equipment from the vendor, craft items with the 3D Printer, build weapons with the Gunsmith, and prep for your next foray into the DMZ.
Each station inside the FOB can be upgraded with materials found inside the DMZ; each upgrade also requires some cash. Most stations can be upgraded to Level 3, while stations like the Gunsmith and Vendor can reach Level 4. Each upgrade costs more and requires rarer materials.
Infil and Exfil
Before entering the DMZ, players can choose their Infil method. Options range from entering on foot to using a jeep, airdropping into the zone, or other vehicle options. All options except going in on foot require payment.
Exfil in the DMZ differs from other extraction shooters. You'll have limited windows of opportunity to extract. Extraction zones are marked with a bright green flare, and on the map, they're symbolized by a blue running-man icon. Once the radiation zone covers the extraction area, that exfil location can no longer be used.
Inside the Exfil zone, players can call in a helicopter to exfil, and each zone can be used multiple times as long as it's in the exfil window.
The last chance to exfil happens when the radiation zone timer hits zero. This is your last chance to escape the deadly fog. Gas Masks can help you traverse radiated areas, but once the helicopter leaves, it's game over.
Operator Traits
Leveling up your operator lets you upgrade them with Traits from 3 skill trees.
- The Warfighter perk tree focuses on aggressive, combat-oriented playstyles. It adds perks like Plate Pouch, which lets you carry more Plates.
- Scout emphasizes looting and mobility. Traits in this tree reward you with more loot from containers and enemies you slay.
- Survivalist is all about staying alive. Traits often increase running stamina, speed up teammate revives, and add other bonuses to help you stay alive longer in the DMZ.
