Activision has announced that DMZ mode will return in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 as an extraction shooter. The mode will also be available early to players who pre-order the game, adding to the campaign early access benefit announced earlier.
DMZ originally appeared in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II. In the new game, it will bring 20 squads of up to three players onto a large map where they can collect loot, complete missions, and take on different objectives. Players must extract successfully to keep their collected items, which they can sell or use in future runs.
The mode will feature both AI-controlled enemies and other players, making each run risky. Staying on the map for longer or getting into fights can attract more enemies and put the collected loot at risk.
Modern Warfare 4 will also introduce a Forward Operating Base (FOB) that players can return to between runs. The base will let them customize their characters, manage loot, craft gear, access new objectives, and expand the base as they progress. Activision has shared more details about the system in its official DMZ and FOB guide.
The DMZ early access benefit is the second major pre-order bonus announced for the game. Players who pre-order will also get early access to the campaign starting October 16. The DMZ mode will unlock early on October 20, while PC players can begin pre-loading the game on October 15. Both the Standard and Vault editions include these benefits.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will launch on October 23, 2026, for PC via Steam, Xbox and Battle.net, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2. Pre-orders are open now.
