The Call Of Duty franchise is gearing up for a major shift with the release of Modern Warfare 4 (MW4) in 2026. One of the biggest leaks so far is the return of DMZ, now rebranded as DMZ 2.0, which promises a completely revamped extraction-based experience with new maps, deeper progression, and high-risk, high-reward gameplay.
Unlike its predecessor, DMZ 2.0 will no longer be a free-to-play mode. Instead, it will be exclusive to MW4 owners, much like how Zombies is locked behind Black Ops 6. This signals a bigger commitment from Infinity Ward to making DMZ a fully-supported, standalone experience rather than a secondary Warzone add-on.
With several trusted Call of Duty leakers revealing new details, let’s dive into everything we know so far about DMZ 2.0 in Modern Warfare 4.
DMZ 1.0: A Look Back at the Original Beta Mode
The original DMZ mode launched with Modern warfare 2 as a PvPvE survival-extraction mode, drawing comparisons to Escape from Tarkov. The mode offered a mix of:
✅ Loot-based survival – Players dropped into large open maps, scavenging for weapons, cash, and rare gear.
✅ Faction-based missions – Completing objectives granted rewards and upgraded your character.
✅ AI and PvP combat – Players fought against both AI enemies and real squads in contested zones.
✅ High-stakes extractions – The goal was to extract high-tier loot before being eliminated.
Despite its initial popularity, DMZ never left its beta phase. It remained a side mode within Warzone, and support for it dropped significantly after Modern Warfare 3’s release. Now, with DMZ 2.0, Infinity Ward appears to be fully committing to making it a premium experience.
DMZ 2.0: Major Leaks & Confirmed Details
According to Call of Duty insiders such as Ghost of Hope and RealityUK, DMZ 2.0 will feature:
A completely separate experience from Warzone
New, exclusive maps designed for extraction gameplay
More structured PvPvE mechanics
Persistent progression and deeper looting systems
Dedicated support and content updates post-launch
Unlike DMZ 1.0, which was built inside Warzone’s ecosystem, DMZ 2.0 will have its own infrastructure, maps, and gameplay mechanics, allowing Infinity Ward to develop it as a true extraction shooter rather than a side mode.
Learn more about Modern Warfare 4 DMZ 2.0 leaks from Tridzo on YouTube.
Exclusive DMZ 2.0 Map: Tuman
One of the biggest leaks so far is the introduction of a brand-new map, codenamed Tuman.
What is Tuman?
Tuman is a DMZ-exclusive map, meaning it won’t be used in Warzone.
The name Tuman is likely a placeholder—it could change before launch.
Some speculate it could be inspired by the Tumen River in China, but there is no official confirmation.
Unlike DMZ 1.0 maps (Al Mazrah, Ashika Island), Tuman is built from the ground up for DMZ’s extraction-based gameplay.
This change is massive because it separates DMZ from Warzone completely, ensuring that gameplay and map design are tailored for the extraction experience rather than adapting Warzone maps for a different mode.
DMZ 2.0 Will Not Be Free-to-Play
One of the biggest changes coming to DMZ 2.0 is that it will not be free-to-play. Instead, it will be locked behind Modern Warfare 4, similar to how Zombies requires Black Ops 6.
Why Is DMZ No Longer Free?
Here’s why Activision is making DMZ a paid mode:
Better Support & Regular Updates – DMZ 1.0 stopped receiving updates because it was free-to-play. Making it premium content ensures consistent updates and new expansions.
Separation from Warzone – Free modes inside Warzone often get overshadowed. DMZ 2.0, being its own experience, means it won’t be neglected.
Stronger Anti-Cheat Measures – Paid content generally has fewer hackers, leading to a more balanced experience.
While some fans may not like the paywall, this change could ensure DMZ receives the long-term support it deserves.
New Gameplay Mechanics in DMZ 2.0
1. Revamped Extraction Mechanics
New file methods, such as calling in a helicopter, using underground tunnels, or hacking enemy transport vehicles.
Higher risk, higher reward extractions, similar to Building 21 in DMZ 1.0, where enemies become more aggressive the longer you stay.
2. PvE vs. PvPvE Debate
Infinity Ward is debating whether DMZ 2.0 should be PvE-only, PvPvE, or have separate modes.
Many players loved the mix of AI enemies and real squads, so PvPvE seems like the most likely option.
3. Returning Features – Dog Tags & Buy Stations
RealityUK leaked that Dog Tags are returning in DMZ 2.0.
In DMZ 1.0, Dog Tags were lootable from fallen enemies and could be sold at Buy Stations for cash.
Expect enhanced Buy Stations where players can sell gear, purchase high-tier loot, and upgrade loadouts.
4. New AI Boss – Mace Returns
Leaks suggest that Mace, a classic Call of Duty character, will be a major boss in DMZ 2.0.
Similar to Velikan in Building 21, Mace could be a heavily armored NPC with special loot drops.
This hints at boss fights becoming a core feature of DMZ 2.0.
How DMZ 2.0 Will Be Different from Warzone
Unlike DMZ 1.0, which was built on top of Warzone, DMZ 2.0 is being treated as its own game mode. Here’s how it will differ:
| Feature | DMZ 1.0 (MW2) | DMZ 2.0 (MW4) |
|---|---|---|
| Free-to-Play? | Yes | No (Paid) |
| Maps | Warzone Maps (Al Mazrah, Ashika) | Exclusive Maps (Tuman) |
| Engine | Warzone Engine | Standalone Version |
| PvE/PvP | Mixed | Undecided (Likely PvPvE) |
| Updates | Stopped after MW3 | Ongoing Support |
This means that DMZ 2.0 is aiming for a much higher-quality, content-driven experience rather than a side mode.
Will DMZ 2.0 Succeed?
DMZ 1.0 had a passionate player base, but a lack of updates and support led to its decline. DMZ 2.0 looks to fix these issues by offering:
A fully dedicated extraction-based mode
Brand-new exclusive maps
Boss fights, lootable Dog Tags, and deeper PvPvE gameplay
Ongoing updates and expansions
However, the biggest question is whether locking it behind a paywall will limit its success. If Infinity Ward delivers frequent content updates, DMZ 2.0 could become as big as Zombies in the Call of Duty franchise.
What do you think? Will DMZ 2.0 be a hit or miss?
Let us know in the comments and stay tuned for more Call of Duty MW4 updates at CODIntel.
