How To Play Call Of Duty’s DMZ Beta In 2026

Call of Duty’s DMZ extraction mode returns with the launch of Modern Warfare 4, adding new features to expand on the beta version previously introduced in 2022’s Modern Warfare 2. If you’ve never tried DMZ or want to get some reps in before the new game releases, you can still play the original mode. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to access this free-to-play mode and give you some tips for getting started with the DMZ beta.

How to access DMZ on all platforms

This beta version of DMZ launched with Modern Warfare 2 as a free-to-play mode in Warzone. How you access this mode now will depend on the platform you’re playing on.

You can easily access DMZ if you have MW2 installed by selecting it in the menus. Don’t worry if you don’t own MW2 or have it installed. We list specific instructions below, depending on your preferred platform.

DMZ soldiers on the Al Mazrah map — DMZ on the Al Mazrah map

Call of Duty is moving away from the last-gen platforms, so you likely won’t be able to download the game for PlayStation 4 or Xbox One. This DMZ beta is tied to Warzone’s maps, and the battle royale was delisted for new downloads on those platforms as of June 4.

Warzone is currently available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Call of Duty will also arrive on the Switch 2 this year with the launch of MW4.

Xbox Series X|S

Search for “Call of Duty DMZ” in the Xbox store. This will show you a free MW2 app you can install to access and download DMZ. An Xbox subscription is required to play online.

PlayStation 5

For PlayStation 5, you’ll want to search for “Call of Duty DMZ” in the PSN store. The store will show you the game price for purchasing MW2. You want to click on the three dots icon to the right of the wishlist option. This gives you more options, and one of them is DMZ. This gives you a free MW2 app to install and download the DMZ portion of the game. You don’t even need a PS Plus subscription to play.

PC

On Steam, search for the MW2 (2022) app and scroll down to the DLC section. Here you’ll find a separate free download for MW2 DMZ on PC. This will let you play DMZ without purchasing MW2.

How many people are playing DMZ in 2026?

A soldier firing a rifle on the Al Mazrah DMZ map — DMZ on the Al Mazrah map

While we don’t know exactly how many people are playing DMZ in 2026, there seems to be a large enough playerbase to keep a healthy matchmaking system.

There are a few maps to choose from in DMZ, with Al Mazrah being the largest and most popular. You can find a match on Al Mazrah in under a minute or two, regardless of your platform. A less popular map like Vondel might take a few minutes to find enough players.

There is a possibility of running into hackers on PC or while using cross-play. If you’re on PS5, you do have an option to turn cross-play off under the network settings in the Call of Duty game settings. You will sacrifice longer matchmaking times, but you’ll be much less likely to deal with cheaters. Playing on PS5 with cross-play off, I usually still found matches within three to five minutes.

You can do the same on Xbox, except you’ll need to turn off cross-play within the Xbox multiplayer settings, rather than the game-specific menus.

MW2 DMZ guides for new players

Three soldiers standing near the castle on the Ashika Island DMZ map — DMZ on the Ashika Island map

General tips

If you’ve never played DMZ before, we have a list of general DMZ tips to help you get started and hopefully survive your first match. This guide will explain everything you need to know about how the extraction mode works and how to survive all the dangers you’ll face during your match.

Weapon guide

DMZ is an extraction shooter mode that doesn’t use the same loadout system as Warzone or multiplayer. Instead, there are Insured loadout slots you can unlock, and you receive cooldown penalties when you fail to successfully extract your loadout weapons from a match. Here is everything you need to know about loadouts and looting in the DMZ beta.

Bartering system

DMZ features a bartering system. This isn’t a normal trading system from player-to-player, but instead it gives you a way to collect items in-game to swap for some more important gear you need. Our full DMZ bartering guide explains how the system works and some of the best recipes to use.

Faction missions and reputation missions

Make sure to check out our guide for completing story missions and earning Faction reputation. This will help you unlock more insured weapon slots and other items in DMZ.

Al Mazrah’s puzzle rooms

One of the most interesting places to explore and loot is Al Mazrah’s Koschei Complex. Our full Koschei Complex guide will explain all the different ways you can access this otherwise hidden location.

What to expect from MW4’s DMZ

Soldiers walking next to a tank on MW4's new Hajin map for DMZ — MW4’s Hajin map for DMZ

It’s worth noting that the upcoming DMZ mode in Modern Warfare 4 is not free-to-play, and it requires the purchase of the base game.

Infinity Ward has revealed plenty of new features for DMZ’s big return. The mode will feature dynamic weather, a new “GTA-like” Wanted system, and offer new ways to play. Operators you fail to extract during a match will be left behind in the DMZ zone, but the game adds a way for you to rescue any of these fallen operators with the addition of the new MIA system.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 launches on October 23 for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2. In addition to DMZ, the game also features a full story campaign and multiplayer.

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How To Play Call Of Duty’s DMZ Beta In 2026