Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 DMZ Mode FOB Progression

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4's DMZ mode launches on October 23 alongside the game's Campaign and Multiplayer components. This new extraction shooter experience is positioned as a definitive alternative to the series' traditional multiplayer offerings.

Developers describe DMZ as "Call of Duty’s definitive extraction shooter experience." The mode centers on the fictional region of Hajin, where players deploy to complete objectives, gather loot, and survive against both AI and other operators. All activity feeds back into a persistent player hub called the Forward Operating Base.

Forward Operating Base as the core hub

The Forward Operating Base, or FOB, is the command center for all DMZ operations. It persists between matches and evolves directly from player progression within Hajin. Starting as a simple foothold, the FOB can grow into a fully operational base as players complete more Operations.

This hub contains various Stations that manage every aspect of the DMZ loop. These stations handle loadouts, stashed loot, crafting, mission objectives, and tracking player progression. The FOB is where players prepare for a run and review their successes or failures afterward.

Immediately available FOB stations

Several core stations are available to players from their first login. These provide the essential tools for planning and executing deployments into the Exclusion Zone.

The Deploy Station is always accessible and is the gateway for launching a new DMZ run into Hajin.

Unlockable FOB stations and progression systems

A deeper layer of over a dozen specialized stations becomes available through gameplay progression. Unlocking these stations is tied to the DMZ Progression Track, which ranges from level 1 to 70. Each level grants rewards and can unlock new FOB capabilities.

Key unlockable stations include the 3D Printer, which uses Resources and Ingredients gathered in-match to craft gear and upgrade other stations. The Gunsmith allows players to spend DMZ Cash to purchase weapon attachments or build entirely new weapons from collected Weapon Manuals. A Vendor sells a daily rotating selection of items for DMZ Cash.

Other stations add strategic depth. The Bounty Leaderboard tracks the most successful player-versus-player hunters in the zone. A Boss Board helps players track high-value AI targets like Lieutenants. A Dog Tag Case displays trophies collected from defeated enemy operators.

Deployment options and gameplay loops in Hajin

Players choose from three deployment types when entering Hajin. Story Missions offer replayable narrative objectives with substantial rewards. Dynamic Operations deploy squads directly into action to earn DMZ Cash and XP, with each completion granting a Supply Drop of increasing rarity. Free Roam allows for deployment without a specific mission for pure exploration of Hajin City.

Efficient progression involves prioritizing Story Missions, Dynamic Operations, and Orders. A major activity is the Boss Hunt, targeting powerful AI Lieutenants and Commanders for major rewards, including unique weapons and loot. Consistent looting is encouraged to gather materials for the 3D Printer and to improve a player's overall match rating.

The After Action Report after each match advises that fighting, looting, and completing objectives improves a deployment rating. The guidance is to "Strive for an S Tier performance (or better) for the best rewards."

Hajin itself is a layered environment. Vehicles are scattered throughout for faster travel across land, water, and air, and can be repaired at Gas Stations. Each area has a specific Threat Level. Making too much noise in an area triggers a violent enemy response unique to that zone, making stealth a wise approach in many situations.

Infinity Ward recently discussed the mode's design in the seventh episode of their 'From the Ward' series, titled 'Addition by Extraction.' Modern Warfare 4 is available for pre-order now on PlayStation 5. Additional DMZ content is expected in updates following the mode's launch.