Home
Technology
Gaming
Do you have to buy CoD MW4 to play DMZ?

❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).

Do you have to buy CoD MW4 to play DMZ?

How to enter the DMZ

CoD MW4 DMZ: A solider can be seen in DMZ

Echo Apsey

Published: Friday, 23 October 2026 at 5:42 pm

After the beta of DMZ in Modern Warfare 2, CoD MW4 introduces a fully fledged, proper DMZ mode with progression, story missions, its own exclusive rewards, unlocks, and items, and so much more.

In fact, early impressions of the extraction shooter from the community have led people to state that it could be its own game. That is how impressive this version of the mode is. But is it available on its own, like Warzone, or do you need to have CoD MW4 to play it?

Here are the ways you can access the new CoD DMZ.

Do you have to buy CoD MW4 to play DMZ?

DMZ is only accessible to owners of CoD MW4. There is no trial period, free-to-play version, or separate game you can buy. If you want to play DMZ, you need to buy at least the standard edition of CoD MW4.

This isn't surprising as DMZ is the tentpole third mode of this year's Call of Duty release, but based on our playtime and the community, many think it could be its own game. DMZ this year is far more fleshed out and extensive than the beta that appeared in CoD Modern Warfare 2 in 2022.

It has a lot of progression options, live events, ever-changing objectives, as well as story missions, rewards, and a large map to explore.

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Google reCAPTCHA. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Google reCAPTCHA may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Google reCAPTCHA and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by YouTube. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as YouTube may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow YouTube and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

We don't know if the success and praise DMZ has recieved will cause Infinity Ward and Activision to launch a standalone version similar to Warzone, but we shall keep this page updated if we hear more.

Check out more of our Gaming coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Authors

Echo ApseyContributor

Get the Christmas double issue

Too much to watch at Christmas? Let Radio Times do the choosing to find something the whole family will enjoy.

Subscribe by 3 Dec