When Is DMZ Coming To MW3?

DMZ made its debut back in 2022 with the launch of MW2 and Warzone 2 Season 1. It provided players with a brand new extraction mode to check out, in an open-world-style, narrative-focused experience.

We saw DMZ extend itself throughout the MW2/Warzone 2 cycle, but now that we're deep into Modern Warfare 3 thanks to its release in November 2023, players are wondering when DMZ is set to return. The mode has been noticeably missing from the new content updates. So, what's going on?

Is DMZ Coming Back To Modern Warfare 3 & Warzone?

The short answer seems to be: no, DMZ is not coming back to Warzone in the MW3 cycle. And there were a number of signs pointing to this during the lead-up to MW3's launch.

Activision previously announced that DMZ would no longer be connected directly to Warzone or MW3. And progresion made in either Warzone or MW3 would not carry back to DMZ, and any battle pass progression wouldn't register in DMZ as of MW3 & Warzone Season 1.

But aspects of DMZ seem to have been refocused into MW3's new Zombies mode, which features an open-world-style of gameplay alongside missions, extraction features, and more. Though, Zombies hasn't been a hit with everyone, perhaps leading to some players hoping that these features could once again return in a reimagined DMZ in future. However, at the time of writing, Activision have expressed no plans to do so. 

Can You Still Play DMZ In Call of Duty?

Players can still play DMZ through CoD HQ, however they won't receive any cross-progression with the current battle pass in Warzone/MW3. Activision issued a statement on November 30, 2023, saying:

"Beginning with next week’s launch of Season 1, DMZ Beta players can continue the mode via the Call of Duty: Warzone section of CoD HQ. The DMZ Beta will remain fully playable across all current DMZ content, including Al Mazrah, Ashika Island, the Koschei Complex, Building 21, Vondel, as well as all DMZ missions.

The mode will not be available or interact directly within Modern Warfare III or Call of Duty: Warzone which means that progression and any new Modern Warfare III or Warzone content, including Battle Pass or store bundles, will not sync or carry back into this DMZ mode. Also, DMZ progress will not apply to new Battle Passes beginning with Season 1."

The statement went on to acknowledge the frustrations players might feel with the decision: "We felt now was the time to take all the learnings from the Beta that we could apply toward future development efforts as we evolve this style of play. We also know that many players still enjoy the mode and wanted to ensure that everybody can keep playing, which is why we are keeping a variety of content available."

You can read the full statement here, via the Call of Duty Blog.