Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 DMZ prepares for early access

ⓘ Callofduty.com

Modern Warfare 4 DMZ early access is live for digital pre-orders. See how DMZ progression works, plus the PC, Switch 2, and Vault Edition details you need to know.

DMZ early access for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 goes live today, October 20, at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET / 5 PM UTC. Players who digitally pre-ordered the Standard or Vault Edition on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, PlayStation 5, Battle.net, Steam, or Nintendo Switch 2 can deploy three days before the full launch on October 23. Campaign early access has been live since October 16.

How DMZ progression works

DMZ runs on its own level track that stretches to Level 70, separate from the standard Level 1 to 55 system. XP comes from story missions, dynamic operations, and side ops, and it still counts if you fail to exfil. That XP also feeds your overall player level. Each DMZ level unlocks stations and upgrades at the Forward Operating Base, including the 3D printer at Level 2. The printer works at the base between deployments rather than mid-match, and it can craft gear such as the Medium Backpack. That pack has secure slots, which protect items if an extraction fails. Players can deploy with a free loadout, then contend with AI forces and rival squads on the way to the exfil.

PC and Switch 2 details

PC players get Nvidia DLSS 4.5 support. GeForce RTX 50 Series owners can run Dynamic Multi Frame Generation at up to 6X, RTX 40 Series cards get DLSS 4.5 Frame Generation, and Nvidia Reflex works on all RTX GPUs. The game requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, and only Intel and AMD processors with AVX support are compatible. Infinity Ward and Digital Legends are building the Switch 2 version natively. It targets 60 FPS in docked multiplayer, while handheld mode reportedly ran around 44 FPS at Gamescom, with optimization still underway.

Editions and pricing

The Standard Edition costs $69.99 on Amazon, and the Vault Edition costs $99.99, with a $30 upgrade path between them. The Vault Edition adds the Hostile Alliance and Special Forces Operator Packs, the Signature Weapon Collection, one season of BlackCell, and a DMZ Deployment Bonus. Eligible owners of earlier Call of Duty games get a 10% loyalty discount on the Vault Edition. Regional prices vary by platform. Xbox has told Game Pass members the game is not included at launch, with availability starting in holiday 2027. Full multiplayer arrives October 23.