How to Play Call of Duty: DMZ in 2026

If you are looking to get some extraction shooter reps in before the launch of Modern Warfare 4 you can still access the original Call of Duty: DMZ beta. While the series is moving toward new iterations, the beta remains available on modern hardware.

How to Access DMZ on Your Platform

Accessing the mode depends on your hardware, but note that the game is no longer supported on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One. For current-gen players, follow these steps:

• Xbox Series X|S: Search the Xbox Store for “Call of Duty DMZ.” You will be prompted to download a free Modern Warfare 2 app. Keep in mind that an active Xbox subscription is required for online play.
• PlayStation 5: Search for “Call of Duty DMZ” in the PSN store. If the store only shows the full MW2 purchase price, navigate to the three dots icon next to the wishlist button to find the free DMZ download option. Unlike Xbox, a PS Plus subscription is not required to play.
• PC: On Steam, search for the Modern Warfare 2 (2022) app. Scroll down to the DLC section to find the standalone, free download for DMZ.

Matchmaking and Technical Considerations

The player base in 2026 remains active enough that you can typically find matches for Al Mazrah in under two minutes. Less popular maps, such as Vondel, may take slightly longer to fill.

If you are concerned about cheaters, especially on PC or when using cross-play, you can disable the feature:

• PS5: Toggle cross-play off within the network settings inside the Call of Duty game menu.
• Xbox: Disable cross-play via the system-level multiplayer settings rather than the in-game menu.

Disabling cross-play may increase your wait times, but you should still expect to find a match within three to five minutes.

Looking Ahead: DMZ in Modern Warfare 4

The DMZ experience is set to evolve with the release of Modern Warfare 4 on October 23, 2026. Unlike the current beta, the MW4 version will not be free-to-play and will require a full game purchase. The new iteration introduces dynamic weather, a “GTA-like” Wanted system, and an MIA system that allows players to rescue fallen operators for a price in in-game cash.