Modern Warfare 4's DMZ Launches Early, But PvE Hopes Get Shot Down

Call of Duty is making another unusual move with Modern Warfare 4. Infinity Ward has confirmed that DMZ, the game's extraction shooter mode, will go live before the full game launches. Players who pre-order the game digitally will be able to get in starting October 20.

Early access for pre-order buyers is a familiar tactic across the industry, but the timing still stands out. DMZ asks squads to drop into a hostile zone, gather loot, and fight their way out alive. Giving it a head start rewards players who commit to the game ahead of its main release, and it gives the mode a chance to build momentum before everyone else arrives.

The announcement also brought bad news for one part of the community. Many fans had hoped DMZ would include PvE content, the kind of play that pits players against computer-controlled enemies rather than other people. Infinity Ward has shot that idea down, so anyone expecting a PvE component will need to lower their expectations.

For now, the picture is clear. Digital pre-orders unlock DMZ early, and everyone else will have to wait for the broader launch of Modern Warfare 4.