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Deal | No catch: New Call of Duty is free to play in DMZ mode for a limited time

The DMZ mode in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is free to play on Steam until November 11.
ⓘ Activision
The DMZ mode in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is free to play on Steam until November 11.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 hasn't even been out for a month, and its DMZ mode is already free to play on Steam. And for anyone looking for a catch, there doesn't seem to be one.

Modern Warfare 4 (PS5 version currently available on Amazon for $70) has been largely well received by players so far, particularly thanks to its new characters, some of whom have even managed to steal the spotlight from longtime fan favorites. However, Activision has so far failed to recapture the series' multiplayer glory days. Now, the publisher appears to be looking to give the game a boost by making its DMZ mode completely free to play until November. Players will still need to pay for access to the campaign and regular multiplayer modes.

DMZ stands for Demilitarized Zone and refers to Call of Duty's extraction shooter mode. First introduced in 2022 with Warzone 2.0, it is now making a comeback in Modern Warfare 4. The mode drops players onto a map populated by AI-controlled enemies and other players. The objective is simple: Complete missions, collect loot and make it out alive.

Is the criticism justified? Fans can find out for themselves

The mode has been significantly expanded compared to its previous iteration. One of the new additions is the Forward Operating Base (FOB), where players can manage their equipment, customize weapons and craft items. There are also story missions, boss fights and the open Hajin map, which can be explored solo or with friends.

On Reddit, opinions on the new DMZ mode are divided. Some players are having a great time with the new missions, especially in co-op. Others find the mode too complicated or are frustrated by the sometimes overpowered enemy AI. Anyone who wants to see what all the fuss is about can try it for free until Wednesday.

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> Expert reviews and news on laptops, smartphones and tech innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2026 11 > No catch: New Call of Duty is free to play in DMZ mode for a limited time
Marius Müller, 2026-11- 9 (Update: 2026-11- 9)