Warzone 2 DMZ mode lets players skip weapon unlock grind

Nathan Warby
DMZ Operators running with weapons

DMZ is an exciting new extraction mode arriving as part of Warzone 2 on November 16. After showing the mode off for the first time, Infinity Ward have revealed that DMZ can let players unlock weapons in a whole new way.

The release of Warzone 2 and DMZ is right around the corner, and players can’t wait to see what Infinity Ward have been cooking up. DMZ in particular has piqued interest, as the extraction mode looks to bring Escape from Tarkov-inspired gameplay to the series.

We recently got our first in-depth look at DMZ as streamers and creators got to try it out, showing off the new vehicles and Interrogation system.

While the reception to the gameplay has been fairly mixed so far, there is one DMZ element, in particular, that has fans excited – the way it handles weapon unlocks.

In the Warzone 2 launch blog, Infinity Ward shared plenty of details surrounding the new mode where they revealed that weapons extracted from DMZ will be automatically unlocked in Gunsmith.

They said: “For those looking for an alternate path to unlocking weapons vs. traditional weapon XP through matches should be excited to plan their infils. Acquiring a contraband weapon will unlock the base weapon in Gunsmith (usable in Multiplayer and Battle Royale).”

DMZ revolves around searching for valuable loot, including weapons, and extracting them safely so they can be used in future matches. However, the ability to unlock new weapons by finding them in DMZ means it can speed up progression in Warzone 2 and Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer too.

Popular streamer StoneMountain64 also pointed out that this is a great feature for anyone who hasn’t bought MW2.

“Woahhh, you can actually unlock guns you extract with in DMZ to skip the leveling and main progression,” he said on Twitter. “That will be sick for new players and people who don’t buy MW2 and just play #Warzone2 for free.”

Modern Warfare 2’s Gunsmith system has been criticized since the game launched, with many feeling it’s too confusing to unlock the gun you want to use as you are forced to grind through each Weapon Platform.

By letting players use their new DMZ weapons in Warzone 2 and multiplayer, it offers an easier way to get hold of new weapons if you can plan a successful mission to find and extract them.

DMZ is set to arrive on November 16 alongside Warzone 2, so we won’t have too long to wait to see the new system in action.


For more, be sure to check out all of the DMZ rewards in Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone 2, as well as how to open Black Sites to earn a free Blueprint.

Image credit: Activision

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About The Author

Nathan is a Senior Writer at CharlieIntel. He’s an expert in EA Sports FC, Call of Duty, and Overwatch, as well as superhero games, including Marvel’s Spider-Man. With a master's degree in Magazine Journalism from Nottingham Trent University, he worked as a Trainee Reporter for Derbyshire Live before moving into games media, with bylines at Dexerto, Cultured Vultures, and more. You can contact Nathan by email at [email protected].