Is MW4 DMZ Free to Play?
No. DMZ is not free. It is one of three modes in Modern Warfare 4 (with Campaign and Multiplayer), so you need to buy the game[1][2]. Updated Oct 22, 2026.
Last verified: 2026-10-22 · Based on: official pre-release intel · Game status: Early access
Do you need to buy MW4 to play DMZ?
Yes. DMZ is part of Modern Warfare 4. It is not a separate free game. Activision says Modern Warfare 4 is a standalone release that you must buy to play at launch[1]. Xbox Wire says DMZ is "available exclusively with Modern Warfare 4"[2]. Destructoid and GamesRadar also say DMZ is not free to play at launch[3][4].
GamesRadar reports that you can download the DMZ files without the whole game. But you still have to own Modern Warfare 4 Reported[4].
How much does MW4 DMZ cost?
These are US prices at the time of writing. Prices in other regions vary.
| Edition | US price |
|---|---|
| Standard Edition | $69.99 |
| Vault Edition | $99.99 |
| Upgrade from Standard to Vault | $30 |
The Battle.net shop and the Xbox store list the Standard Edition at $69.99 and the Vault Edition at $99.99[5][6]. The Xbox store lists the Vault upgrade at $30[6].
What does Vault add? The Xbox store lists the Hostile Alliance and Special Forces Operator Packs, the Signature Weapon Collection, one season of BlackCell and a "DMZ Deployment Bonus"[6].
Is MW4 DMZ on Game Pass?
No, not at launch. Activision says Modern Warfare 4 is a standalone release. It won't be on Game Pass until Holiday 2027[1].
To play online on Xbox, you also need Game Pass Essential. It is sold on its own[2]. Activision Support's editions page (Oct 13, 2026) says: "A PlayStation ® Plus or Game Pass Essential, or a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required to access social features and online modes."[7]
Will DMZ go free to play later?
GamesRadar reports that there is no plan to make DMZ free later Reported[4]. We will update this page if that changes.
Want a free Call of Duty right now? Warzone is the free one. We don't know of any plan to bring DMZ into Warzone.
When does MW4 DMZ come out?
The full launch is Friday, October 23, 2026[7]. DMZ Early Access opened on Tuesday, October 20, for digital pre-orders and pre-purchases[7][8]. See our MW4 DMZ release date and launch times page and how to play DMZ Early Access.
Which platforms can play DMZ?
- You can play on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, PS5, Battle.net, Steam and Nintendo Switch 2[8].
- It is not on Xbox One[2].
- On PC, you need TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot[2].
Once you are in, read about the Hajin DMZ map.
FAQ
Do you need MW4 to play DMZ?
Is MW4 DMZ on Game Pass?
Not at launch. Activision says it comes to Game Pass in Holiday 2027[1].
Will DMZ become free to play?
GamesRadar reports that no plan has been announced so far Reported[4]. We will update this page if that changes.
When does MW4 DMZ release?
It comes out on October 23, 2026[7]. Early Access opened on October 20 for digital pre-orders[7][8]. See our release date page.
Where to next
- MW4 DMZ guide hub
- MW4 DMZ release date and launch times
- How to play DMZ Early Access
- Hajin DMZ map
- About this site
Fan site. Not affiliated with Activision or Call of Duty. Prices are US list prices on Oct 22, 2026 and may change.
Sources
- Modern Warfare 4 Launches October 23 as a Standalone Release · Activision · 2026-10-15 · accessed 2026-10-19
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4: how to get started with Operator and DMZ · Xbox Wire · 2026-10-20 · accessed 2026-10-22
- Will DMZ be free in MW4? New Call of Duty mode explained · Destructoid · 2026-10-20 · accessed 2026-10-22
- Is Modern Warfare 4 DMZ free to play? · GamesRadar · accessed 2026-10-22
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 · Battle.net · accessed 2026-10-22
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 · Xbox · accessed 2026-10-22
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Editions · Activision Support · 2026-10-13 · accessed 2026-10-21
- DMZ Deep Dive, Part 2: Forward Operating Base · Activision · 2026-10-09 · accessed 2026-10-21