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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Launch Rollout Adds DMZ Early Access

Activision confirms a three-stage launch for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. Digital buyers can enter the Campaign on October 16 and DMZ on October 20, ahead of the full October 23 release.

Ahmed Mostafa

11 Oct 2026 5 min read

Activision has confirmed an expanded launch schedule for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, giving eligible digital buyers two opportunities to play before the official release. The Campaign opens first on October 16, followed by the complete DMZ extraction shooter experience on October 20. The full game launches on October 23, making early access to DMZ one of the most significant additions to the game's final launch preparations.

October 16, 2026 Campaign Early Access Eligible digital buyers can begin playing the full story campaign before the worldwide launch.
October 20, 2026 DMZ Early Access Eligible digital buyers gain early access to the complete DMZ experience.
October 23, 2026 Official Launch Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 releases on its announced platforms.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 official artwork — Modern Warfare 4 arrives October 23, following its Campaign and DMZ early-access windows.

DMZ Is Getting Its Own Early-Access Window

The standout change is the addition of DMZ Early Access to the launch rollout. Players who digitally pre-order or pre-purchase an eligible edition can enter the entire mode starting October 20. Unlike the Campaign's earlier October 16 opening, this window is dedicated to the extraction experience, where players enter dangerous operations, gather equipment, complete objectives and attempt to escape with their rewards.

Campaign First

Begin the complete story on October 16 before the main release.

DMZ Before Launch

Enter DMZ from October 20 with eligible digital editions.

One Official Release

The full Modern Warfare 4 launch remains scheduled for October 23.

Days before the official launch that eligible digital buyers can begin playing DMZ

Inside DMZ: Extraction, Survival and Progression

Modern Warfare 4 DMZ combat environment in Hajin

Welcome to Hajin

DMZ takes players into Hajin, an open-world combat environment shaped by the events of Modern Warfare 4's Campaign. Players must deal with AI-controlled forces and rival Operators while searching for loot, pursuing objectives and deciding when to extract. Each deployment balances potential rewards against the risk of losing valuable equipment.

PvPvE encounters: Fight both AI-controlled enemies and rival human Operators.
Extraction gameplay: Escape successfully to bring collected rewards out of the operation.
Story Missions: Follow narrative-driven objectives connected to the DMZ experience.
Dynamic Operations: Pursue additional activities within the Exclusion Zone.
Persistent progression: Develop Operators, equipment and your Forward Operating Base between deployments.
Flexible deployments: Approach the action alone or as part of a squad.

The Forward Operating Base Changes How You Prepare

Modern Warfare 4 introduces the Forward Operating Base (FOB) as the central hub between DMZ deployments. Here, players can organize recovered loot, configure equipment, manage Active Duty Operators and follow mission orders. Further progression unlocks facilities including the 3D Printer, Vendor and Gunsmith. The FOB makes successful extraction meaningful beyond a single mission, because recovered resources can support future deployments and improvements.

Stash and Loadout

Store recovered equipment and prepare weapons and supplies before entering Hajin.

3D Printer

Craft useful equipment and upgrade FOB stations with collected resources.

Operators

Develop individual Operators using Traits tailored to different playstyles.

DMZ Orders

Follow objectives that guide progression, reveal story information and provide rewards.

Levels in the dedicated DMZ player progression track

Which Editions Include Early Access?

	Standard Digital Edition	Vault Edition (Digital)
Campaign Early Access	October 16	October 16
DMZ Early Access	October 20	October 20
Full Game Release	October 23	October 23
Eligible Digital Pre-order	Yes	Yes

Modern Warfare 4 Platforms

PlayStation 5
Xbox Series X|S
PC through supported storefronts including Steam, Battle.net and Xbox on PC
Nintendo Switch 2

Modern Warfare 4 Early Access: Frequently Asked Questions

When does Modern Warfare 4 DMZ Early Access start?

DMZ Early Access begins on October 20, 2026, for eligible digital buyers. The actual start time may depend on platform and time zone.

When can I play the Modern Warfare 4 Campaign early?

Campaign Early Access begins October 16, 2026, for qualifying digital pre-orders or pre-purchases.

Does the Standard Edition include DMZ Early Access?

Yes. The Standard Digital Edition and digital Vault Edition both qualify when purchased under the eligible early-access terms.

Can I access DMZ early with a physical copy?

The announced early-access benefit applies to digital pre-orders and pre-purchases. Physical editions are not included in that confirmed eligibility.

Is Modern Warfare 4 DMZ a PvPvE mode?

Yes. Players encounter AI-controlled enemies and rival human Operators while completing objectives and attempting successful extractions.

Does Modern Warfare 4 DMZ have its own progression system?

Yes. DMZ features a dedicated progression track reaching Level 70, alongside individual Operator progression and FOB upgrades.

When is the full Modern Warfare 4 release date?

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is officially scheduled for October 23, 2026.

Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 - PS5 Pre-order Oct 23