Cover-Credits:
Escape From Tarkov is one of the most intriguing first-person shooters (FPS) released in recent years but a lot of players have not experienced the game due to the entry cost of $45 USD. Warzone 2.0 is implementing its own version of an extraction shooter titled DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) and it is launching today (16th Nov) as a free-to-play experience. Your goal in DMZ is to infiltrate Al Mazrah, collect valuable items while performing various tasks, and escape before dying or the time limit is reached.
How the new DMZ mode in Warzone 2.0 works
Instead of dropping in from a plane, Operators are set to enter at random points around Al Mazrah. Not every Operator will be completing the same tasks. While there are always faction missions to complete, there are also Contracts to find, events to encounter, and points of interest to explore. All of this is usually marked on the Tac Map.
At any time during the match, you have the option to exfiltrate. You can do this by calling in a helicopter transport at specific marked locations on the map. After you use all marked exfiltration locations, a final exfiltration point is revealed which is the last means of escape before the match is over and your escape becomes impossible, as Operators are presumed dead once the match ends.
Here are some of the DMZ Contracts on offer (and the Tac Map icon for each):
Secure Intel / Geiger Search (Magnifying Glass): Find intel on hard drives; then go to the nearest radio tower to upload its data. Alternatively, it may task you to collect Uranium rods found with a Geiger Counter.
Elimination (Crosshair): Assassinate an AI target guarded by multiple combatants, or at least confirm their death.
Hostage (Handcuffs): Rescue a hostage within a locked building; then carry them to the nearest helicopter exfil location.
Cargo Delivery / Shipment (Briefcase): Depending on the specific Contract, find a vehicle or boat with precious cargo for a drop-off at a marked location. Feel free to keep the vehicle after the drop-off!
Hunt (Skull): Hunt an enemy Operator team marked as high-value targets (HVTs), due to their activity within the DMZ match.
Destroy Supplies (Bomb): Locate and destroy two supply sites with planted bombs.
Other icons on DMZ’s Tac Map indicate additional side objectives:
Safes: These contain tons of Cash but take time to crack open. The drill you need to use to open a Safe attracts AI combatants and is loud enough to draw the attention of other Operators as well.
SAM Sites: These anti-air turrets can shoot down planes carrying precious cargo; activate them to potentially acquire a Supply Box containing valuable items which shall come crashing down.
UAV Towers: Find these around Al Mazrah to receive intel on AI combatant and Operator locations via the minimap.
Hidden Caches: Obviously not marked on the map, learn where these are likely to be found for consistent valuable item drops.
Strongholds: These also exist in Battle Royale; skip down to the Strongholds overview for more details.
Occasionally, parts of Al Mazrah may be under the effects of two conditions:
Sandstorms: As a desert city, these conditions can kick up at any time, reducing visibility and damaging Operators over time. If one hits, evacuate the area as quickly as possible.
Radiation: Not much is known about its origins, but this deadly condition can poison Operators. Iodine Pills, a new Field Upgrade, can be found to counteract its effects.
Players can fight other squads (a Trios mode will be available at launch) but you can also party up with others. There will be channels of communication available and you can coordinate with others. To prevent team killing, friendly fire is disabled if you become temporary squadmates.
Call of Duty has a blog post explaining all of the mechanics of the new DMZ game mode in Warzone 2.0 if you want to check out all of the features, lore and other new additions to the game mode.
