Checked against official pre-order & launch intel · Updated Oct 20, 2026
Is DMZ in MW4 free?
No. DMZ in Modern Warfare 4 is not free-to-play. It is a mode inside the paid game — you need a copy of Modern Warfare 4 (Standard $69.99 or Vault $99.99 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Switch 2) to deploy into the Hajin Exclusion Zone.
What you get for each edition
| Standard — $69.99 | Vault — $99.99 | |
|---|---|---|
| DMZ mode | ✅ Full access | ✅ Full access |
| Campaign & Multiplayer | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bonus digital content | — | ✅ (see official edition guide) |
| Upgrade path | $30 Vault upgrade available for Standard owners | |
Nothing in DMZ is gated behind the Vault Edition — Standard owners play the same mode, map and progression. Vault bonuses are cosmetic/content extras on the game side.
Game Pass status
Modern Warfare 4 launched as a standalone release and is not on Game Pass at launch. Media reports point to it reaching Game Pass around Holiday 2027 — that date is a report, not an Activision announcement, and we'll update this page the moment it's confirmed. If you want DMZ now, buying the Standard Edition is the only way in.
Access timeline
| Oct 16, 2026 | Campaign early access (digital pre-orders) |
|---|---|
| Oct 20, 2026 | DMZ early access (pre-orders) |
| Oct 23, 2026 | Full launch — everyone gets DMZ, midnight local unlock on PC |
Ready to jump in? See how to download DMZ and how DMZ works — or check the Hajin map guide first.
Frequently asked questions
Is DMZ in MW4 free to play?
No. DMZ is a mode inside Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, so you need to own the game: $69.99 Standard or $99.99 Vault Edition (or the $30 Vault upgrade).
Is Modern Warfare 4 on Game Pass?
Not at launch on October 23, 2026. Reports indicate it will not come to Game Pass until Holiday 2027 — treat that as unconfirmed until Activision announces it.
Was the old DMZ free?
In the Warzone 2.0 era (MW2, 2022) DMZ was free-to-play via Warzone. MW4 changes that: the mode now ships inside the paid game rather than inside free Warzone.
What is the cheapest way to play MW4 DMZ?
The Standard Edition at $69.99 includes the full DMZ mode — nothing in DMZ is gated behind the Vault Edition.