TL;DR
- DMZ features two weapon types: temporary Contraband and permanent Blueprints in insured slots
- Extracting with Contraband weapons unlocks them permanently across all game modes
- Insured weapon slots have cooldown penalties that can be reduced with successful extractions
- Multiple insured slots unlock through faction progression and objective completion
- Strategic weapon selection and extraction planning are crucial for long-term progression
DMZ introduces a completely different approach to weapon management compared to traditional battle royale modes. This extraction-based gameplay requires strategic thinking about risk management and long-term progression planning.
With Warzone 2.0’s November 16 launch, the new DMZ mode presents unique weapon loadout mechanics that demand mastery. Understanding these systems is essential for maximizing your success in this high-stakes environment where every decision carries permanent consequences.
DMZ operates as a tense three-player squad experience in a PvPvE (Player vs Player vs Environment) setting. You maintain full control over your playstyle approach, whether focusing on valuable item acquisition, weapon collection, or completing specific faction missions. Successful extraction allows you to retain all collected gear, while failed missions result in complete inventory loss except for one specific weapon category.
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Warzone and DMZ’s Stronghold
Weapon accessibility in DMZ follows distinct rules from standard battle royale. You’ll primarily utilize two weapon categories: Contraband firearms and customized Blueprints, each with different risk profiles and strategic applications.
Contraband weapons represent temporary acquisitions discovered during DMZ deployments. This category encompasses any firearms taken from eliminated opponents or found throughout the game world. A critical limitation: Contraband weapons cannot be modified through the Gunsmith system and feature predetermined attachment configurations, varying from completely stock to fully equipped with up to five modifications. These weapons face permanent loss if you fail to extract successfully from your mission.
Despite their temporary nature, Contraband weapons offer significant long-term value. Successfully extracting with any Contraband weapon permanently unlocks its base version for customization and use across all multiplayer and Warzone 2.0 modes. For players without Modern Warfare 2 ownership, this provides an essential pathway to weapon acquisition for creating personalized loadouts.
When discovered Contraband weapons lack ideal attachment setups, you can utilize insured weapon slots for custom Blueprint deployment. Weapons in insured slots avoid permanent loss upon death but incur temporary accessibility restrictions. Dying while carrying a custom Blueprint renders it unavailable for a specified duration—typically several hours according to Activision documentation. Successfully extracting currency and valuable items significantly accelerates insured slot cooldown timers.
At launch, players begin with a single insured weapon slot. Additional slots (second and third) become accessible through objective completion and progression within DMZ’s specialized faction systems.
Activision has additionally hinted at exclusive weapon acquisitions, including the M13B assault rifle obtainable by defeating a classified enemy encounter.
Mastering DMZ weapon systems requires understanding several advanced strategic concepts. New players often underestimate the importance of balancing Contraband collection with insured slot utilization, leading to unnecessary gear loss and progression delays.
Common strategic errors include deploying with high-value insured weapons during risky missions and failing to prioritize extraction when carrying valuable Contraband. Advanced players recommend establishing clear mission priorities before deployment and adjusting weapon selection based on specific objectives.
Optimization techniques focus on cooldown management through consistent successful extractions. Each extraction with currency reduces insured slot timers, creating a progression snowball effect. Seasoned operators suggest maintaining a balanced arsenal of reliable Contraband weapons while strategically deploying insured Blueprints for high-value missions.
Faction progression provides the primary pathway to additional insured slots. Completing specific objectives for DMZ’s faction system not only unlocks new mission content but also increases your permanent weapon carrying capacity.
The weapon unlocking system offers particular value for free-to-play users, providing access to the complete Modern Warfare 2 arsenal without purchase requirements. This makes targeted Contraband extraction a viable progression strategy for budget-conscious players.
Action Checklist
- Prioritize extracting with new Contraband weapons to unlock them permanently
- Balance insured weapon deployment based on mission risk assessment
- Complete faction objectives systematically to unlock additional insured slots
- Extract currency regularly to reduce insured weapon cooldown timers
- Maintain a diverse Contraband arsenal for backup options during cooldown periods
- Study attachment configurations on found Contraband to inform Blueprint designs
- Coordinate with squad members to cover different weapon roles and maximize extraction success
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » CoD: Warzone DMZ Mode – How Weapon Loadouts Work Master DMZ weapon systems: Contraband vs Blueprints, extraction strategies, and risk management tactics