Modern Warfare 4 is almost here! With the full game launching on Friday, October 23rd, you might be wondering: Is there anything free in Modern Warfare 4 that I can play right away? Or do I need to buy something first?
Here’s what we know about playing MW4 DMZ:
Is MW4 DMZ Free To Play?
No. For the announced launch, MW4 DMZ is part of the purchased Modern Warfare 4 game. Xbox says players must purchase Standard or Vault Editions to play; Game Pass does not include access at launch.
What Does The Base Game Include?
The Digital Standard Edition contains:
- Full base game
- Campaign mode (early access October 16)
- Multiplayer and DMZ modes
Standard Edition is enough to play DMZ.
Physical console editions also contain the full base game, but do not include early-access benefits for DMZ or campaign. Physical players must preorder a digital edition to unlock those early-access benefits.
What Does The Vault Edition Include?
Vault includes everything in Digital Standard plus:
- Three starting Active Duty Operator slots (instead of two)
- A Deployment Bonus with:
- Two Weapon Insurance Contracts
- Two Operator Rescue Beacons
- Two Fulton Drop Markers
- Two Medium Backpacks and two 2-Plate Carriers
Additionally, the Battle Pass unlocks when Season One is available. The Vault Edition also includes Operator packs.
When Can You Start Playing MW4 DMZ?
DMZ early access begins Tuesday October 20th (PT) for eligible digital preorders or prepurchases of any edition:
- Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Battle.net and Steam
- PlayStation 5
- Nintendo Switch 2
The benefit applies to Standard Digital and Vault Editions. Vault owners start with three Operator slots instead of two. DMZ progression unlocks another slot.
Can You Play The Campaign Before DMZ?
Yes! Modern Warfare 4 launches worldwide October 23rd. While the campaign is part of the base game, it will begin early access on Friday, October 16th for those who preordered or prepurchased a digital edition. This means you can play the single-player story before the full launch.
Can You Play With A Physical Disc?
Yes! Activision explicitly says physical Modern Warfare 4 editions include DMZ at full launch and cannot be upgraded to Vault Editions. To get early access, players must preorder Digital Standard or Vault Edition.
Do I Need Game Pass Or An Online Subscription?
Xbox requires:
- Xbox Series X|S: Game Pass Essential subscription
PlayStation needs PlayStation Plus. Nintendo Switch 2 players must have Nintendo Switch Online.
A continuous internet connection is required to play DMZ, and an Activision-linked mobile number may be required. On PC, TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are also necessary requirements.
Which Edition Should You Buy?
If you want the game and early access (Xbox U.S. prices):
- Digital Standard: Includes the base game for $69.99
- Full Vault Edition: $99.99
- Vault Upgrade: Adds one Operator slot plus bonus items ($30); requires Digital Standard
For a player who wants both, purchasing Digital Standard first provides early entry to DMZ from October 20.
Final Thoughts
MW4 is available to preorder now on Xbox and PC (Steam), but the full game will launch October 23rd. The campaign begins early access for digital players Friday, October 16th — seven days before the main release date.
If you’re already a Call of Duty player with an account linked to your platform or Game Pass history, check if you qualify for 10% Vault Edition loyalty pricing through participating stores until launch day.