Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 features various leveling systems that interconnect depending on the mode. Here’s an overview of all the info on weapon XP, player levels, and unlocks.
A new year usually means a new Call of Duty. Modern Warfare 4 is set to release on October 23, 2026 and will finally open its doors to multiplayer. For many fans, this remains by far the most important mode in the series. This year’s multiplayer package also includes DMZ, MW4’s extraction mode, which is already playable in Early Access.
But how does leveling work in multiplayer and DMZ, and what should you keep in mind? We’ve put together a quick overview of the most important information about the progression system in MW4.
- How DMZ and Multiplayer Are Connected in MW4
- All Progression Systems at a Glance: Where Do You Level Up What?
- 1. Multiplayer Level (Levels 1–55)
- 2. DMZ Level (Levels 1–70)
- 3. Weapon Levels and Unlocks
How DMZ and Multiplayer Are Connected in MW4
MW4 features three different unlock systems, which, depending on the mode, may partially overlap or be strictly separate. The most important aspects at a glance:
- Weapon XP: Fully shared. Whether you play a weapon in DMZ or in classic multiplayer, you’ll always level up the same weapon.
- Multiplayer Level (1–55): XP from DMZ also contributes to the overarching Rank and Prestige system. However, multiplayer matches do not grant you XP toward your DMZ rank.
- DMZ Level (1–70): DMZ features a separate progression system with 70 tiers for exclusive mode rewards. This progression track can only be advanced through DMZ activities.
So if you’re currently making the most of the DMZ mode’s Early Access, you can more or less earn a level advantage for the multiplayer launch and unlock weapons, attachments, and player levels a little earlier than most.
Of course, we still recommend that you wait for the first reviews and player feedback before making an informed purchase decision.
All progression systems at a glance: Where do you level up what?
1. Multiplayer Level (Levels 1–55)
Each level unlocks basic rewards that gradually expand your arsenal. Among other things, you’ll unlock the following:
- Basic weapons
- Grenades
- Perks
- Field gear
- Killstreaks
Once you’ve reached the max level of 55, you can use the Prestige System to reset your accumulated progress for permanent unlocks and additional rewards.
2. DMZ Level (Levels 1–70)
The new Extraction mode features a completely separate progression system ranging from Level 1 to 70. You can only make progress by playing DMZ and completing its story missions or other related activities.
Here’s where you unlock exclusive rewards for DMZ mode:
- New expansions for your Forward Operating Base (FOB)
- 3D printer blueprints
- Operator skins
- Consumables
- Fire Support (Killstreaks)
- Survival Packs
3. Weapon Levels and Unlocks
As usual, you’ll unlock new attachments and camouflages for your weapons. You earn Weapon XP in all multiplayer modes, including regular multiplayer, DMZ, and—starting in Season 1—Warzone. You’ll always have access to the unlockables as well.
Weapon challenges always adapt to the respective game mode. So if you want to level up your weapons in DMZ, you’ll need to take out AI mercenaries, among other things—which can sometimes be significantly easier than defeating real opponents in multiplayer.
In addition, weapons also have their own prestige system. Once you’ve maxed out a weapon’s level, you can reset all attachment unlocks and permanently unlock exclusive camouflages.
Now you know exactly how the progression systems in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 work and what you need to keep in mind when leveling up. Keep in mind that you can increase your player level and weapon levels in all modes, which makes DMZ an attractive option for quickly earning XP. In the link box above, you’ll find more articles about MW4.
