DMZ Season 3 Key Takeaways
- Season 3 brought the biggest batch of changes to DMZ the game mode has seen so far
- New equipment was added, including 4 new types of plate vests, and 2 new types of backpacks
- The introduction of Active Duty slots allows players to save unique loadouts on their operators, letting players prepare for any situation
- Two new ways to exfil were added, giving players another safe way to get out without needed to fight over exfil choppers or complete hostage rescue contracts
Table of Contents
DMZ Season 3 brought a massive overhaul to DMZ, bringing in a handful of new features that give players new ways to customize their loadout to best fit their gameplay and strategy for any given situation. These changes include new plate vests and backpacks with unique abilities, Active Duty Operator Slots, and new in game locations to trade and upgrade gear and equipment. Whether you are new to DMZ or a seasoned vet, we are breaking down everything new with Season 3!
Are you looking for teammates to tackle DMZ Season 3 with? Download the Z League App and check out the LFG feature! You will be matched with teammates who fit your gameplay style and preferences, so you don’t have to worry about random fills running off and getting killed anymore!
New Plate Carrier Types
New for DMZ Season 3 are 4 new types of plate vests, that along with giving you the full 150 health protection of a 3-plate vest, also each give a unique ability to help in different situations.
- Tempered Plate Carriers: Already present in Call of Duty: Warzone, these provide enhanced protection.
- Revive Plate Carrier: A 3 Plate Medic Vest that offers faster revives and self-revives when using a Self-Revive Kit.
- Comms Plate Carrier: A 3 Plate Comms Vest that boosts UAV technology duration, provides Advanced UAV functionality, and offers audio cues when enemies are close.
- Stealth Plate Carrier: A vest with a built-in Ghost Perk that keeps the wearer off enemy radars.
New Backpack Types
In addition to the new plate carriers, DMZ Season 3 also introduced 2 new types of backpack, that each come with pros and cons, but can completely transform how you play a deployment and can be key to completing different missions.
- Secure Backpacks: These backpacks secure items between runs, so non-Contraband, non-on-soldier items don’t convert to XP upon extraction. They also maintain the items within the backpack even if the soldier is eliminated in an Extraction Zone.
- Scavenger Backpacks: These backpacks replace the third weapon slot with additional item slots, making them ideal for missions where many valuable items need to be collected.
New Equipment
Rebreather Field Upgrade: A tool that allows Operators to breathe underwater for longer periods of time, useful for stealth infiltration and tricky underwater maneuvers. It can also be used as a two-handed melee tool in a pinch.
Skeleton Key: A key that can unlock nearly any door in the DMZ, with the exception of Building 21 Access Key doors. Skeleton Keys can be created through a special Barter system recipe, and are ideal for hard-to-find keys or as backup for missions requiring a specific key.
Barter System and Workbench
DMZ Season 3 has introduced two significant gameplay features: the Barter System and the Workbench, both aimed at enhancing player experiences and increasing in-match customization options.
The Barter System is a game-changing feature allowing Operators to exchange items they’ve collected at Buy Stations. Although the Buy Station might not always carry the specific items you’re seeking, they will consistently offer essential supplies to help you progress through the match.
The Workbench is another impactful addition, conveniently located near Buy Stations, enabling players to modify their Contraband weapons. For a small Cash fee, you can add or remove attachments to your Contraband weapons based on your unlocked options for that weapon platform. This feature is particularly useful when adjusting your weapon to better suit your playstyle or a specific situation.
Active Duty Slots
With DMZ Season 3, players now have access to a minimum of three Active Duty Operator Slots. This means players can now create different loadouts and strategies for various in-game situations, tailoring their gameplay experience to their preferred playstyle.
When preparing for an infiltration, players can choose between the three Active Duty Operators they have set up, providing them with more flexibility and control over their approach to missions. This feature allows players to strategically adapt to the game’s demands, creating an immersive experience that encourages tactical thinking and planning.
For example, one Active Duty Operator can be designed for high-stakes missions with a focus on survival, equipped with a Three-Plate Carrier, Self-Revive Kit, and other valuable items. Meanwhile, another Operator can be optimized for scavenging and resource gathering, carrying a lighter One-Plate Carrier for increased mobility.
This addition to the game not only adds variety to the gameplay, but also enhances the strategic elements of the game, challenging players to think ahead and consider the risks and rewards associated with each Operator’s loadout.
New Ways to Exfil
Starting with DMZ Season 3, players will have two new options to exfil safely: the Heavy Chopper and the Private Exfil.
- Heavy Chopper: The Heavy Chopper is making a comeback. However, it is completely drained of fuel, and Operators must find its special fuel around the airport to get it airborne. Once fueled up, the Heavy Chopper can fly around the map and even outside the boundaries, allowing players to exfiltrate at any time for free. A countdown will appear when out of bounds, similar to a normal exfiltration, until the exfil is completed successfully.
- Private Exfil: A new Buy Station item that provides an additional exfiltration option. Once purchased, an exfil will be available at an unused exfil point (for that match) on the map. This can be considered an extra escape route if needed, particularly useful during Prisoner Rescue Contracts.
These new exfiltration methods provide players with more tactical options and flexibility during their DMZ matches, allowing them to choose the most suitable method depending on the situation at hand.
New Bosses
Two new bosses were added for DMZ Season 3 – The Pyro Commander and the Scavenger. Additionally, a safe now spawns on the back of the cargo train in Al Mazrah, which is protected by AI piloted light choppers that follow the train once you begin drilling.
Pyro Commander: The Pyro Commander is a new boss added to Al Mazrah with Season 3. Currently, he seems to randomly spawn in the Embassy, the Post Office, or the Control Tower. He wields a riot shield and a shotgun with dragon’s breath rounds. Additionally he is supported by heavily armored AI.
Scavenger: Unlike other bosses in DMZ, the Scavenger does not stay in one place. Found on both Al Mazrah and Ashika Island, the Scavenger is drawn to the backpacks of killed players, and replaces their dog tags with calling cards. Finding him can seem somewhat random, and you will be alerted with an audio cue and a red circle on the map when you are near a backpack that he has hit.
New Contract
A new Supply Run contract was added with Season 3, similar to the Scavenger contract from the original Warzone. In a DMZ Supply Run contract, Operators are tasked with locating and opening wooden crates rather than iron safes. This makes the process less challenging and less time-consuming, allowing players to quickly collect items and gear without a high level of risk.
The items found in these wooden crates are free for the taking, making Supply Run Contracts an ideal option for new players or those looking to gear up their Operators without taking on more difficult or high-risk contracts.
