Yes, you can play DMZ solo in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

DMZ, the new extraction mode introduced in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, pits squads against each other and lethal AI enemies in a race to complete missions and extract loot from the Al Mazrah map.

While DMZ is optimized as a squad-based experience, I confirmed firsthand that players have the option to jump into matches solo by disabling squad fill matchmaking. However, I quickly discovered that trying to survive DMZ alone is an insane hardcore challenge.

In this guide, I‘ll cover everything you need to know about playing DMZ solo based on my hands-on experience and research:

The Extreme Difficulty of Solo DMZ

Let me be upfront: DMZ is intensely hard as a solo operator. As a passionate Call of Duty fan excited to stream DMZ on launch day, I disabled squad fill matchmaking assuming I could handle it. I was very, very wrong.

Here are the key reasons DMZ solos face a terrifying uphill battle:

• You have zero squadmates to revive you if downed. One mistake equals run over.
• Enemy squads can focus fire and coordinate to overwhelm a solo player.
• The lethal AI unanimously focuses on eliminating you.
• Extracting loot solo is far more challenging than with a squad providing security.

In fact, according to data aggregated by CoD Stats Tracker, the average DMZ solo player only survives for 12.4 minutes in a match. That’s over three minutes faster than the average trio gets eliminated. This shows just how punishing DMZ is without a squad for support.

So in summary, is DMZ playable solo? Technically yes, but actually succeeding solo seems near impossible based on the data and my horrible initial attempts.

How to Play DMZ as a Solo

First, here are the basic steps to queue into Call of Duty DMZ by yourself:

1. Open the DMZ menu tab in MW2.
2. Toggle the “Squad Fill” option to Disabled.
3. Equip the optimal solo DMZ loadout (detailed below).
4. Select your DMZ infiltration mission.
5. Start matchmaking to enter a match solo!

Once in a DMZ match alone, victory comes down to smart strategy and elite skill.

Based on streamers who have successfully extracted DMZ solo, here are 5 proven tips:

• Only attempt shorter, easier missions like destroying contraband first.
• Master flanking maneuvers to avoid facing squads head on.
• Memorize the map to always have an escape route.
• Keep high ground at all times to spot threats first.
• Change positions after every engagement to stay unpredictable.

Trust me: you’ll need to play perfectly to have any chance of survival. Expect a steep learning curve.

Ideal Guns & Perks for DMZ Solo

When playing DMZ solo, every piece of your loadout must optimize independent survival.

Based on various community tier lists aggregated by GameAtlas, here are the best DMZ guns for playing solo:

Primary: TAQ-56 – Highest DPS assault rifle to rapidly kill squads
Secondary: P890 – Fastest pistol TTK if primary ammo depleted

As for perks:

Base Perk 1: Scavenger – Constant ammo critical when alone
Base Perk 2: High Alert – Detect threats quicker without squad callouts
Bonus Perk: Dead Silence – Flank enemies undetected

With this optimized loadout tailored for solo survival primacy, you‘ll have a fighting chance in DMZ alone. But expect it to be a tremendous, almost unfair, struggle every extraction.

Should You Attempt Solo DMZ Extraction?

So can you play solo DMZ? Absolutely. In fact, top Call of Duty streamers like SuperEvan became the first to successfully extract solo after days of attempts live on Twitch.

But for most players, DMZ‘s ruthless difficulty will quickly overwhelm lone operators. Downs are permanent without revives. The entire lobby hunts you. And enemies flank from all angles.

However, if you‘re confident in mastering DMZ‘s complex extraction mechanics, leveraging every positioning and damage advantage possible, and somehow surviving an onslaught of lethal forces solo…extraction riches and bragging rights await.

Just know that DMZ demands flawless skill, decision-making, and resilience while completely alone. Surviving solo puts you in an elite class of Call of Duty legends. Expect pain, failure, and stress on the road to victory.

But with dedication and practice, playing DMZ as a lone wolf is technically possible. And perhaps with my tips above, you‘ll be the next battle-hardened operator to do the impossible: extract DMZ solo!

Let me know if you try it. And may luck be on your side out there…you‘ll desperately need it!