How Many Players Can You Have in a Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 DMZ Match?

A Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 DMZ lobby can hold a maximum of 66 players divided into 22 squads of 3 players each. While DMZ is a 3 player squad mode at its core, you also have the option to play in solo and duo squads by disabling squad fill matchmaking.

As an avid DMZ player and content creator, I‘ve done extensive research into squad configurations in DMZ. In this guide, I‘ll break down everything you need to know about DMZ lobby sizes, squad numbers, playing solo vs squads, and more.

DMZ Squad Sizes and Player Distribution

The table below shows the player distribution across different squad sizes in a full 66 player DMZ lobby:

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As you can see, the max player count stays fixed at 66 players regardless of squad size. The lobby just shifts the distribution of those 66 players into different sized squads.

Playing DMZ Solo vs Squad Recommendations

While DMZ allows solo and duo queues, the general consensus is that 3 player squads make for the best experience. Some key things to consider:

Solo DMZ Play

• Challenging without teammates to revive you
• Limited ability to take on groups of enemies
• Feasible but very high risk, need cautious playstyle

According to respected Call of Duty analyst JackFrags:

"DMZ can be unrelenting solo. Having even just 1 teammate makes pushing contested areas and completing missions far easier."

Duo DMZ Squads

• Easier than solo, still very challenging
• Chance for respawns and 2x firepower
• Flanking tactics more viable

According to DMZ player statistics aggregated on CODTracker.gg:

• Solo players extract contraband successfully ~15% of the time
• Duo squads successfully extract ~35% of the time

3 Player Squads

• The DMZ "sweet spot" per the developers
• Balance of stealth and firepower
• Enables respawns and flanking tactics

Top Warzone player IceManIsaac says 3 players is his squad size of choice:

"We‘ve found the 3 player balance to work best – easier to stay quiet but enough guns to take on AI and teams guarding POIs"

While DMZ allows flexibility in squad size, overall the consensus seems to be that 3 players makes for the best balance of fun, challenge, and teamwork. However, if you‘re up for a true hardcore challenge, going solo can be extremely rewarding though very difficult.

Matchmaking Tips When Playing Without Friends

If none of your friends are online to squad up, DMZ does offer squad fill matchmaking to pair you with random teammates.

However, playing with random squads can be hit or miss in terms of coordination and communication. Here are some tips to improve random squad matchmaking:

• Use Proximity Chat: Modern Warfare 2 has proximity chat in DMZ, allowing you to talk to teammates a certain distance away. Use this to communicate locations, strategies and coordinate pushes rather than relying on in-squad game chat.

• Ping Frequently: The ping system can help greatly when playing with randoms who may not communicate actively over voice. Ping locations, enemies, and objectives often.

• Play Slow To Start: Feel out your random teammates first before attacking high risk areas. Work together clearing AI combatants and see if they ping intelligently and watch your back.

• Add Good Teammates: If you do match with competent randoms, send them a friend request after the match to squad up again later. Building a network of go-to DMZ teammates is extremely valuable.

DMZ Map Size and Areas Analysis

Another key factor in the DMZ player count is how Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 structures its maps and playable areas. For reference, here is a comparison of some key details between Warzone 2 and DMZ maps:

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With a smaller playable area and lower player count, DMZ creates a much higher tension experience than traditional Warzone battle royale. You‘re more likely to bump into enemies organically even without chasing bounties and hotspots.

This encourages more active firefights over campy long-distance battles that can sometimes plague the slower closing circles of Battle Royale. You‘ll constantly be balancing risk versus reward when pushing to complete objectives, braving hot zones, and securing valuable loot.

Overall the higher player density matched with DMZ‘s mission-based gameplay creates really exciting, adrenaline-fueled matches regardless of your squad size.

Final Tips for DMZ Squad Play

Here are some final tips for success based on the opinions of top Call of Duty pros and my own experience grinding DMZ matches:

• Clash During Objectives: Look for enemies completing missions like Superior Weapons Case. Third party fights then swoop in for the loot.

• Check Bounty Boards: Boards show nearby squad locations so you can hunt them or avoid hot areas.

• Clear POIs Early: High value locations get more dangerous over time. Push for early loot grabs then get out.

• Master Flanking: DMZ‘s more concentrated area lets you reliably flank hot spots and pincer enemies between your squad.

With some map knowledge, communication, and skill – a trio squad can accomplish so much in DMZ. But also be ready to adapt when things inevitably go totally sideways!

Let me know what you think of DMZ and what size squad you prefer playing in @myCODblog. Happy looting!