Forget other players, Warzone 2 DMZ fans are getting wrecked by "Terminator" NPCs

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Players can't decide if the Warzone 2 DMZ AI needs nerfing

Warzone 2 dmz chemist
(Image credit: Activision)

Warzone 2 DMZ is generally pretty popular with the Call of Duty crowd, but its fanbase is split on whether its scary-good AI needs nerfing.

The new DMZ mode is an extraction-focused mode in which solo players or squads choose a landing site in an open-world setting and gun it for valuable loot before getting out intact. The guns you take with you can be unlocked in Warzone 2's battle royale and Modern Warfare 2, but you'll need to survive an onslaught of NPCs - not to mention other players - in order to reach the extraction point and escape. 

DMZ keys

warzone 2 DMZ stronghold key

(Image credit: Activision)

Need to find a Warzone 2 DMZ Stronghold key? We can help you find where to look and what to do once you have one. 

According to Warzone 2 players who are currently sharing their experiences online, DMZ's AI enemies are just ruthless, cold-blooded "aimbot" killers that will absolutely knock your socks off before they let you even think about slipping away with their precious gear.

For those short on time, this meme shared by Twitter account Call of Duty: Warzone DMZ News pretty much sums up how people are feeling about the DMZ AI:

Here's a video from Twitch streamer and Redditor AshIV_ demonstrating that the NPCs aren't above "thirsting" you - that is, killing you while you're downed instead of going after other, more capable players.

the_ai_in_dmz_are_straight_disrespectful_i_got from r/CODWarzone

"Maybe I'm just bad at the game, IDK, but I am being absolutely demolished by the AI," reads a popular post on the Warzone subreddit from Trotski7. "Shit just doesn't stop the AI once it turns on Terminator mode." The replies largely echo the sentiment that Warzone 2 DMZ AI is tough as nails, although the community is split on whether it needs nerfing.

"Man I get that the AI need to have some difficulty, and the amount isn't even a problem IMO, it's the fact they're literal aimbots tracking you flawlessly, there's no nuance to their aim which makes them basic and boring to play against," reads a comment from one Redditor who's apparently debating whether to avoid playing DMZ altogether due to the AI. "I can see this being the issue that will keep me away from DMZ."

In a thread where the OP argues for nerfing DMZ's AI, Redditor finedrive argues that the NPCs are challenging for a good reason. "I think the point is to not allow you to just steam roll them. You have to play tactically like you’re facing real people."

Still, they offer some sage advice for those struggling: "That being said, just grab a vehicle and run over them."

A lot of folks are going to be jumping into Warzone 2 DMZ in search of the coveted M13B assault rifle, but they'll be facing up against one of the tougher enemies in a crowd of notoriously brutal NPCs. If you're among them, be sure to check out our guide to the Warzone 2 DMZ chemist so you're as prepared as possible.

We've got some Warzone DMZ tips to help if you're struggling with the AI.

Jordan Gerblick
Jordan Gerblick

After earning an English degree from ASU, I worked as a corporate copy editor while freelancing for places like SFX Magazine, Screen Rant, Game Revolution, and MMORPG on the side. I got my big break here in 2019 with a freelance news gig, and I was hired on as GamesRadar's west coast Staff Writer in 2021. That means I'm responsible for managing the site's western regional executive branch, AKA my home office, and writing about whatever horror game I'm too afraid to finish.