How do Contraband Weapons work in Modern Warfare Zombies, explained

The Contraband system from DMZ returns in Modern Warfare Zombies. This system offers a way to bring weapons you’ve found on your travels into future runs, so it’s worth knowing how it works. If you’re unfamiliar, let me show you how Contraband Weapons work in Modern Warfare Zombies, explained.

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What are Contraband Weapons in MWZ?

Whenever you successfully extract from MWZ, any weapons you escape with gain the ‘Contraband’ label. When you play MWZ for the first time, you’ll also have a few Contraband weapons in your inventory. 

The Contraband Label means you cannot place the weapon in your Insured Slot. Contraband Weapon Attachments cannot be changed either, so you’ll have to make do with what they came with.

These restrictions mean there’s always a risk of losing your Contraband gear if you take it with you. This mechanic is identical to how it was in MW2’s DMZ mode and makes bringing those fancy weapons a little more tense. On the plus side, there are no enemy players in MWZ, so you should survive more often than not.

I’ve noticed many players are reluctant to extract, but if you’re on a team with randoms, you can leave before them if needed. 

What is an Insured Slot in MWZ?

If you die in MWZ, any gear you brought with you is lost forever. The exception to this rule is your Insured Slot. Even if you succumb to the Zombie horde, you get to keep your Insured Weapon, although the slot has a cooldown timer, so you can’t use it again immediately.

Additional Insured Slots can be earned by completing Acts in the Modern Warfare Zombies story.

Do I lose my Contraband Weapons if I die with them in MWZ?

You technically lose any weapon you die with in MWZ, but there’s a catch. Any weapon you exfil with is unlocked, even if you’ve not completed its prerequisites. Guns earned this way must still be leveled up if you want their Attachments, but it’s better than nothing. 

This quirk with the Contraband system means although you lose the weapon if you die, you can eventually make your own. MWZ is a great place to test weapons, and you’ll level them up through use, much like in Warzone and Multiplayer.

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