MW4 DMZ UAV Towers
MW4 DMZ UAV towers scan the area around them for the squad that activated them. Since the October update you can steal back a tower that another squad holds, instead of avoiding the whole area. Activision’s patch notes say: “In DMZ, players can now steal back UAV Towers from enemy control.”
What changed
At early access, a squad could take a tower and keep it, which left large zones where anyone walking in showed up on the enemy’s radar. GamesRadar reported players rushing towers to grab this advantage first. The fix in Activision’s MW4 patch notes lets you take control back. GamesRadar notes the same update lets squads of four queue into free-for-all matches, so expect stronger teams around towers.
How to steal back a UAV tower
- If you suddenly show up on enemy radar near a tower, assume a squad holds it and may be watching.
- Approach from cover and clear the tower area first; the squad that holds it may camp nearby.
- Activate the tower yourself to take control. Your squad now gets its scans.
- Move on quickly: the other squad knows the tower changed hands.
Activision has not published how long a capture takes or the scan radius. We will add them once they are confirmed.
Traits that affect UAVs and towers
From Activision’s FOB guide:
| Trait | Tree | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Overwatch | Scout | UAV towers you activate never expire |
| UAV Upgrade | Scout | Longer UAV range and duration; upgrades to Advanced UAV |
| Thermal Padding | Scout | Hides you from UAVs; Advanced UAVs show you as a normal UAV |
| Air Superiority | Survivalist | Longer duration for UAV towers and SAM sites |
Thermal Padding is the counter: with it, an enemy-held tower does not reveal you, so you can walk up and take it. Traits are earned per Operator; see DMZ progression and what happens to Traits when an Operator dies.
Towers and DMZ Orders
Some DMZ Orders send you to radio towers, which are different objectives: the Triangulation order asks you to place transmitters on two radio towers and on top of La Grande Vie. Use the MW4 DMZ map to plan a route that avoids towers held by other squads.