Alexis Kestler
For those who crave high stakes loot raids on Al Mazrah, securing the Castle Detonator should be top priority. This powerful stash item grants access to the fortress‘ most valuable contraband and weaponry. But pinpointing the exact detonator location can be a daunting task.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about systematically searching the sprawling castle grounds and interior to successfully locate and detonate this coveted item during your DMZ infiltration.
An Evolution of PvE Extraction Gameplay
DMZ represents a bold new direction for Call of Duty, evolving the franchise into a hardcore tactical extraction shooter. Developer Infinity Ward crafted an all-new open world map in Al Mazrah specifically for this non-traditional large-scale mode focused on PvE and survival elements.
But DMZ doesn’t abandon COD’s renowned core gunplay – it enhances it by blending in the loot collection and extraction tension of escape-from-Tarkov style games. This creates an intensely addictive risk-vs-reward cycle.
While DMZ includes traditional team deathmatch and objective modes, the main attraction is venturing into the warzone to take on AI combatants, hunt for contraband, and extract against all odds – reaping major rewards for success.
Latest Updates – New Factions, Progression, Seasonal Resets
DMZ continues to expand after Warzone 2’s launch in November 2022. The S1 Reloaded update added the new Phalanx human enemy faction, bringing advanced tactics and gear. Players must upgrade their FOB with the help of factions like the Legion or White Lotus to stand a chance.
Progression systems were overhauled with new missions, challenges, and inventory management tools. Stashes now reset each season, so securing rare contraband becomes an ongoing quest. The loot pool evolves with fresh SMGs, rifles, explosives and more.
These frequent content drops prove DMZ has incredible long-term potential as a platform. Let’s breakdown everything you need to rule Al Mazrah this season.
Welcome to the Castle – A Looter‘s Paradise
Of all the points of interest within Al Mazrah, the imposing stronghold known as the Castle offers the most lucrative loot opportunities – but also intense combat challenges.
This medieval stone fortress provides a commanding view over the coastline from its clifftop perch in the map‘s northwest corner. The tall curved outer defensive walls and inner keep tower house endless rooms to explore and plunder.
Navigating the labyrinthine corridors and chambers while evading lethal AI guards requires skill. Luckily, a powerful tool exists to help peel back the Castle‘s layers of secrets – the Detonator key.
What is the Castle Detonator Item in DMZ?
The Castle Detonator is a destructible stash that spawns somewhere within the fortress each match. When detonated, it blows open certain barricaded doors and walls that were previously inaccessible.
This grants access to additional interior chambers and rewards like:
- Weapon crates with rare prototype weapons, high rarity blueprints, and attachments
- Cash piles containing $20,000+ for future upgrades
- Armor satchels to boost your squad‘s survivability
- Killstreaks like Cluster Bombs and Missile Strikes
- Keys to unlock additional contraband caches
As one of the most valuable single-use stash items, the detonator is highly coveted. But finding it requires knowledge of the exact potential spawn points.
Inside the Castle Walls – Layout and Navigation
Before we pinpoint the precise detonator locations, let‘s break down key areas within the castle so you can navigate the grounds effectively.
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Main Gate: The primary entrance is on the east side, opening onto a courtyard with multiple paths.
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Courtyards: Open areas inside the walls with some cover – exposed but faster to move through.
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Towers: The northwest and southeast towers provide height for sightlines and sniping.
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Keep: The central multi-story tower structure houses critical rooms and connects to the walls.
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Hallways: Connect the towers, keep, and gates with multiple rooms branching off.
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Cliffs: Steep dropoffs surround the fortress on three sides – rappel down but cannot climb up.
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West Beach: Provides shoreline access beneath the cliffs for waterborne infiltration.
Now let‘s explore the possible detonator spawn locations within this sprawling complex.
Detonator Location #1: Main Floor Room
Our first location is on the ground level of the castle interior. After entering through the front east gate, head left down the main hallway that cuts straight through the keep.
On the right side of this corridor, roughly halfway down, you‘ll see a large framed painting hanging on the north wall. The detonator will either be sitting on the small table underneath or on the floor nearby.
Pros:
- Easy to access from front entrance
- Minimal navigation through the castle required
Cons:
- High traffic area with constant guard patrols
- Other players may target this location
Exercise extreme caution when approaching this main floor corridor, as it‘s essentially a gateway deeper into the castle. Use suppressed SMGs or shotguns for close encounters and flashbangs to stun enemies while you grab the detonator.
Detonator Location #2: Upper Tower Room
Our second potential detonator spawn is on the complete opposite end of the castle – inside the top floor of the northwest tower.
This tower can be accessed from the west beach or by moving up through the castle. Ascend multiple flights of tight spiral stairs to reach the top level. Exit onto the open rooftop platform and enter the small room on the right.
Inside this room you‘ll find an armor satchel spawn and the "Upload" computer used for certain missions. Check the large weapons chest and smaller crates in the corners for the detonator.
Pros:
- More secluded than other areas
- Height provides excellent sightlines
Cons:
- Must navigate the full interior to reach this remote tower
- Dangerous chokepoints on the narrow stairs
A long-range suppressed rifle like the Victus XMR is great for peeking the tower room before ascending. Bait out guards with inflatable decoys. The height allows you to see enemies coming if you need a hasty escape.
Loot Table – Rewards for Detonating
Now that we‘ve covered the two potential detonator locations within the castle, what exactly does detonating it unlock for your squad? Here‘s a breakdown:
| Room Unlocked | Potential Loot |
|---|---|
| Armory | Prototype Metaphase rifle, Fennec SMG, $20,000+ cash piles |
| planning room | Launcher ammo, Armor Satchel, Missile Strike killstreak |
| Barracks | Keys for underground contraband rooms |
| Command Center | Cluster Bomb killstreak, Rifle Charlie blueprint |
As you can see, gaining access to these restricted interior rooms provides tremendous high tier loot. Certain weapons like the Metaphase are exclusively found via detonator detonation.
You‘ll also progress faction missions that require infiltrating these rooms, like uploading intel from the command center. Plus you can loot powerful contraband items to extraction for permanent unlocks.
Safely Securing the Detonator: Tactics and Loadout Tips
Here are some recommended tactics and loadouts for safely locating and detonating the castle‘s stash:
Stealth Insertion
For initial infiltration, avoid the obvious front entrance and main roads. Approach from the shoreline or rappel down the north cliffs using suppressed pistols like the P890. Use the Spotter Scope to scout ahead.
Room-Clearing
Equip C4 charges and lethal tacticals like gas grenades to flush rooms of enemies. Funnel guards into fatal funnels for easy disposal. A shotgun like the Bryson 800 breaks open barricades.
Detonator Retrieval
Once secured, the detonator only takes 4 seconds to detonate. So have a teammate watch your back while you detonate. Trophy Systems provide protection.
Quick Escape
You‘ll only have a short window to loot the unlocked rooms before heavy reinforcements swarm your position. Have an exfil plan ready to leave quickly.
Recommended Loadout
- Primary: FORGE Tac Custom (short/medium)
- Secondary: P890 Pistol (suppressed)
- Lethal: C4 Charges
- Tactical: Stun Grenades
- Perk 1: Double Time
- Perk 2: Scout
- Perk 3: Cold-Blooded
- Field Upgrade: Munitions Box
This loadout provides close-range firepower, stealth, explosives for clearing rooms, intel on enemies, and extra lethal equipment to fend off waves of hostile forces following detonation.
Dominate Al Mazrah with the Detonator Advantage
Locating the Castle Detonator each match provides a major strategic advantage in DMZ. The exclusive legendary weapons, cash piles, killstreaks, keys and intel you acquire from unlocking the restricted inner rooms of the castle can help power up your Operators, guns, and base for the season.
While securing the detonator takes advanced tactics, this guide arms you with the necessary knowledge of the exact spawn points, navigation tips, loot breakdowns, and loadout suggestions to help overcome the odds.
The risk is high but the reward is even greater. Now get out there and show Al Mazrah who rules the castle! Let us know if you have any other detonator tactics to share in the comments.
