Alexis Kestler
Call of Duty: Warzone 2 launched in November 2022, bringing with it an entirely new DMZ mode. DMZ takes the franchise into open world, narrative-driven extraction gameplay across two massive maps. Players take on story objectives, gather intel, loot for gear, and extract – akin to escape from Tarkov or other extraction shooters.
In this expert guide, we’ll provide detailed instructions for completing the Ashika Island dead drop objective. From locating the initial crash site to navigating the hidden cave system, we’ll outline optimal strategies and key information you need to successfully deposit the hard drive.
An Overview of DMZ Mode, Factions, and Story Implications
DMZ plays out across Al Mazrah and the newly added Ashika Island map. The mode introduces AI combatants across different factions with unique weapons, abilities, and patrol routes.
On Al Mazrah, players primarily encounter the Al-Qatala force, while Ashika Island is occupied by the ruthless Shadow Company mercenaries. Battling these dangerous factions is key to completing objectives and extracting valuable contraband.
According to the lore, DMZ takes place shortly after the events of the Warzone 2 campaign. With Verdansk wiped off the map, Operators enter the irradiated wastelands of Al Mazrah and remote Ashika Island to gather intel and equipment critical to winning this new global conflict.
Objectives like securing the hard drive shed light on the rising presence of Shadow Company and plans for the war-torn city of Al Mazrah. Let’s break down how to recover this key data drive.
Overview of Ashika Island Map Size, Points of Interest, and New Mechanics
Ashika Island brings an entirely new map footprint to Warzone 2, with fresh points of interest to explore. According to Infinitiy Ward, Ashika totals 15 square kilometers compared to around 9 sq km for Al Mazrah.
Key locations include:
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Tsuki Castle – a sprawling complex of pagodas, walls and courtyards
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Taraq Village – coastal shantytowns flooded by the raging sea
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Fishing Village – piers and processing buildings
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Oganikku Hot Springs – built into a seaside cliff with steaming pools
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Komagata Lumber Yard – sawmill equipment scattered among logs
In addition to new terrain, Ashika also introduces some unique mechanics. The island is permanently shrouded in heavy fog, reducing visibility. Shadow Company has also installed deadly automated SAM turrets to protect their presence. These present new challenges for players in transit.
How This Objective Compares to Season 1 Experiences
In the first season of DMZ, the primary intel-gathering operation centered around infiltrating Building 21. Players had to first recover hazmat suit access cards from crashed trucks.
These cards allowed brief access into the contaminated Building 21 to download intel from a laptop before escaping. It was a high risk, high reward mission.
For the Ashika Island dead drop, the premise is similar – securing a sensitive hard drive and exfiltrating it to a remote hide site. However, the process involves less direct combat and more methodical navigation between locations while avoiding threats.
This shift in focus is likely due to Ashika’s expansive new terrain as well as the presence of deadly SAM sites guarding the skies. Stealth and precision navigation are paramount.
Optimal Loadout and Perks Recommendations
When taking on this objective, we recommend equipping gear tailored for stealth, mobility, and medium-range combat:
Primary: SP-R 208 Marksman Rifle with Suppressor
Secondary: P890 Pistol with Silencer
Lethal: C4 for destroying vehicles or distractions
Tactical: Stim for quick healing on the move
Perk Package: Scout with Double Time, Tracker, Spotter
Double Time allows sprinting for longer durations between objectives. Tracker highlights enemy footsteps, while Spotter detects mines, turrets, and electronics through walls.
Additional smart perks are Lightweight to increase movement speed and Cold Blooded to stay undetected by AI targeting systems.
This loadout provides stealth, speed, awareness, and flexibility – perfect for the scoping out the remote dead drop.
Optimal Route Between Objectives on Al Mazrah and Ashika Island
Based on extensive in-game testing, we’ve mapped out the most efficient route for completing this objective:
1. Infiltrate Al Mazrah via a northern extraction point such as Observatory or Beachhead. This provides a direct path south to the crash site.
2. Trek south through the marshlands while using the terrain for cover. Scope out enemy positions from afar.
3. Recover the hard drive from the crash site located south of Zaya Observatory at E6. Watch for flanking Al-Qatala forces.
4. Escape east out of the marshes back to northern urban areas. Push through or stealth around enemies. Arrive at Port Sa’Id City.
5. Exfiltrate by helicopter via Port Sa’Id City. This safely extracts the hard drive.
6. Redeploy from orbit onto Ashika Island. Prioritize the Remote Sampling or Fishing Village exfil sites for proximity.
7. Trek northwest staying in the wooded cliffs above the main road to avoid SAM sites and patrols.
8. Arrive at the small building at coordinates F6 and locate the cave entrance.
9. Follow the cave system to the hidden dead drop point and deposit the hard drive!
This optimal path minimizes exposure and allows harvesting extra gear along the way. Now let’s get into the detailed steps.
Step-by-Step Guide to Locating the Crash Site and Extracting the Hard Drive
Your first objective is recovering the sensitive hard drive from Al Mazrah. Here is precisely how to locate the crash site:
1. Infiltrate via an Exfil site along the northern Al Mazrah coast such as Observatory or Beachhead.
2. Equip a suppressed mid-range weapon like the SP-R 208 marksman rifle. Use the terrain and buildings for cover as you move south.
3. According to intel sources, the crash site is located just south of Zaya Observatory around grid coordinate E6. Place this on your map marker.
4. As you traverse south, use your Scout perks to scan ahead for Al-Qatala troops in the marshes and dunes. Pick them off silently.
5. Approach the tall white smoke plume and scattered debris to identify the plane crash.
6. Interact with the airplane tail section to discover and pick up the Ashika security hard drive.
7. Fend off any incoming Al-Qatala forces using C4 traps and quick flanking maneuvers. They will be alerted to your presence.
8. Escape east out of the marshes back towards northern urban areas. This is the fastest exfil route.
9. Arrive at Port Sa’id City exfil zone. Clear any hostiles from the landing zone.
10. Interact with the exfil laptop to call in the helicopter for extraction along with the hard drive.
Follow these steps precisely to securely recover this pivotal intel drive from the high stakes crash site.
Step-by-Step Guide to Locating the Waterways Dead Drop Site
With the sensitive hard drive stowed, you now need to uncover the hidden dead drop site tucked away on Ashika Island’s cave system.
1. From the lobby, select deployment to Ashika Island. Prioritize the eastern Remote Sampling or southern Fishing Village extractions.
2. Equip a suppressed P890 pistol and extra magazines for close quarters combat.
3. Trek northwest from the exfil site, sticking to the wooded cliffs above the coastal road. This avoids SAM sites and patrols.
4. According to decrypted data, the dead drop is located inside a small building at map coordinates F6. Mark this building.
5. Maneuvering through the fog, arrive at the remote cabin and clear the interior of any hostiles.
6. The dead drop cave entrance is located along the back wall. Drop down inside.
7. Follow the rocky tunnel, going right, to reach an elevation change. Take the zipline further down.
8. At the bottom, continue forward another 50 meters or so through winding passages.
9. On your left will be the dead drop – a white dumpster-style container. Interact with it.
10. When prompted, deposit the Ashika security hard drive into the container.
11. The hard drive is now securely hidden! Exfil at your leisure.
Using this precise step-by-step approach, you can stealthily access the secluded cave system to drop the intel unseen.
Additional Tips and Strategies
- When fighting AI groups, target the Leader character first to disrupt their organization
- Learn the timing of the helicopter exfil arrival to avoid it being destroyed
- Craft Makeshift Armor Plates between objectives for added durability
- Clear buildings methodically using doors, windows, and verticality
- Hack the portable radar units to gain visibility on enemy locations
- Pay attention to sounds like footsteps or vehicle engines
- Adjust strategies based on day/night lighting conditions
- Study community maps for additional insight into POI layouts
How Depositing Objectives in DMZ Differs from Battle Royale
DMZ introduces an entirely new objective-based structure compared to Warzone’s traditional Battle Royale mode. Whereas the goal in BR is to be the last survivor, DMZ has players navigating non-linear missions.
Objects like the hard drive persist between lives. Even if you die before extracting, you can redeploy to regain and deposit it. This creates more flexibility when learning the maps and testing strategies.
Acquiring intel and equipment also unlocks new strategic opportunities, like calling for exfil chopper extractions or special support items. Overall, DMZ emphasizes completing missions over raw survival.
Conclusion
Recovering sensitive intel drives in order to expose the plans of hacking factions is critical to gaining an upper hand. With this guide, Operators now have the tools needed to successfully infiltrate Al Mazrah, locate the downed plane, extract the cargo, cross the dangerous waters into Ashika Island, and deposit the hard drive via remote dead drop.
This is just one example of the secrets waiting to be uncovered in Warzone 2’s new DMZ mode. We’ll be sure to provide more tactical guides as future seasons introduce new objectives, maps, and factions to face off against. Stay frosty out there!
