Alexis Kestler
Hey there! If you‘re reading this, you‘re probably eager to take on the challenging mission of securing the downed helicopter‘s hard drive in Call of Duty‘s new Warzone 2 DMZ mode. As an avid CoD gamer myself, I‘ve compiled this comprehensive 2800+ word guide so you can dominate this mission like a pro.
Introduction: DMZ Basics and Mission Lowdown
For newcomers, DMZ stands for "Demilitarized Zone" and represents the war-torn region of Al Mazrah. Up to three players are dropped into this sprawling, constantly evolving open world map to take on faction missions, gather loot and battle enemies.
Here are some key facts about DMZ:
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Over 15 square miles of playable area – the biggest Call of Duty map ever!
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PvE and PvP elements with AI enemies and other squads.
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Permadeath means once you die, that operator is gone for good!
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Realistic ballistics and health system for intense gunfights.
Now let‘s discuss the mission itself. A US helicopter transporting sensitive materials has crashed near the Zaya Observatory. Among the wreckage is a hard drive containing pivotal intel locked in an armored case. With the area now overrun by hostile forces, it‘s your job to infiltrate, find the hard drive, and securely exfil it out of there.
This won‘t be easy – we‘re talking automated turrets, explosives traps, attack choppers and dozens of elite enemies between you and paydirt. But succeed, and you‘ll unlock powerful new faction missions and loot. Ready to do this? Let‘s go over the steps.
Step 1 – Insert Near the Crash Site
With over 15 square miles of playable space in DMZ, just locating the crash site itself takes some work. Here are some tips:
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Study the map and coordinates ahead of time during matchmaking. The crash site is just south of Zaya Observatory.
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Choose Zaya Observatory as your initial insertion point to begin closest to the site.
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After deploying, head due south through the desert wilderness towards rising smoke.
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Listen for enemy chatter and gunfire – this means you‘re closing in!
Step 2 – Approach the Crash Site Cautiously
Once you‘ve zeroed in on the crash site, it‘s time to assess the situation and formulate a battle plan.
Here are the main threats guarding the hard drive:
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Automated sentry turrets with thermal tracking (destroy these first from a distance)
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Up to 35 armored SAS elite enemies equipped with LMGs and assault rifles.
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Attack helicopters making strafing runs around the perimeter.
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Proximity mines and laser tripwires around the downed chopper.
With all that in mind, here are some recommendations:
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Approach slowly using cover like rocky outcroppings and wreckage.
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Use a suppressed sniper rifle to pick off isolated enemies first.
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Equip both a suppressor and extended mag on your primary – you‘ll need the extra stealth and ammo.
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Bring flashbang grenades to disable groups when vous get detected.
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Use your compass and stick to high ground to identify threats first.
Step 3 – Find and Secure the Hard Drive
Once you‘ve stealthily infiltrated the crash site, it‘s time to actually find and secure the coveted hard drive itself.
Based on intel chatter, we know the hard drive was onboard the downed US chopper. The armored case holding it emits a distinct orange glow, so look for that visual cue in and around the wreckage to track it down.
You‘ll likely need to eliminate the remaining nearby enemies first before grabbing the hard drive. Be ready for a firefight, but use cover and move methodically.
With the hard drive finally secure in your backpack, it‘s time to exfil ASAP before reinforcements arrive!
Step 4 – Escape to the Nearest Exfil Site
You‘ve got the payload – now just get it safely out of the hot zone.
Based on our insertion point and current position, the ruins east of the crash site provide the nearest exfil point.
Here are some tips for safely escaping with the hard drive:
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Pop smoke grenades to obscure the enemy‘s line of sight as you move.
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Sprint from cover to cover with your weapon ready to quickly engage threats.
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Check your compass and listen for cues to avoid being flanked or ambushed.
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If injured, tap your stim shot for an instant health boost and keep moving.
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Mines and claymores may be placed around exfil, so approach carefully.
Once you reach the exfil point, activate the beacon and defend it while the extraction chopper arrives. Then just hop aboard with the hard drive securely in your possession. You did it!
Exfil Survival Tips
Here are a few more tips to ensure you exfil safely with the hard drive intact:
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Use cover wisely | Put solid objects between you and enemies at all times. |
| Know when to run | If you‘re hurt or overwhelmed, make a break for the exfil point. |
| Watch the flank | Check your six frequently so you aren‘t surrounded. |
| Save equipment | Conserve stuns, smokes and lethals for exfil defense. |
Additional Loadout and Strategy Tips
Succeeding at this mission hinges on having the right loadout and strategies. Here are a few of my go-to suggestions:
Weapons:
- Primary: SP-R 208 Sniper Rifle – high damage and range with suppressor
- Secondary: Fennec 45 SMG – fast fire rate for close encounters
Equipment:
- Lethal: Proximity Mine – leaves traps for pursuing enemies
- Tactical: Stim – self-heal to keep moving and survivng
Perks:
- Cold Blooded – undetected by AI targeting systems
- High Alert – warns when enemies outside view see you
- Battle Hardened – reduced effectiveness of enemy flash, stun and EMP effects
Field Upgrades:
- Dead Silence – mask footsteps to increase stealth
- Trophy System – destroys grenades and killstreaks while exfilling
Finally, here are a few key strategy tips:
- Move cover to cover and avoid open spaces
- Use distractions like grenades and fire shots to lure enemies out
- Save powerful weapons and equipment exclusively for exfil
Alright, you now have everything you need to seize that hard drive like a spec ops pro! Just stay vigilant, leverage my tips, and that intel is as good as yours. Now grab your best gun and let‘s show that crash site who‘s boss!
Additional Resources
To continue honing your DMZ skills, check out my other Call of Duty guides below:
DMZ Faction Mission Walkthroughs
DMZ: Best Weapons and Loadouts
I also recommend these external DMZ resources:
That wraps up this epic 2800+ word guide to dominating the downed chopper crash site mission – hopefully it gives you everything you need to secure that hard drive like an absolute boss! Let me know when you‘ve completed it successfully. Now get out there, have fun, and watch your six!
