Alexis Kestler
High Value Target (HVT) contracts are one of the most rewarding missions you can complete in Call of Duty: Warzone 2‘s DMZ mode. Not only do they offer great XP, but defeating the mini-boss HVTs can also reward you with rare keys that unlock optional objectives. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know about looting keys from HVTs or other sources and using them to unlock hidden loot caches, intel, and more.
An Introduction to HVT Contracts and Keys
HVT contracts become available in DMZ once you reach approximately level 10. You can identify them on your Tac Map by the target icon. HVTs are elite enemies with more health and damage than standard AI. When you defeat them, they have a chance to drop special keys related to that specific contract.
These keys can then be used to unlock certain buildings or rooms marked with a lock icon on your Tac Map. Inside you‘ll find valuable loot caches, weapon blueprints, faction mission intel, and other rewards. Keys are very rare though, so you aren‘t guaranteed to get one from every HVT you take down.
Some keys can also be found in loot containers, received as mission rewards, or purchased at Buy Stations for $30,000. Having a diverse range of keys is highly advantageous in DMZ for accessing more high-tier loot to build your loadout.
Step-By-Step Guide to Looting Keys from HVTs
Here is a step-by-step walkthrough of taking on an HVT contract, looting a key, and unlocking its respective location:
1. Locate an HVT Contract
Open your Tac Map and zoom in to look for contract icons marked with a target. HVT contracts spawn randomly throughout the map. I recommend looking in major POIs like downtown areas to find them more reliably. The contract icon will be highlighted in orange when you hover over it.
[Image showing HVT contract icon on Tac Map]2. Travel to the HVT Location
Once you‘ve marked an HVT contract, navigate to its location marked on your Tac Map and Tac Sights. Enemies will not spawn until you get within approximately 100m. I suggest posting up around 150-200m out and scouting the site first.
Use your surroundings for cover as you approach. Watch for any enemy patrols that could intercept you.
3. Engage and Defeat the HVT
Once in position, move up and engage the HVT boss and their entourage of enemies like armored Juggernauts. The HVT will be an elite enemy with more health, so focus fire and concentrate your squad‘s efforts on them first before mopping up other targets.
Utilize equipment like flashbangs, Molotovs, and precision airstrikes to gain an advantage in the ensuing firefight. Stick to cover and reposition frequently to avoid being overrun.
With the HVT down, you‘ll get a notice that the contract is complete. Don‘t relax just yet though…
[Image of eliminating an HVT enemy]4. Loot the HVT‘s Body
Quickly loot the HVT‘s body which will be highlighted orange. Shake them down for a small chance at a key dropping. If no key was rewarded, check any remaining enemy corpses as well just in case.
You can also loot gear, weapons, and armor satchels. Prioritize looting first before worrying about extracting anything else.
5. Extract or Buy a Key
If no key dropped from looting the HVT, you have a few options:
- Check loot containers, duffel bags, and supply boxes within the POI for a random key
- Travel to a Buy Station and purchase the specific key you need for $30,000
- Extract and retry the HVT contract on your next DMZ infiltration
6. Locate the Locked Area for Your Key
Once you‘ve finally acquired a key, open your Tac Map to identify where it can be used. The icon will be a locked door/building marked with the key‘s name when you hover over it.
Plan a route to this location, keeping a low profile and using cover along the way. Avoid combat when possible if carrying important keys or loot.
[Image showing key location on Tac Map]7. Unlock the Door to Complete Your Objective
When you arrive at the key location, interact with the locked door to use your key and unlock it.
Head inside to complete the hidden objective. This will reward you with supply boxes, loot caches, rare weapon blueprints, intel for additional missions, and more!
Be ready for potential enemy defenders inside as well.
What to Do If You Don‘t Loot a Key from the HVT
Not looting a key from an HVT boss isn‘t uncommon given the low drop rate. Here are some tips if you come up empty handed:
- Search every loot container in the HVT area for hidden keys
- Quickly buy the key you need from a Buy Station before extracting
- Extract and return in a future infiltration to try the HVT again
- Focus on loot containers and Buy Stations for random keys to unlock other areas
- Complete contracts, missions, and raids to earn keys as rewards
Patience and persistence are key! With enough HVT boss kills, you‘re bound to eventually loot the keys you need for high-tier loot.
Advanced Tactics and Strategies
Beyond the basics, here are some advanced tactics for taking on HVTs and looting keys:
- Coordinate fire with your squad – Call out focus fire on the HVT and flanking maneuvers
- Utilize equipment – Grenades, flashbangs, and more can help greatly
- Bring armor and ammo – Resupply regularly between engagements
- Don‘t get greedy – Prioritize looting keys first before anything else
- Know when to retreat – If overwhelmed, fall back and reset for another try
- Try different approaches – Stealth, sniping, run and gun, etc.
Learning the unique layouts and combat arenas for each HVT location will help you form more effective strategies as well.
Tips for New Players
If you‘re struggling with HVT contracts and looting keys as a new DMZ player, here are some tips:
- Team up with more experienced players to learn
- Start with lower difficulty HVTs and work your way up
- Focus on looting keys first before anything else
- Buy keys from Buy Stations if you have cash to spare
- Utilize cover and move slowly when engaging HVTs
- Equip recoil and armor piercing ammo to counter juggernauts
- Bring flashbangs and explosives to stun or damage groups
- Don‘t get discouraged if you die – keys persist between extractions
With practice, you‘ll get the hang of taking down HVTs swiftly and safely. Keys will come in time.
In Summary
Defeating high value targets and looting their keys opens up a whole new world of lucrative objectives in DMZ. It takes skill, strategy, and persistence, but ultimately pays off for dedicated operators. I hope this guide gives you the knowledge needed to reliably loot keys from HVT bosses or find them through other means. Now get out there, complete those contracts, and unlock the best secrets DMZ has to offer!
