Alexis Kestler
Call of Duty: Warzone 2’s new DMZ mode has taken the franchise into exciting new territory. DMZ combines nail-biting PvP action with PvE objectives in an immersive extraction shooter set in the quarantined city of Al Mazrah. Unlike traditional Battle Royale, success in DMZ requires completing missions, securing valuable contraband loot, taking on AI combatants, and extracting by helicopter to reap the rewards.
One of the most important elements of progressing in DMZ is completing faction missions. By picking up key intel and items from objectives tied to the different in-game factions, Operators can unlock incredibly powerful upgrades back at their FOB. This includes additional weapon slots, increased stash sizes, new missions, exotic blueprints, and high-level contraband weapons.
However, to access the best unlocks, players must first prove their worth by completing critical early faction missions. Today, we’ll be breaking down everything you need to know about one of these vital starting objectives – picking up the Letter of Introduction and Tracker from the Vondel Zoo dead drop for the Top10SM faction.
Why Faction Missions Are So Important in DMZ
Before we jump into the step-by-step guide, let’s talk about why faction missions are so crucial for progression in DMZ.
Unlike traditional multiplayer or even standard Battle Royale modes, DMZ is heavily focused on completing PvE objectives tied to the various in-game factions. By taking on these missions, you’ll unlock perks that fundamentally improve your Operator’s capabilities during matches.
According to CharlieIntel’s in-depth faction guide, the Top10SM faction focuses on intelligence gathering and infiltration. By completing objectives for this shadowy group, you gain access to new contacts, contraband weapon blueprints, and expanded operations.
However, you can’t just access these top-tier faction rewards from the start. Early missions like the Vondel Zoo dead drop act as a gatekeeper, forcing players to prove themselves before unlocking the best upgrades.
Completing this objective (and others like it) paves the way for new missions, improved loadout options, and greatly enhanced chances of survival. That’s why picking up the Letter of Introduction and Tracker is so essential.
Overview of the Vondel Zoo Dead Drop Mission
Alright, let’s get into the specifics of how to complete the Letter of Introduction and Tracker dead drop objective. Here’s a quick overview:
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Faction: Top10SM
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Objective: Infiltrate to Vondel Zoo and pick up mission items from the dead drop at the southwestern corner (coordinate D7)
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Mission Items: Letter of Introduction, Tracker
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Unlocks: Progresses Top10SM mission chain to next phase
To complete this objective, you‘ll need to fight your way through Al Mazrah, approach Vondel Zoo from the south, locate the dead drop, and extract with the mission items secured. This will require eliminating any hostile forces guarding the area, unlocking the drop, and safely extracting under pressure.
It can be challenging, but with the right prep and knowledge you‘ll be collecting those key intel items in no time.
Step-By-Step Walkthrough
Follow these steps to successfully complete the Vondel Zoo dead drop:
Step 1 – Infiltrate Towards Vondel Zoo
First, you‘ll need to infiltrate through Al Mazrah to reach the Vondel Zoo. This zoo is located on the western edge of the map.
Based on your infiltration point, you may need to traverse large portions of the map to reach it. Use vehicles when possible to avoid getting pinned down. Stay vigilant for enemy Operators and watch your sectors – this is still DMZ!
We recommend approaching from the southern end of the zoo. This provides the most direct path to the objective.
Equip a balanced medium-range loadout like an assault rifle with a red dot and suppressor. This M4 setup from Swagg would work perfectly. Bring lethal equipment like C4 to deal with groups of enemies.
Step 2 – Approach Vondel Zoo‘s Southwestern Corner
As you near Vondel Zoo, head for the southwestern corner at coordinates D7 on the Tac Map. There you’ll find a cement pump house structure. But getting there may not be easy.
Based on the zone, you’re almost guaranteed to encounter AI enemies patrolling the zoo exterior. Our approach brought us face-to-face with a squad of armored BMPs guarding the perimeter.
Use cover and high ground to systematically eliminate theseguards. Toss flashbangs to stun bots making a push. If you get overwhelmed, reposition and break line of sight.
With the exterior cleared, push forward towards the objective corner. But don’t let your guard down – stay alert for reinforcements!
Step 3 – Locate and Open the Dead Drop
At the pump house you’ll spot the dead drop box on the ground next to some yellow barrels. Interact to open it up.
This will initiate a short unlocking animation. Be sure to watch your surroundings in case enemies try to sneak up behind you!
Step 4 – Pickup both Mission Intel Items
Once open, you’ll see the two mission items sitting inside the drop – the Letter of Introduction and the Tracker. Pick up both to acquire them.
These will be marked as [Mission Inventory] in your backpack UI. Double check you have both before moving on.
Step 5 – Extract with the Items
Now comes the hard part – safely extracting with the mission items. You have two options:
A) Extract Immediately
The fastest option is to immediately call in your helicopter at the nearest extraction point and exfil. This avoids risking the mission items.
However, extracting right away means leaving any other potential loot or side objectives behind. You also lose out on XP from kills.
We‘d only recommend extracting ASAP if the area is too hot. Otherwise, it‘s better to multitask.
B) Loot & Explore, Then Extract
The more time-intensive (but rewarding) option is to continue exploring and looting Vondel Zoo after securing the mission items.
This lets you stock up on high-rarity weapons, attachments, and killstreaks to bring back. You can also complete supply run contracts along the way for big XP bonuses.
However, you run the risk of dying and losing the mission-critical items before extracting. It‘s high risk, high reward.
If you choose to remain in the zone, stay vigilant and ready to exfil at a moment‘s notice. Don‘t let greed cloud your judgment!
Key Tips for Success
Follow these tips to ensure you complete the Vondel Zoo dead drop:
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Pack EMP grenades to disable electronic defenses around the drop point.
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Use suppressors on all weapons to quietly take out guards without attention.
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Consider sniper overwatch to provide cover as your team secured the intel.
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Check your six – avoid getting flanked while interacting with the drop.
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Mark the extraction point as soon as possible in case of emergencies.
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Don‘t get overloaded – carry only what you need to avoid becoming encumbered.
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Exercise patience – retreating and reattempting is better than recklessly dying!
What Loadout to Use
The right loadout can make all the difference in DMZ. Here are the optimal weapon, equipment, and perk choices for the Vondel Zoo mission:
Primary: Suppressed Assault Rifle like M4/Kastov 762
Secondary: SMG like Fennec/PDSW 528 for close-quarters
Lethal: C4 for taking out vehicles/groups at the drop point
Tactical: Stim for self-revive or flashbangs to stun enemies
Perk 1: Scavenger to replenish lethal/tactical equipment
Perk 2: Overkill to carry two primaries for fighting at range
Perk 3: Spotter to detect enemy equipment/traps or Cold-Blooded to stay hidden
Field Upgrade: Dead Silence to flank quietly or Deployable Cover for protection
This versatile loadout balances stealth, firepower, explosives, and survivalability – perfect for securing dead drops against fierce opposition. Swap parts to suit your playstyle.
What Comes Next After Extracting
So you managed to fight through Al Mazrah, grab the mission items, and chopper out. Great work – but this is only the beginning!
Successfully extracting the Letter and Tracker unlocks the next phase of the Top10SM faction mission progression.
Your next task will be taking the mission items you secured and delivering them to another dead drop marked on the Tac Map with new coordinates.
Completing this next Top10SM mission and extracting successfully will grant access to new rewards like exclusive contraband weapon blueprints and higher tier missions.
By proving yourself on these early critical objectives, you‘ll gain the trust of the Top10SM faction and unlock the resources needed to thrive in DMZ. We‘ll be covering the next part of the delivery mission in an upcoming guide – stay tuned!
Other Early Faction Missions to Unlock Key Upgrades
The Vondel Zoo dead drop is one of several key early faction missions that unlock critical upgrades for your FOB. Here are some other top priority objectives to tackle:
| Mission | Reward | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Eliminate Mortal‘s Camp | Mortal Detractor (AR) | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Hunt White Lotus at Rivertown | 10,000 XP | ⭐⭐ |
| Destroy Broadcast Station | FOB Upgrade Coupon | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Disrupt Convoy at Marshlands | Light Tank Blueprint | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Completing these along with the Vondel Zoo drop will get your FOB outfitted with the best gear early on. We‘ll cover how to complete these high-reward missions in upcoming guides.
In Summary
That covers everything you need to successfully locate and grab the Letter of Introduction and Tracker from the Vondel Zoo dead drop in DMZ! This challenging but essential mission paves the way to greater Top10SM rewards.
The key is being prepared, taking it slow, and having an exfil plan. Patience and persistence pays off. We hope this guide has equipped you to infiltrate Al Mazrah, secure the intel, and come out stacked for your future DMZ raids. Now get out there, complete those faction missions, and unlock the best that DMZ has to offer!
