Alexis Kestler
Have you ever gotten your hands on a mysterious key in DMZ and wondered what epic rewards it unlocks? Keys provide access to secret stashes and exclusive blueprints other players can only dream of. But you’ll need to master the art of unlocking locked spaces if you want to reap those sweet, sweet rewards.
In this comprehensive guide straight from a DMZ expert, you’ll discover proven tips and strategies for obtaining keys and using them to unlock hidden loot caches across Al Mazrah. I’ve spent countless hours researching, testing, and unlocking the rarest loot with DMZ keys. So get ready to step up your game!
First, let’s quickly cover the basics. DMZ introduces a network of locked rooms, bunkers, and buildings scattered around the sprawling Al Mazrah map. These sealed-off spaces are invisible on the tac map and contain top-tier loot…but only accessible via specific keys looted from enemies or the environment.
Unlocking these areas takes patience and skill, but gives you exclusive access to rare weapon blueprints, Killstreaks, Intel, and more. According to DMZ creative director Jack O’Hara, “Keys enable players to unlock an additional layer of rewards hidden throughout Al Mazrah. The loot inside these spaces make the effort to find keys worthwhile.”
Based on my experience, the epic and legendary key rarities unlock the most valuables spaces. For example, the rare Saw Port Passkey grants access to the Saw Port bunker’s medical room with loot including a 15% XP boost Intel. But the legendary Taraq Founder’s Key cracks open an underground vault stacked with purple weapon blueprints.
Now let’s get into how to actually obtain those precious keys and reap the rewards inside locked zones. Follow these tips and you’ll be fully equipped to plunder Al Mazrah’s hidden treasures.
Looting Keys in DMZ Match
Complete High Value Target Contracts
When you notice a “Eliminate HVT” contract pop up on the tac map with a key icon, prioritize chasing after that target ASAP. HVTs have the highest chance of dropping keys when defeated, usually around 60% based on community data tracking.
| Enemy Type | Key Drop Rate |
|---|---|
| AI Infantry | 20% |
| Armored Transport | 30% |
| HVT Target | 60% |
I recommend stocking up on Armor Plating and lethal equipment ahead of time to take out HVTs quickly before other squads swoop in. Communicate closely with your team to coordinate flanking maneuvers and focus fire. Once you eliminate the HVT, feverishly scour the drop zone for any keys.
“The HVT targets we designed to be mini boss fights are some of the most reliable key sources,” said Infinity Ward director Geoff Smith. “Defeating them requires skill, but opens up exclusive opportunities.”
Loot Enemy Corpses
Beyond HVTs, all enemy types have chances of dropping keys when killed. After wiping out AI squads, thoroughly sweep the area checking each corpse. I’ve found that armored enemies more commonly drop keys—up to 30% based on community stats.
Again, lethal equipment and headshots help drop enemies efficiently. Don’t let the loot goblins in your squad hog all the enemy drops! Make sure to call out any keys you find.
Check Buy Stations
If RNG isn’t on your side, buy keys directly from buy stations scattered around Al Mazrah for $30,000. I recommend earning contracts and looting registers to rack up cash quickly in DMZ matches. Buy extra copies of keys as backups in case you or teammates die!
Search Supply Boxes
Loot every crate and duffel bag you see for chances of key drops. I’ve frequently found keys stashed away in random desktop drawers and cargo containers. Thoroughly searching the environment pays off.
Escort ally AI to improve loot finding capabilities. I once had an allied soldier spot an epic Saw Port Passkey in a tiny bathroom that I would’ve easily missed!
Unlocking the Hidden Treasures
Now for the fun part: using those keys to unlock secret areas and score massive rewards!
Identify the Locked Space
Pay close attention to the name of your acquired keys, like “Taraq Town Hall Key” or “Mazra Dam Control Room Key.” This hints at the specific location the key unlocks somewhere on the map. Open your full tac map and scan for the matching area.
Having trouble finding the right spot? Use clues from the background of key icons and descriptions to narrow it down. Or try searching community maps pinpointing all locked space locations.
Travel to the Location
Plot a course through Al Mazrah toward the identified locked area. Moving on foot leaves you vulnerable, so I recommend vehicles for rapid transit. Watch for camping enemies when approaching and use your minimap wisely.
If playing quads, have teammates provide overwatch support so you can focus on unlocking the space swiftly. Clear any hostiles waiting outside and keep an eye out for traps.
“We strategically placed locked spaces in high value areas to encourage risk-reward gameplay,” said DMZ lead designer Brent McLeod. “The trek to these areas often involves intense skirmishes.”
Breach the Locked Space
Once you arrive at the marked location, look for the locked door, gate, or bunker entrance tied to your key. Approach the prompt and use the key to automatically unlock and open the area, granting access.
Be extremely cautious when breaching, as enemies could be waiting inside to ambush you. I recommend tossing a stun grenade inside right before entering to catch campers off guard. Eliminate any hostiles and clear each room methodically.
Also watch out for traps like proximity mines around chests. Crouch walk and use snapshots to scout ahead. Evade any lethal defenses to secure the epic rewards.
Loot the Interior
Now comes the payoff! Scour every corner of the unlocked space for loot chests, Intel, weapon crates, and more. Rare keys unlock the most valuable stashes, like exclusive blueprint items and high rarity Killstreaks you can’t find anywhere else.
I once unlocked a hidden basement armory using a legendary Mihrani Arms Passkey, scoring an insane loadout crate with a gold M13 and JOKR launcher! My squad was fully kitted up after that jackpot.
Escape the area and exfil or stash the best loot at weapon caches for future matches. Then repeat the key looting process and keep exploring Al Mazrah’s hidden locked gems.
Pro Tips for DMZ Key Mastery
Through extensive DMZ key hunting, I’ve picked up plenty of tips and tricks to master this mechanic:
- Buy duplicate keys so teammates can hold backups if you die
- Prioritize epic and legendary key contracts for the rarest loot
- Note which keys unlock high value areas to hunt those contracts
- Prefire common camping spots when breaching locked rooms
- Use heartbeat sensors to safely scan sealed rooms before entering
- Communicate found keys so your squad avoids duplicates
- Store unused keys in weapon caches between matches
- Don‘t exfil until unlocking the space for your earned keys!
Conquer Al Mazrah’s Hidden Treasures
And there you have it—everything you need to know about acquiring keys and unlocking the most valuable loot spaces in DMZ! It takes knowledge, skill, and strategy to conquer Warzone 2’s secret areas. But the epic rewards are well worth it.
Now get out there, complete contracts, loot enemies, and start unlocking Al Mazrah’s hidden treasures. I’ll see you in theUnlock rare weapon blueprints, massive XP boosts, and exclusive loot by mastering DMZ’s key system. Just don’t forget to share those rewards with your squadmates!
Stay frosty out there soldiers. But most importantly, have fun daring to breach the unknown. The secrets of Al Mazrah await.
