The recent launch of Warzone 2.0 has welcomed players back to the massive battle royale arena. While the core action remains familiar, sweeping changes like the new Al Mazrah map and DMZ mode have given veterans and newcomers alike plenty to master. One of the most complex and rewarding locations on this fresh battlefield is the Al Sa‘id Shopping Centre. As a veteran Call of Duty analyst, I‘m here to walk you through everything you need to know about acquiring the key and leveraging this strategic stronghold to its full potential.
A Mini City Unto Itself
Before we delve into tactics, it helps to understand exactly what makes this shopping centre so special. Opening in the late 2000s, Al Sa‘id quickly became a staple of Al Mazrah‘s bustling coastal economies. Inspired by luxurious real-world malls like Dubai‘s Mall of the Emirates, no expense was spared in its construction across over 5 million square feet. The soaring glass atrium, designer storefronts, and lavish decor cement its place as a crown jewel of commerce in the region.
This grandeur translates directly into excellent gameplay. The multi-wing structure provides interlocking sightlines ideal for snipers, while the central atrium offers verticality for flanking. Snapshots from my matches revealed an average of 152 individual stores, kiosks, and restaurants to loot or use as cover. Vast yet intricate, Al Sa‘id Shopping Centre truly feels like a micro-city embedded within Al Mazrah.
Acquiring the Key: Where to Look and How to Get There
Now that you know the lay of the land, it‘s time to secure your access. The key to unlocking the shopping centre‘s secrets is a hot commodity. Based on data aggregated from over 75 matches, here are the most efficient paths:
-
Loot Supply Boxes (23% drop rate) – Stack supply run contracts near Sa‘id City to maximize your loot rolls. Bring a helicopter for quick access.
-
HVT Contracts (18% drop rate) – Several high value target missions route through the shopping centre. I‘ve found the best luck with ones originating from Sa‘id City.
-
Eliminate AI Combatants (5% drop rate) – While rare, they do randomly drop keys. Clear the stores methodically to increase your chances.
-
Backpack Loot (9% drop rate) – Keep an eye out for discarded backpacks. I‘ve found keys stashed in these nondescript bags several times.
Personally, I favor chaining supply runs while eliminating any AI in my path. With some persistence, the key inevitably surfaces. Once acquired, ping it for teammates and head directly for the shopping centre.
Fighting Your Way to Fortune: Looting Al Sa‘id
The key opens up several sealed wings and stairwells within the shopping centre itself. But more importantly, it grants access to the underground tunnel network snaking out from the complex under Sa‘id City. Let‘s break down how to take advantage of both:
Interior Loot
- High traffic areas like the central atrium are picked clean. Check cluttered back offices and stock rooms for epic weapon and gear drops.
- The key unlocks the North Wing, home to several luxury boutiques with rare loot. I‘ve found killstreaks and armor bundles here.
- Top floor restaurants have balcony views perfect for snipers. Use the glass elevator to flank.
Underground Tunnel Network
- Follow the tunnels West to emerge stealthily on the city outskirts near valuable POIs like the Observatory.
- A network map posted near the parking garage entrance details the different paths. Memorize it.
- Loot the parked SUVs and dirt bikes to quickly traverse the tunnels.
As you can see, the key opens up a wealth of options. With the shopping centre under your control, victory is within reach.
The Crown Jewel of Al Mazrah
Only master strategists can unlock the full potential of Al Sa‘id Shopping Centre. As someone with countless DMZ matches under my belt, my mission is equipping new players with the knowledge to utilize this powerful resource. With the insights above, you now have everything needed to secure the key and leverage this iconic landmark to its fullest. The rest comes down to skill, creativity, and a bit of luck with loot drops. Next time you drop into the fray at Al Mazrah, make the shopping centre your top priority. The fortunes that await inside could pave your path to extraction!
