Al Mazrah’s sprawling downtown district hides an underrated location that offers squad-minded operators immense tactical value – the Central Station complex. Unlocking this towering fortress should be priority one for progression-focused players.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll be exploring insider strategies for obtaining the central station key, exploiting the abundance of objectives within to further faction missions, and dominating firefights around the exterior.
A Primer on DMZ Gameplay Elements
For newcomers, DMZ takes Modern Warfare 2’s polished gunplay into the war-torn region of Al Mazrah for ruthless PvPvE engagements. Squads of operators paradrop in to complete mission objectives, secure valuable contraband loot, and extract via helicopter exfils.
The overarching goal is to upgrade your Forward Operating Base. This persistent hub offers powerful combat perks, additional loadout slots, faction missions, and a place to bank looted contraband weapons between matches.
Progression comes from completing challenging PvE operations like raiding strongholds, eliminating high value targets, controlling radiation zones and more. These reward keycards, keys and intel used to unlock restricted areas.
Careful squad play is mandatory, as death permanently eliminates an operator from your roster pool. Amass enough contraband, and you can purchase revive tokens to get them back.
Why Should You Prioritize the Central Station?
Out of over 300 buildings of interest across Al Mazrah, none match the Central Station’s unique blend of quick traversal, rare loot spawns and mission density. Players who prioritize unlocking its doors ASAP will reap major dividends.
With 8 objectives packed inside, it’s an absolute haven for completing Phalanx faction missions quickly. These reward blueprints for advanced weapon platforms and critical FOB progression.
You’ll also frequently find armored transport helicopters landing on the roof, offering easy extraction opportunities for squads weighed down with contraband loot.
Its raised position provides superior sightlines both inside and out, letting your squad lock down the surrounding city blocks. Use the anti-aircraft gun on the upper floors to clear the skies.
Finally, with Al Mazrah getting shaken up each season, securing the central station lets you replenish and gear up from the now randomized stashes.
Pinpointing the Station‘s Location
Before unlocking the station, you’ll first need to track it down. The central station complex is located on the east section of downtown Al Mazrah marked clearly by a train icon on your tac-map.
More specifically, navigate to the G5 coordinate grid. It sits directly south from the Al Sharim Pass fast travel flag, overlooking the Sawah riverside village.
Use the Pass’ observation towers when parachuting in to spot the station‘s distinct industrial architecture and massive glass archways from a distance.
Obtaining the Coveted Central Station Key
With the complex located, your squad will need to get their hands on the central station key. This has a random chance to drop from:
- Eliminating AI combatants (10% drop rate)
- Completing high value target contracts (25% drop rate)
- Supply boxes and bags (5% drop rate)
- Daily login reward (1% chance)
Based on crowdsourced data from the community, expect to grind for an average of 20 minutes focusing on heavy enemies before acquiring the key. Equip weapon handling and ammo capacity perks to speed up takedowns.
Once a squad member finally grabs it, they’ll need to head to any of the 8 ground floor entrances dotted around the exterior to unlock access.
Dominating the Complex Interior
Upon gaining entry, be ready for interior firefights right off the bat. With a labyrinth of rooms and over 170 items to loot, clearing aggressively while watching flanks is critical.
We recommend a squad composition of two assault, one support and one reconnaissance operator. The assaults blitz through and secure rooms using SMGs or shotguns. Support hangs back providing armor plates, grenades and streaks. Recon patrols upper floors marking targets and calling out enemy locations.
If you encounter the Jailer mini-boss, coordinate to burn him down quickly before he can shield himself. Each floor also has stashes and weapon caches to hit.
Navigating the station takes practice given its verticality. Use the following labeled map of both floors:
Be sure to save at least 60 seconds just for looting after clearing. With extensive contraband and killstreak potential, hitting this location early creates immense momentum for late game domination.
Closing Thoughts
The central station‘s unmatched blend of rare loot density, objectives and player traffic cement it as a pivotal Al Mazrah landmark. Make unlocking those doors top priority if you’re looking to excel in DMZ.
For further DMZ insights and location breakdowns, check out my additional Modern Warfare 2 guides. See you on the virtual streets of Al Mazrah.
