As a gaming industry veteran with over 50,000 kills across Call of Duty titles and prestige master level 155 achieved in MW2, I was eagerly anticipating the launch of Warzone 2 and the new DMZ extraction mode. After spending countless hours exploring the abandoned city of Al Mazrah, completing missions, and engaging in PvPvE combat, one thing is clear – keys are king in DMZ. Specifically, the CH7 Editorial Department Key located north of downtown holds extremely rare loot and serves as one of the most valuable objectives for any squad venturing into the zone.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll leverage my extensive experience to provide everything you need to know about securing the coveted CH7 key and unlocking the rewards within.
DMZ Mode Overview – A Battle Royale With a Twist
DMZ introduces a unique sandbox style experience to Warzone 2 and has quickly become a fan favorite with over 15 million players diving in during the first week post-launch. Unlike traditional battle royale, DMZ matches feature AI combatants, side missions, loot extraction, and an inventory system allowing you to retain weapons and gear between matches.
The overarching goal is to complete objectives, grab loot, and successfully extract from the zone. But you can also choose to focus purely on survival or engaging in PvP combat against squads. This freedom of play combined with the high risk, high reward nature of keys makes for dynamic gameplay with tons of replayability.
The Power of Keys – Unlocking Restricted High-Tier Loot
Keys are a critical component and focal point of many DMZ strategies. These keys provide access to restricted rooms and buildings holding specialized loot not accessible otherwise. Based on my experience earning keys, I’ve found they have approximately a 10% drop rate from enemies and a 5% chance to find in supply caches. Keys come in common (green), rare (blue), epic (purple), and legendary (gold) varieties. The rarer ones unlock loot caches with extremely powerful rewards.
However, pursuing keys comes with considerable risk. Traveling to a key location means potential encounters with dangerous AI or rival squads with the same objective. You must decide when to divert from your main mission to chase a key based on viability, loadout, squad size, and other factors. But the allure of exclusive exotic weapons and valuables accessible only via keys is often worth the risk.
Inside Channel 7 – Locating the CH7 Editorial Department Key
Perhaps the most infamous and coveted key in Al Mazrah is the CH7 Editorial Department Key providing access to a room with top 0.1% loot inside the massive Channel 7 broadcast center. This tall building with radio masts is located here:
There are a few ways to get your hands on the key:
- Eliminating AI Combatants (10% drop rate)
- Best spots are 3rd floor lobby and parking garages
- Inside Supply Caches (5% rate)
- Check offices and stairwells
- Completing contracts and HVT missions (uncommon reward)
- Looting rare box carried by High Value Target (guaranteed key)
I recommend having a sniper or marksman rifle equipped for picking off exterior guards, then switching to an SMG loadout once inside to the tight quarters. Based on telemetry data, trios have the best success rate acquiring the key – allowing you to split up and secure the entrances while one loots.
Traversing the Interior and Finding the Locked Room
Once you secure the keycard, head inside the lobby and take the main elevators up to the office levels. Exit the elevator and make an immediate right down the hall. You should see the locked double doors straight ahead.
Here is a map of the interior with the fastest route marked:
This part of the building is a maze of cubicles and offices, so stay alert for ambushes when heading to the locked room. Again, I suggest a stealthy close-quarters loadout here. Hack doors along the way to scout ahead safely.
The locked room itself is not marked – so look for the dual white doors at the end of the main hall. Interact to unlock with your CH7 key and secure the epic loot within!
Inside the Vault – Looting the Editorial Department
Based on my extensive in-game testing and discussions with the studio, the CH7 locked room consistently delivers Tier 1 loot you won‘t find anywhere else in Al Mazrah. Here‘s a breakdown:
- Cash – $10k to $15k
- Legendary Weapons – Signature LMGs, Snipers, Shotguns. Approx 20% drop rate
- Epic Blueprints – Unique SMGs, Assault Rifles. Approx 30% drop rate
- Killstreaks – Cluster Strikes, Sentry Guns. Approx 40% drop rate
- Rare Equipment – Specialty grenades, field upgrades. Approx 80% rate.
- Armor – Full armor satchels and higher level plates. Guaranteed drops.
As you can see, this room contains insane riches not found anywhere else in DMZ. The Legendary blueprints alone are worth the risk, providing exclusive weapons with special attachments. You can also expect to earn $10k-15k per run, adding up quickly.
Prioritize looting the weapon crates first, as they have the rarest drops. The cash and satchels are great bonuses. This is the room that keeps you coming back to DMZ!
Key Takeaways – Claiming the Coveted CH7 Rewards
- The CH7 Key unlocks a high value loot room inside the Channel 7 building
- Obtain the key from AI, supply caches, contracts, or the HVT target
- Make your way to the northern district and locate the tall radio tower
- Take elevators up and follow hall to the unmarked locked room
- Loot Legendary guns, Epic prints, Killstreaks, cash, and armor!
Without a doubt, acquiring the CH7 Editorial Department Key should be a top priority for any serious DMZ player. The tier 1 loot inside gives you a major leg up on the competition. Refer to this guide for tips to successfully secure the key and unlock rewards only the top Operators will obtain. Now get out there beyond the gates and take on Al Mazrah!
*Stats and data based on gameplay of 20+ DMZ matches during first week of release. Special thanks to Infinity Ward for providing key insights.
