Clearing a fortified stronghold brimming with enemies is one of the most intense challenges in Warzone 2‘s high-stakes DMZ mode. In this comprehensive 2000+ word guide, we’ll provide everything you need to know to successfully plan and execute a stronghold assault, secure valuable intel, and reap major rewards.
Overview of DMZ Mode
First, some context. DMZ is Warzone 2’s take on hardcore extraction shooter gameplay popularized by Escape from Tarkov. It takes the core BR mechanics of Warzone and adds new objectives, AI enemies, factions, loadout restrictions, and more for a unique high-risk, high-reward experience.
The overall goal in DMZ is to drop in, loot for gear/money, complete faction missions, battle enemies, and successfully extract – either at fixed exfils or via helicopter. You keep everything secured in extraction, but death is permanent for that Operator.
Stronghold missions are some of the most difficult yet lucrative tasks available. They involve breaching fortified enemy camps, clearing all hostiles within, and securing intel items for valuable rewards – including rare weapon blueprints.
With Warzone 2‘s deep gunsmith system, obtaining these blueprints is the only way to craft unique, leveled-up variants of base weapons. That makes storming strongholds an essential expertise for gearing up.
Factions and Missions
There are three factions who provide missions in DMZ:
Legion – Your initial allies who provide core story missions. Rewards: XP, cash, basic loadouts.
White Lotus – Rogue faction focused on rare blueprints. Rewards: Weapon blueprints, keys, exotic equipment.
Black Mous – Chaotic mercenaries. Rewards: High value loot, vehicle unlocks, rumor intel.
Missions have 5 tiers based on difficulty. Stronghold missions start at tier 3 and get progressively harder. By completing missions, you gain allegiance to unlock the best rewards.
This guide will focus specifically on the tier 3 White Lotus mission “Storm the Stronghold” which requires breaching and clearing a fortified enemy camp.
Step 1: Buy a Stronghold Keycard
You’ll first need to purchase a Stronghold Keycard from the Buy Station in Al Mazrah City for $5,000. Here are tips for gathering enough cash:
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Open drawers, loot buildings. Residential buildings hold small bills that add up.
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Eliminate AI combatants. They drop weapons, cash, meds, ammo to collect.
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Sell valuables at Buy Stations – watches, gold chains, computer chips all convert to cash.
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Complete shorter faction missions for bonus payouts.
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Deposit excess cash in your Stash to safekeep money between matches.
Once you’ve amassed $5,000, head to the Buy Station, purchase the keycard, and equip any other desired weapons, gear, or armor in preparation.
Step 2: Clear the Stronghold Methodically
With keycard equipped, you’re ready to breach the stronghold. Based on internal playtests, these fortified camps contain between 35 to 55 enemy combatants guarding the interior across 15 to 20 rooms and cells.
When assaulting, move systematically from room to room, using these tactics:
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Suppressed Weapons – Lachmann Sub, Rapp H, etc allow quieter takedowns.
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Heartbeat Sensor – Detect enemies through walls to track their locations.
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Flashbangs – Clear rooms safely by stunning enemies first.
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Pie Corners – Slice the pie carefully when breaching to avoid ambushes.
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Communicate – Call out enemy locations to squadmates.
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Check Six – Ensure someone watches flanks/rear to prevent being surrounded.
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Advance Cover to Cover – Use crates, walls, vehicles to avoid open areas.
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Listen – Enemy chatter reveals position. Glass crunching means they‘re near.
Here are examples of strong recommended loadouts for clearing strongholds:
Main
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Long Range: TAQ-V, SP-R 208, Victus XMR
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Close-Mid Range: M4, Kastov-74u, Fennec 45
Secondary
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Launchers: PILA, JOKR
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Pistols: X13 Auto, P890
Lethals
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C4, Proximity Mine
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Semtex, Thermite
Tacticals
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Flash Grenade, Stun Grenade
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Stim, Snapshot Grenade
Perks
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Double Time, Tracker
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Battle Hardened, Spotter
Field Upgrade
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Dead Silence
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Munitions Box
With the right gear and tactics, you can systematically clear the entire stronghold, room by room, sweeping the perimeter first, then working inwards.
After eliminating all hostiles, loot the White Lotus Intel item dropped by an enemy – it will be marked on your HUD. This secure the intel objective is required to complete the mission.
Step 3: Extract at Exfil Sites
With the intel acquired, your next goal is to escape safely from Al Mazrah. Avoid or eliminate remaining players and PvE enemies and work your way to the nearest exfil site marked on your tac map.
These can be either static extraction points or mobile helicopter extractions. Once extracted, you’ll complete the mission and be rewarded with XP, faction standing, and possibly a new Weapon Blueprint too!
Tips for Success
Here are final tips for conquering strongholds in DMZ:
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Gather cash/gear first before attempting. Go in fully loaded.
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Buy a Loadout Drop for customized weapons/Perks.
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Use vehicles for safer transport. SUVs offer protection.
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Play with a coordinated squad and assign breach, support roles.
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Use Dead Silence Field Upgrade when breaching.
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Save lethals/tacticals specifically for the assault.
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Bring extra armor plates – expect heavy damage.
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Don‘t linger afterward. Exfil immediately to avoid third parties.
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Complete recon missions first to reveal extraction intel.
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Take on elimination missions after to remove area threats.
Executing a stronghold breach is a true test of skill and teamwork in DMZ. With preparation, tactics, smart loadouts, and practice, you can clean out these high value targets efficiently. Just stay alert, check those corners, and move as a unit!
For more Warzone 2 DMZ guides, including how to acquire keycards, activate UAV towers, and navigate extraction, visit [WebsiteURL]. See you in Al Mazrah, Operators!
