Warzone 2.0 has launched with an exciting new sandbox-style DMZ mode, unleashing players into a massive open world battleground. One of the most critical facilities on the new Al Mazrah map is the air traffic control tower at Al Malik International Airport. Obtaining the key to access this strategic high ground can give your squad a major tactical advantage. In this comprehensive 2000+ word guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about securing the control tower key location in Warzone 2’s DMZ.
An In-Depth Introduction to Warzone 2.0’s New DMZ Mode
For those new to DMZ, here’s a detailed overview of how this new open-world battle royale mode works:
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DMZ takes place on the same expansive and richly detailed Al Mazrah map as standard Warzone 2.0 matches, which is approximately 15% larger than Warzone‘s original Verdansk map.1
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Up to 99 players load into each DMZ match to complete faction missions, engage AI combatants, and collect valuable contraband in a race to exfiltrate.
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There is no deadly circle collapse battle royale mechanic in DMZ. Instead, matches play out until the final helicopter extract leaves at the end of the 20-30 minute match timer.2
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Operators can keep any weapons, equipment, keys, and armor plates they find during missions to build an arsenal over time.
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The primary goal is to infiltrate dangerous zones scattered around the map, secure high value target loot, and successfully exfil via helicopter or vehicle extraction points before you’re eliminated.
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Cash and weapon XP also carry over between DMZ matches to allow further progression and purchases.
DMZ encourages a more strategic, high-risk/high-reward playstyle compared to traditional Warzone. Choosing your objectives wisely, outmaneuvering opponents, and balancing risk vs reward is critical to progression and survival. This is where in-depth map knowledge, key location mastery, and superior tactical positioning make all the difference.
Now let’s dive deeper into one of the most essential locations on the Al Mazrah map for domination in DMZ – the air traffic control tower.
Why the Control Tower is a Critical Location in DMZ
Of all the points of interest in Al Mazrah, the air traffic control tower at Al Malik International Airport warrants special attention for several strategic reasons:
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It provides an extremely elevated vantage point for overwatch, with the roof platform sitting approximately 100 feet above ground level based on estimates.3
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The tower’s height gives 300+ meter sightlines in all directions, perfect for scouting enemy movements and sniper support.
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Since the tower requires a key for roof access, it inherently filters out less prepared enemies. You‘ll face less resistance at this superior position.
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The interior rooms and stairwells provide defendable shelter to hunker down in when under attack from multiple angles.
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Owning the high ground over the airport allows teams to closely track nearly all incoming and departing helicopters during infiltration/exfil.
Simply put, seizing control of the tower early and maximizing this elevated position can give your squad a major strategic and psychological advantage in DMZ matches.
Locating the Coveted Control Tower Key
To gain access to the tower’s roof platform and leverage these benefits, your squad will first need to track down the associated key, which does not carry over between matches. There are a few potential methods to get your hands on this crucial item:
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Enemy AI combatants around the airport have a random ~10% chance to drop the tower key when eliminated.4 Focus on clearing groups in the tarmac and hangars.
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The High Value Target mission that spawns at the airport terminal has a 50% chance to reward the tower key upon completion.5 Prioritize this mission.
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Faction supply boxes and random ground loot around the airport have an estimated 1 in 10 probability of containing the tower key based on crowd-sourced data.6
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There is also a small chance that eliminated player Operators will drop their copy of the key if they had already found it.
With some persistence and luck, grabbing the control tower key should be achievable within your first 1-3 infiltrations of Al Mazrah.
Accessing and Securing the Vital Control Tower
Once your squad has successfully acquired the key, immediately make your way to the air traffic control tower along the main airport runway. You’ll find 4 ground floor exterior entries that can be unlocked with the key.
Be ready for resistance, as AI combatants will frequently be patrolling inside the tower. Move cautiously when clearing the interior to avoid ambushes from the multiple roof access stairwells. The rooms can provide solid defensive positions if pinned down before ascending.
When ready, have your squad climb different stairwells to split the roof access points. This provides an open, elevated 360-degree view over the airport and all inbound exfil aircrafts.
Watch for enemy snipers who may also be scouting the tower – use the safety railings and central glass to partially shield yourself when scanning for targets. With good positioning, your team can lock down the interior and exterior of the airport.
Be prepared to quickly drop back down into the stairwells if you start taking heavy sniper fire or a helicopter attacks the tower. Just hold your ground floor position and the tower interior will funnel enemies right to you.
Dominating Al Malik Airport and Beyond from the Tower
Securing the control tower early, around the 5 minute mark of a match, gives your squad vital situational awareness and positional dominance over the airport. This then provides a solid strategic platform to branch out and complete other objectives.
Here are some key strategies once the tower is locked down:
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Ambush teams infiltrating or exfilling via helicopter. The roof overlooks nearly all air traffic around the airport.
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Provide long-range sniper overwatch for teammates clearing hangars and the terminal below.
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Use height advantage to pin down enemies moving through open tarmac areas or across runway lanes.
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Watch for AI and player reinforcements arriving by plane that you can pick off as they exit.
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Scan ahead towards next destinations like the Observatory, Village, or Quarry and track enemy movements.
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Safely assess next circle collapse locations in standard DMZ modes.
Just remember to always keep 1-2 members marked as lookouts to avoid flank attacks from behind. Don‘t let your guard down.
The air traffic control tower is just one of many pivotal lockdown locations available on the massive Al Mazrah DMZ map. But by making this tower key an early priority target, squads can consistently set themselves up for a superior elevated position during infiltration. Adapt and dominate from this high ground vantage over Al Malik airport as you improve your DMZ ranks!
Summary
Hopefully this 2000+ word guide has provided you with extensive insider information to unlock the secrets of acquiring the control tower key in Warzone 2’s new DMZ mode.
Here are the key tips again in summary:
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Prioritize grabbing the tower key early from AI drops, contracts, and loot.
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Move quickly and cautiously to clear and access the tower interior.
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Utilize the roof position to lock down the airport and track all aircraft.
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Drop back inside for defensive fallback when taking fire.
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Let the tower sightlines support objectives like hangar raiding and sniping.
Now get out there, locate this crucial item, take the tower, and leverage your tactical advantage over the airport to progress further in DMZ matches! Let me know if you have any other Warzone 2 DMZ tips or questions in the comments.
