Call of Duty: Warzone 2‘s new DMZ mode tasks operators with completing faction missions for rewards. One of the first you may undertake for the Legion faction is Data Collection. This guide provides everything you need to know to successfully complete the Data Collection mission based on my DMZ expertise.
Introduction to Call of Duty: Warzone 2 DMZ
DMZ offers sandbox-style, PvEvP multiplayer where squads ally with factions to acquire gear, complete missions, and exfiltrate from Al Mazrah. Matches playout on the same map as traditional Warzone 2 battle royale with new extraction mechanics.
Here’s an overview of key DMZ gameplay elements:
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Factions – Operators ally with one of three factions: Legion, White Lotus, or Black Mous. You take on missions to earn standing with your chosen faction.
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Mission Tiers – Each faction has 5 tiers of missions to complete, with Tier 1 being initial access and Tier 5 offering the most lucrative rewards.
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Progression – Completing missions earns XP, faction standing, and unlocks the next mission tier. This creates a gameplay loop.
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Extractions – Exfilling successfully from designated areas allows you to keep all gear and mission progress. Dying loses everything!
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High Stakes – With no loadouts, permadeath, and loot loss, DMZ ratchets up the stakes compared to traditional CoD multiplayer and battle royale.
Now let’s dive into tackling the Data Collection mission specifically.
Details of the Data Collection Mission
Shortly after aligning with the Legion faction, Data Collection will appear under Tier 1 missions. Here are the objectives:
- Loot 1 Computer
- Obtain 4 Thumb Drives
- Secure 5 Hard Drives
All items spawn within an office building just south of Al Mazrah’s Police Academy, marked by a train yard right outside.
The Data Collection mission building south of the Police Academy
Let‘s go over how to efficiently find each objective:
Loot 1 Computer
- Enter the mission building and sweep each room.
- There are usually 2 computers to loot per room.
- Interact with 1 computer to collect this objective.
Obtain 4 Thumb Drives
- Open every computer you find while searching the rooms.
- Thumb Drives will randomly spawn as loot from specific computers.
- Check carefully and collect 4 total Thumb Drives.
Secure 5 Hard Drives
- Repeat the room-by-room computer looting process.
- Hard Drives will also spawn randomly from some computers.
- Obtain 5 total Hard Drives to complete this goal.
Be thorough in your search – take time to check each room and all interactable computers. The items can blend into the environment, so keep an eye out.
According to community data, Computer loot spawns at the following rates:
| Item | Spawn Rate |
|---|---|
| Computer | 100% |
| Thumb Drive | 15% |
| Hard Drive | 12% |
Spawn rate data via CharlieIntel
So you‘ll likely have to open many computers across multiple rooms before collecting the 4 Thumb Drives and 5 Hard Drives. Be patient and keep hunting!
Loadout Tips for the Data Collection Mission
Since you’ll be sweeping through close quarters office spaces, here are some ideal weapon and equipment choices:
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SMG or Shotgun – Fennec, VEL 46, or Bryson 800 for fast firepower up close.
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Suppressor – Stay stealthy when dealing with enemies in tight spaces.
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Flash or Stun Grenades – Quickly clear rooms of hostiles.
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Gas Grenades – Can provide area denial on objectives or chokepoints.
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Portable Radar – Detect nearby enemies through walls to avoid ambushes.
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Smoke Grenades – When you grab the loot, pop smoke for safer exfiltration.
The Data Collection area can become a hot zone with multiple teams contesting it. Come prepared for CQC if needed!
Recommended Loadout:
Primary: Suppressed VEL 46 SMG
Secondary: P890 Pistol
Tactical: Flash Grenades
Lethal: Gas Grenades
Perk 1: Double Time
Perk 2: Radar
This loadout focuses on mobility, stealth, and situational awareness – everything you need to sweep the interior and react to threats quickly.
Completing Data Collection – Tips and Analysis
Based on my experience, here are some key tips for efficiently completing the Data Collection mission:
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Approach carefully from the north to avoid long sightlines. Use buildings as cover.
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Check your Tac Map to ensure the area hasn‘t been picked clean already.
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Methodically clear each room and open every computer – items blend into the environment.
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Grab a vehicle or helicopter for quick extraction once you secure the loot.
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Play with teammates who can watch your back while you focus on objectives.
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If you die – don‘t worry! Just requeue and try again.
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Stay frosty even if the area seems deserted…you never know who‘s lurking!
While one of the earliest introductory missions for Legion, Data Collection exemplifies core DMZ gameplay – exploring Al Mazrah, looting, gathering mission items, and exfiltrating safely with your haul.
Completing it provides XP to rank up your faction standing along with blueprints and access to the next mission tier. This kickstarts your overall progression across DMZ, allowing you to experience greater challenges, stories, and rewards.
Further DMZ Missions After Data Collection
Once you wrap up Data Collection, here are some additional early DMZ missions to undertake for the Legion faction at Tier 1 and Tier 2:
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Eliminate High Value Targets (Tier 1) – Hunt down elite AI enemies using clues from intel drops. Offers cosmetic weapon blueprints.
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Secure Intel (Tier 1) – Another collection mission, this time gathering intel folders from across Al Mazrah. Provides an operator skin reward.
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Raid the Convoy (Tier 2) – Ambush an armored convoy for supply caches and rare weapon blueprints. Tests combat skills.
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Disrupt Weapon Shipments (Tier 2) – Sabotage weapon crates and eliminate guards before extraction. Unlocks new assault rifle.
These missions present new challenges while expanding your knowledge of Al Mazrah. Complete them to rank up faster and access the high-tier missions with greater rewards.
Key Takeaways for Completing Data Collection
Here are the key tips to recap for tackling the Data Collection mission:
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The mission building is an office south of the Police Academy, marked by a train yard.
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Systematically check each room, interacting with all computers.
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Collect 1 Computer, 4 Thumb Drives, and 5 Hard Drives to finish objectives.
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Equip silenced CQC weapons, grenades, and Portable Radar to handle close quarters combat.
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Extract carefully once you secure the mission loot.
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Completing Data Collection unlocks the next Legion mission tier for better rewards.
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Use this early mission to learn DMZ mechanics – exploring, looting, extracting, and progressing.
With this guide, you now have the essential information needed to successfully complete the Data Collection mission in Warzone 2 DMZ. The knowledge and experience you gain from Data Collection will fuel deeper progression through the high-stakes, tactical experience that is DMZ mode. Now grab your squad and complete your objectives, operator!
