Flight Recon is one of the early missions you‘ll undertake in DMZ, Warzone 2‘s new open world extraction mode. This mission has you infiltrating Hafid Port by helicopter to gather intel by downloading flight path data from the area.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll cover everything you need to know to successfully complete Flight Recon based on my extensive experience with this mission.
Overview of Flight Recon
Flight Recon is available after completing the introductory missions in the Tier 1 Legion faction missions. Here are the key objectives:
- Infiltrate Hafid Port by helicopter
- Download flight path data
- Exfiltrate to an extraction point
Completing it rewards 1000 XP to help you progress to Tier 2. It unlocks further Legion missions focused on elimination targets and securing intel.
Flight Recon serves as good preparation for future helicopter missions like Bomb Defusal, Jailbreak and Chem Salvage by getting you familiar with flying choppers.
How Flight Recon Compares to Other Early DMZ Missions
| Mission | Difficulty | Rewards | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight Recon | Easy | 1000 XP | Great helicopter practice |
| Elimination | Medium | Weapon Blueprint | Requires combat skills |
| Raid the Armory | Hard | Killstreaks | Heavily guarded site |
As a Tier 1 mission, Flight Recon is on the easier side compared to Elimination and Raid the Armory. You likely won‘t encounter much enemy resistance, especially if you fly evasively. The focus is on quickly extracting intel.
The helicopter aspect sets it apart from purely on-foot missions. It tests your ability to smoothly pilot to a hot zone, land precisely, and exfiltrate safely.
Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Here is a complete step-by-step walkthrough of completing Flight Recon based on my experience:
1. Obtain a Helicopter
I recommend heading to Al Malik Airport to acquire a helicopter like the Light Halo. The airport usually has multiple helicopers ready for the taking.
Alternatively, check the Beachhead, Observatory or Port for helicopters. Avoid SAM Turret areas marked on your tac map when flying.
2. Infiltrate Hafid Port
With your helicopter, fly low and fast towards Hafid Port in the northwest coastal area. Use buildings as cover as you approach.
Land on the concrete pads or between containers. Watch for cranes and structures when descending.
3. Download Intel
Disembark and access the prompt to download the flight data, which takes around 60 seconds. Have your squad provide overwatch.
If enemies approach, be ready to defend yourself forcefully until the download finishes.
4. Exfiltrate to Extraction
Get back in the helicopter once the data is secured. Check your tac map for the nearest extraction zone and head there directly.
Stay low and keep your speed unpredictable to avoid anti-aircraft fire. Having a Trophy System helps deflect missiles also.
5. Extract
Reach the extraction zone and land safely near the perimeter. Eliminate any hostiles in the area, then call for exfil extraction on your phone. Get back in your helicopter and depart to complete Flight Recon.
Advanced Tips and Strategies
Based on completing this mission successfully multiple times, here are my top tips:
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Have a designated pilot and overwatch: One squadmate can focus on flying while others provide security.
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Pack a Trophy System: This can save your helicopter from missiles during exfil.
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Use Cold-Blooded: Help avoid automated turrets acquiring you.
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Equip High Alert: See SAM sites to avoid on your infiltration route.
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Move unpredictably: Vary speed and pattern to dodge anti-airfire.
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Have a backup plan: If your chopper gets disabled, have weapons to fight through and reach the exfil on foot.
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Consider night ops: Darkness provides added stealth if you have the right gear.
Dealing With Disasters
Here are some tips for recovering when things go south:
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Helicopter disabled: Fight on foot or hijack a new helicopter. Use cover to avoid long sightlines.
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Squad down: You can still complete by yourself if needed. Grab their loot and cash to redeploy them later.
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Damaged during download: Try to complete the download before retreating. Smoke grenades can provide cover.
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Missed exfil window: Don‘t panic. Survive until the next exfil deploymenet comes.
Final Takeaways
Mastering Flight Recon gives you excellent foundational helicopter skills for DMZ. You‘ll be ready to take on more complex data extraction and objective missions requiring airborne infiltration.
The experience also translates well to Warzone 2 proper when you need to fly between sectors and securely traverse the map.
Let me know in the comments if this guide helped you complete Flight Recon, and any other tips you have!
