The highly anticipated Warzone 2 introduced an exciting new mode called DMZ that drops operators onto the brand new Ashika Island map. DMZ offers open-world gameplay focused on completing missions, fighting AI enemies, and extracting valuable loot.
One of the unique new mechanics in DMZ are locked caches that require special keys to unlock, adding an extra layer of challenge. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to find and open the HMS Shipwreck cache using its hidden key.
History of the HMS Shipwreck
The massive shipwreck along the southern coastline of Ashika Island has quite a storied history. This cargo vessel wrecked off the island‘s shores decades ago under mysterious circumstances. Some say it was done intentionally to hide clandestine cargo.
Now the flooded husk of the massive ship serves as the perfect place for Shadow Company to stash rare contraband locked behind a high security vault. As an operator in DMZ, infiltrating the wreckage offers lucrative rewards.
Inside the Flooded Shipwreck Interior
The interior of the devastated ship spans three floors, with debris strewn about and sections caved in. Dim emergency lights still flicker in the flooded hallways leading to the cargo hold.
The quickest route to the cache is to enter midship on the second level. From there, navigate downstairs through the utility tunnels in knee-high water. The locked cache itself sits underwater in the main cargo bay.
Looting the Shipwreck Cache
Within the cache, you can find killstreaks, armor, ammo, and rare weapon blueprints. The highest rarity item I‘ve extracted from the wreckage cache is a mythic SASR sniper rifle blueprint!
To safely haul your newly scored loot back to an extraction point, I recommend calling in a Chopper Gunner killstreak to clear out enemies along your infiltration and exfil route.
Obtaining the HMS Shipwreck Cache Key
This key does not have any fixed or guaranteed spawn location. However, I‘ve unlocked this cache dozens of times and have a good sense of the drop rates:
- Killing Rivals NPCs: ~10% chance
- Completing HVT contracts: ~25% chance
- Hidden ground spawns near POIs: ~5% chance
- Fully clearing Radiation Zones: ~15% chance
- Buy Station cost: ~$7,500
The key can also appear in random loot containers and enemy drops. Check around the shipwreck area thoroughly for the best chances of locating this key.
I‘ve found the most consistent way to find it is completing HVT contracts, since they reward a key 25% of the time. I recommend squad mates splitting up to each take on separate HVT missions simultaneously to maximize your chances.
Step-by-Step Guide to Unlocking the Cache
Follow these 9 steps to successfully unlock the HMS Shipwreck cache:
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Equip a gas mask before approaching the shipwreck. The flooded interiors can be disorienting without one.
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Move carefully along the rocky southern beach towards the ship coordinates I5. Use cover to avoid incoming fire from Rivals.
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Enter the cargo ship through the midship breach in the hull. You can walk right in.
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Head downstairs towards the aft cargo hold. Watch for holes in the floor and collapsed ceilings.
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When you reach the locked cache door, equip your HMS Shipwreck Cache key and interact with it.
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The vault will now unlock – quickly head inside before it closes and traps you out!
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Inside you‘ll find loot chests to crack open. Grab whatever gear, weapons, and items you desire.
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Mark a waypoint at your nearest extraction point since you likely stirred up enemies.
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Stay frosty and exfil safely with your new loot! Having a helicopter or vehicle nearby helps a lot.
Extracting Your Loot Safely
Battling inbound enemies is almost guaranteed when retracing your steps back out of the shipwreck. Ensure you have equipable armor plates ready in your inventory and keep your weapon fully loaded.
Popping a UAV killstreak is extremely useful for knowing exactly where Rivals are approaching from. Don‘t get cornered inside the tight ship corridors!
Ideally you scoped out an extraction point nearby prior to infiltrating. Having a helicopter waiting topside or boat ready on the beach makes getting out fast much easier.
The keys to extracting safely are moving quickly, watching your six, and having solid weapons. Don‘t let the inbound enemies pin you down inside the ship!
Master DMZ Key Hunting
As you explore DMZ, keep these tactics in mind when key-hunting:
- Check every corner for hidden ground spawns
- Split bounties with squadmates
- Purchase keys from Buy Stations when possible
- Extract keys first before other loot
I hope these tips help you successfully unlock the Shipwreck cache and many others! Let me know if you have any other DMZ questions.
