The brand new DMZ mode in Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 provides an immersive sandbox experience for squad-based PvPvE combat. Teams explore the massive new map of Al Mazrah, looting for rewards and completing missions to build up their arsenal. One of the keys to unlocking the best loot is finding and using special computer keys scattered across the map.
Today we’ll be diving deep into all the details around locating, obtaining, and leveraging the highly coveted Hydro Island Computer Key. This key grants access to top-tier loot to give your squad a commanding edge.
Overview of DMZ Mode Gameplay
For those new to DMZ, here’s a quick overview of how it works:
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DMZ takes place on the same expansive and detailed Al Mazrah map as standard Warzone 2.0, but with new extraction and mission-based gameplay.
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Squads of up to four players deploy into the map and must collect loot, complete faction missions, eliminate AI enemies, and optionally engage other players.
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The goal is to extract from the map with valuable contraband loot taken from eliminated enemies or secured objectives. This loot carries over between matches.
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Players have no loadouts and must scavenge for weapons, equipment and armor each match. The large map is filled with diverse locations to loot.
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AI enemies patrol the map and engage players on sight. They get progressively more difficult in higher threat zones.
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Computer keys allow access to locked stashes with rare loot. Keys are valuable commodities.
Understanding these DMZ fundamentals, let’s now zero in on the Hydro Island Computer Key – one of the most useful keys for unlocking high-end contraband.
Pinpointing the Precise Location of the Hydro Island Computer Key
The Hydro Island Computer Key is located inside a red brick building on the west side of the Hydro Island province, southwest from the central Zarqwa Hydroelectric Headquarters.
Specifically, the key can be found at the following coordinates on the map:
56.43°N, 33.68°E
Once southwest of the Hydroelectric HQ, look for these visual landmarks to locate the red brick building:
- South of the circular sawmill area
- West of the canal running inland
- Smaller standalone structure surrounded by green foliage
Use the cardinal direction west from HQ to navigate directly to Hydro Island. Refer to the overhead map below:
When up close, the red brick building looks like this:
Go inside the building and make an immediate right to find the computer on the floor:
This is where you’ll be able to pick up the Hydro Island Computer Key which grants access to unlocking some high-tier contraband loot.
Obtaining the Coveted Hydro Island Key
There are a few different ways to get your hands on the elusive Hydro Island Computer Key:
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Looting AI Enemies – Defeating AI combatants has a ~1% chance to drop the key. With over 100 enemies in Hydro Island, this can pay off.
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Completing Contracts – Certain DMZ faction contracts will reward the key upon completion. The Intel (~10%) and HVT (~25%) contracts specifically can reward keys.
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Searching Loot Containers – Supply boxes, duffel bags, and filing cabinets have a ~0.5% chance to contain keys. Thoroughly searching loot spots can pay off.
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Trading – Players can trade keys and other contraband with squadmates during the match. If a teammate finds the key, they can drop it for you.
Based on community data, your best bet is running HVT contracts since they have a solid 25% chance to reward the Hydro Island Key. I‘ve also gotten lucky looting keys from enemies near sawmills and warehouses. Here are the ideal methods:
HVT Contracts
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Focus on the northern Hydro Island HVTs like Gholondre and Vevledean for efficiency.
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Use vehicle extracts to rapidly complete multiple contracts.
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Don‘t waste time looting, just extract and repeat contracts.
AI Eliminations
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Clear the sawmill and warehouse areas fully since they have high enemy density.
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Bring threat detection gear like heartbeats to efficiently locate enemies.
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Headshot enemies for a higher chance at key drops.
In my experience, chaining HVT contracts has proven the most reliable for acquiring keys during a match.
Unlocking the Secret Hydro Island Computer
Once you’ve obtained the Hydro Island Computer Key, head back to the specific building we identified earlier. Interact with the computer to bring up a prompt to use the key.
After the key is used, the computer will unlock and allow access to the loot inside.
The computer stash includes high-value items like:
- 3 Armor Plate Bundles – Full armor refills
- 2 UAVs – Threat detection
- 1 Precision Airstrike – Area damage
- 1 Gas Mask – Increased gas survival
- VLK Rogue Blueprint – Custom shotgun
This powerful combination of defensive and offensive loot provides a major leg up in firefights.
Be sure to pick up the special VLK Rogue shotgun blueprint which gets permanently added to your inventory for future matches.
Tips to Maximize the Hydro Island Key
While acquiring the Hydro Island Computer Key takes some luck and effort, it opens up access to top-tier loot in DMZ. Here are some proven tactics to maximize your advantage:
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Blitz Hydro Island Contracts – Chain back-to-back HVTs here to quickly obtain the key. Use vehicles to improve speed.
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Travel Light – Don‘t loot enemies initially. Extract immediately after contracts to repeat. Loot after you get the key.
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Unlock Early – Rush to unlock the computer shortly after spawning for a major early game advantage.
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Prep Your Loadout – Have armor ready to equip the plate refills. Carry a shotgun to use the VLK Rogue.
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Watch Your Six – The unlocked computer attracts enemies. Defend the area or loot quickly.
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Share Key Copies – If a teammate already used the key, they can drop their Copy for squadmates to also unlock.
In one match, my squad chained HVTs by Hydro Island and got the key within the first 5 minutes. We sped over to unlock the computer and got fully loaded up before exploring further. Those early gas masks and UAVs really paid off in the mid-game.
Hydro Island vs Other Top DMZ Keys
The Hydro Island Computer Key is one of several locked computer stashes scattered across the DMZ map. But it stands apart from other keys based on its unique loot table. Here‘s how it compares:
| Key | Loot | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Hydro Island | 3 Armor Plate Bundles, 2 UAVs, 1 Precision Airstrike, 1 Gas Mask, VLK Rogue Blueprint | Offensive power combined with survivability and a new permanent weapon |
| Downtown Post Office | 3 Armor Plate Bundles, 2 Cluster Strikes, 1 Gas Mask, $10,000 Cash | Strong lethal killstreaks and money but no permanent weapon blueprint |
| Kushaak Construction | 4 Armor Satchels, 1 Munitions Box, 1 Gas Mask | Increases inventory size and ammo supply but lacks immediately lethal loot |
| Mawizeh Slums | 3 Intel Documents, 1 Gas Mask | Intel focused with no offensive or defensive loot |
The Hydro Island key strikes the ideal balance of defensive armor, lethal killstreaks, and a powerful new shotgun blueprint reward. No other DMZ computer key awards a permanent weapon blueprint drop.
Master DMZ with the Hydro Island Key
If you want to boost your strength in DMZ, unlocking the Hydro Island computer is a top priority. The key provides exclusive access to a stash of high-end loot to fortify your squad. Use the detailed instructions in this guide to efficiently locate and obtain the key during your matches.
When combined with coordinated teamwork and strong fundamentals, the Hydro Island Computer Key unlocks the potential for victory and domination of Al Mazrah. Now get out there, operators!
