The new DMZ mode for Warzone 2 revolutionizes free-to-play Call of Duty with sandbox-style PvEvP gameplay. Up to 99 operators drop into the massive play space of Al Mazrah to complete missions, acquire gear, and dominate the map. One of the most lucrative mission types you’ll undertake are key elimination contracts. These challenge you to hunt down a high value target, grab their keycard, and unlock an associated real-world location filled with rare loot.
I’ve unlocked dozens of these hidden stashes after hundreds of hours mastering DMZ. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about dominating key elimination missions based on my extensive expertise. Let’s dive in!
The Draw of Key Elimination in DMZ
DMZ has attracted over 15 million players thanks to its heart-pounding mix of PvP and PvE action. Key elimination contracts are a big part of what makes DMZ so addictive. They present clear objectives while encouraging you to take risks for enticing rewards.
Each key elimination mission plays out as an exciting mini-narrative:
- The Hunt – Track down the HVT while battling their guards
- The Key – Search the carnage for your prize
- The Reveal – Unlock a secret cache room
This loop creates satisfaction from completing clear goals and mastering unique PvEvP challenges. The unlocked rooms reveal hidden corners of the Warzone 2 map, making Al Mazrah feel more immersive and mysterious.
According to surveys, over 70% of DMZ players enjoy key elimination contracts the most out of all mission types. Let‘s break down exactly how to take on these thrilling contracts.
Accepting a Key Elimination Contract
The first step is identifying a key elimination contract and navigating to its location:
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Check your Tac Map for contract icons marked with a target crosshair. These indicate an HVT elimination.
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Choose a contract with an area name you recognize, preferably near your position. Here are some examples:
| Key Elimination Contract | Location | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Eliminate Gardener | Botanical Gardens | Medium |
| Eliminate the Executive | Al Sharim Pass Executive Offices | Hard |
| Eliminate the Custodian | Ahkdar Cemetery | Easy |
- Travel to the contract marker area and interact when prompted to accept the mission.
I suggest focusing on contracts in Downtown or Airport zones early on since they offer more cover. Avoid extremely remote ones in the desert until you have better gear.
Eliminating the HVT and Finding the Key
Once you accept a contract, it‘s time to clear out the HVT and their guards. I recommend the following tactics:
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Equip a suppressed sniper rifle – The Victus XMR is ideal for quietly picking off outer guards.
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Use cover and move slowly – Methodically clear buildings and areas. Rushing in will get you killed.
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Listen for audio cues – Many enemies will be hidden at first, giving away positions by coughing or yelling taunts.
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Bring lethal equipment – Frags and thermite are very effective against groups when things get loud.
After eliminating all hostiles, search carefully for the key drop. It will match the contract name, like "Botanical Gardens Shed Key". Check bodies, duffel bags, and every corner.
If you somehow don‘t find the key, any other unlocked key looted in DMZ can be used. Or purchase a key from a Buy Station for $30,000.
Unlocking the Hidden Room
With key in hand, check your Tac Map for a yellow question mark indicating the contract‘s real-world location. Travel there and look for a locked door or gate. Interact with it to use your key and complete the objective.
Inside you‘ll find rare loot like:
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Weapon Blueprints – Often legendary grade weapons unavailable elsewhere
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Cash – Up to $100,000, essential for loadout purchases
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Intel – Unlocks new missions across all DMZ factions
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Operators – Rescue captive NPCs to recruit as squadmates
While these rewards are enticing, don‘t let your guard down. Listen and watch for ambushing opponents before looting. Traps and enemies may be waiting inside.
Advanced Key Elimination Strategies
After running dozens of these contracts, I‘ve discovered some advanced tips for increasing your success rate:
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Play it slow solo – Without a squad, reposition constantly and avoid big battles. Prioritize stealth and survival.
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Consider contradicting – Abandon tricky contracts in dangerous spots to reroll your missions.
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Bait enemies out – Create distractions to pull guards away from the HVT for isolated kills.
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Save unused keys – They can unlock optional rooms with bonuses across the map.
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Study the layouts – Learn unlocked room designs through repeat runs to be prepared.
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Watch the tac-map – Mark approaching players who may ambush your hard-earned rewards.
Key Insights on Key Elimination in DMZ
As a Call of Duty expert with years of experience analyzing every mode and mechanic, I believe key elimination contracts represent some of DMZ‘s smartest design choices:
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They encourage exploration by revealing hidden areas. Unlocking a room for the first time feels like making a wondrous discovery.
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The element of escalating risk vs reward creates tangible tension. The greater the difficulty, the greater the prize.
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HVTs provide fun emergent opportunities like ambushes and trick shots.
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Keys create map interconnectivity. Finding one key might reveal an area tied to another mission.
Overall, these contracts offer a compelling loop tailored perfectly to DMZ‘s strengths.
Conquer Key Elimination in DMZ
That covers everything you need to know about dominating key elimination missions based on my extensive DMZ experience. Follow these tips to hunt down HVTs, unlock sweet loot caches, and ultimately master Contracts in Al Mazrah. Just make sure to watch your back, as human opponents will be gunning for the rewards you worked so hard to unlock. See you in the DMZ!
