Pathfinder is one of the most unique and challenging missions added in the highly anticipated Warzone 2 DMZ mode for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. As a survive-and-escape style extraction mode with dynamic objectives, mastering key missions like Pathfinder is essential for success.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down everything you need to know to complete the Pathfinder mission based on extensive testing and research. You‘ll learn key tips and strategies for efficiently looting the GPS tracker, traversing the map to hit every point of interest, and ultimately extracting against the odds.
Overview of the Pathfinder Mission
Pathfinder tasks you with looting a GPS tracker from a special dead drop, then traveling to every single point of interest (17 in total) marked on your map before extracting.
It‘s one of the more dangerous and time-consuming missions, testing your navigation skills and ability to avoid or engage enemies across much of the massive map. Excellent vehicles and sound strategy are key.
Successfully finishing Pathfinder provides valuable contraband XP to level up your DMZ operator, along with bonus cosmetic rewards for completing missions. It‘s a great way to explore the dense world and unlock content.
Step 1: Loot the GPS Tracker from the Dead Drop
Your first objective is looting the mission-critical GPS tracker item. This is located in a white dumpster dead drop in the northeast corner of the Zaya Observatory POI at coordinates F5 on the map.
When approaching the dead drop, be cautious of enemies in the area. Stealthily clear buildings and use suppressors if engaging hostiles up close.
Once you‘ve secured the area, loot the tracker from the dumpster. Make sure your backpack has a free Contraband slot to pick it up.
With the tracker secured, you can now move onto visiting every location marked on your updated in-game map.
Step 2: Travel To All 17 Points of Interest
Here comes the most challenging and time-intensive part of Pathfinder – systematically traveling to each of the 17 POIs scattered around the massive map within a single exfiltration.
Completing this objective tests both your navigation skills and ability to stay alive against enemies and the encroaching circle collapse. Excellent vehicles and smart route planning are essential.
Use Aircraft To Quickly Travel Between POIs
Given the large distances between points of interest, using aircraft is by far the best option for efficiency and speed.
The Light Helo found at various call-in points allows quick traversal across the map to tick off multiple POIs in short order. Just be ready to deal with AA missiles from enemies.
Alternatively, finding a parked Light Halo (VTOL jet) at Sattiq, Sawah Village, or Hadir Port allows you to briskly fly to every location with speed and style. This is the optimal vehicle for Pathfinder.
Plan Your Route Carefully
Even with aircraft, you‘ll need to carefully plot your route to avoid backtracking and minimize time spent landing.
Generally, circling the outer POIs before working your way inward is an efficient path. But be ready to adapt based on circle collapse, enemy density, and other factors.
Analyze the map layout and points closely to optimize your pathing for minimal detours. Setting waypoints on your Tac Map helps stick to the route.
Drive Ground Vehicles If No Aircraft
Without air transport, you‘ll need to rely on ground vehicles like ATVs, SUVs, or large cargo trucks found around the map. This is far more tedious and dangerous.
Plot a tight circuit hitting accessible coastal POIs first before cutting inward. Having a full squad in separate vehicles helps split up the destinations.
But even in vehicles, expect much longer travel times and frequent enemy engagements on the road. Be extremely cautious and conservative with health and armor.
Step 3: Extract with the GPS Tracker
After ticking off all 17 POIs, making a swift escape to an extraction point with the GPS tracker in your contraband slot is the final hurdle.
If you still have an aircraft, book it directly to the nearest extraction site listed on your map, such as Rohan Oil or Taraq Village. Engage air defenses quickly before they can damage your vehicle.
Alternatively, ground vehicles can drive to more centrally located extractions like Mawizeh Marshlands or Zaya Observatory. But expect heavy resistance, so stay armored up.
With circle collapse encroaching, you‘ll be hard pressed for time, so don‘t bother fighting enemies on your extraction route. Focus only on escaping safely once all POIs have been visited.
Getting the payload out with all objectives complete provides great rewards and satisfaction!
Tips and Best Practices for Pathfinder
Completing the Pathfinder mission tests all your Warzone 2 DMZ skills. Keep these tips in mind for improving your success:
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Pack ammo, armor plates, and meds – You‘ll encounter lots of enemies, so come prepared with full ammo reserves, maximum armor plates, and medicine for sustaining health.
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Use suppressors when fighting – Reducing noise keeps enemies from swarming your location, allowing safer traversal between POIs.
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Play conservatively – Avoid unnecessary risks to survive the duration of this marathon mission. Keep rearming and replenishing health.
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Bring squadmates – Having teammates in separate vehicles lets you quickly split up POIs. Cover each other when disembarking at hot spots.
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Master aircraft – Expertly piloting Light Halos, Helos, or Choppers prevents crashes and anti-air attacks from ruining your progress.
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Study the map – Knowing the map terrain and points of interest lets you optimize pathing and navigation for efficiency.
Conclusion
Pathfinder is an exciting challenge for Warzone 2 DMZ veterans looking to test their skills in unique ways. While difficult, mastering the tips and strategies outlined in this guide will help you loot the tracker, hit every POI, and extract successfully with this satisfying mission complete.
From optimizing vehicles and routes to gearing up properly and extracting safely, follow the advice outlined here to overcome Pathfinder and continue growing your DMZ Operator. Best of luck taking to the skies and roads of Al Mazrah in pursuit of victory!
