With the launch of Warzone 2.0 and the introduction of the expansive new DMZ mode, one of the most valuable keys for players to acquire early on is the Rusted Fridge Key. This guide will provide everything you need to know about locating this key, unlocking its rewards, and leveraging it strategically in DMZ matches.
A Primer on Call of Duty: Warzone 2 DMZ
Before diving into the key details, let’s quickly overview DMZ mode itself for those less familiar with this new open-world extraction gameplay.
What is DMZ?
DMZ is an immersive, narrative-driven experience that drops Operators into the war-torn city of Al Mazrah in squads of up to three. Set after the events of the Modern Warfare II campaign, DMZ tasks players with infiltrating the Exclusion Zone to complete missions, gather valuable contraband and faction reputation, and extract safely.
It combines PvPvE gameplay pitting you against lethal AI combatants from factions controlling Al Mazrah as well as other player Operators. Matches feature RPG elements like looting, inventory management, merchant trading, and objectives that persist between matches.
Key DMZ Gameplay Mechanics
Here are some of the core gameplay mechanics that define the DMZ experience:
- Open World Extraction: Freely explore the sprawling map of Al Mazrah across dozens of named POIs and interiors. Extract safely at exfil sites when ready.
- AI Enemies: Fight against AI combatants from factions like Al-Qatala, the Legion, and White Lotus.
- Weapon Persistence: Insured weapons can be used across matches. Looted contraband must be successfully extracted.
- Inventory System: Manage your backpack space carefully while looting. Deposit extra gear in weapon caches.
- Missions: Complete diverse objectives like eliminating HVTs, securing intel, and clearing strongholds.
- Loadouts: Build your custom Operator loadout with preferred guns, perks, and equipment to match your playstyle.
- Progression: Earn XP, rank up, and unlock new items through gameplay. Improve faction standings.
- Squad Respawn: Revive downed teammates to stay in the fight.
Why Keys Matter in DMZ
With the basics covered, let’s examine why collecting keys is so important for your success and survival in the DMZ.
- Unlock Hidden Loot – Keys grant access to stashed supplies and exclusive blueprints otherwise inaccessible.
- Unique Rewards – These locked caches contain rare weapon blueprints, attachments, and valuable contraband to extract.
- Enable Missions – Certain keys are required to start high-reward faction missions.
- Progression – Obtaining keys drives forward account progression and strength building.
- Valuable Commodities – Keys can be sold to fellow Operators or traded for other loot.
Having the right keys is a massive advantage, so veterans prioritize tracking down key locations early on.
Introducing the Rusted Fridge Key
Now let’s focus our attention on the extremely valuable Rusted Fridge Key – one of the most sought-after keys during the first few hours of DMZ progression.
Overview of the Rusted Fridge Key
The Rusted Fridge Key is a fixed-spawn key accessible very early on in DMZ matches. It unlocks a hidden underwater cache containing the exclusive Whitley LMG blueprint.
As one of the only LMG options available initially, acquiring this dominant, high-damage weapon this quickly can transform your firepower potential. It‘s an incredible accelerator for Operator development.
Rusted Fridge Key Cache Rewards
Here are the confirmed rewards for unlocking the Rusted Fridge Key cache:
- Whitley LMG Blueprint – This defaults to an epic rarity blueprint. Provides the base Whitley before attachments.
- $3,000 Cash – Useful cash infusion to purchase loadout items or buy key intel.
- 1 Armor Plate – Early sustenance to endure enemy damage.
- 2x Stun Grenades – Tactical equipment to control engagements.
Ideal Timing for the Rusted Fridge Key
- Difficulty Tiers – The key can be acquired on any difficulty. Harder tiers yield more cache rewards.
- Operator Level – Best obtained as soon as possible when starting out. Massively amplifies strength.
- Squad Size – Solo players benefit the most from the early LMG. Duos or trios can better fill combat roles.
- Map Familiarity – Knowing the set key location allows efficiently targeting it.
This guide will outline the exact location to find this high-value Rusted Fridge Key, how to unlock the cache, tips for effectively using your prize LMG, and key strategies for DMZ domination. Let’s dive in.
Rusted Fridge Key Location in Warzone 2 DMZ
The Rusted Fridge Key has a fixed spawn location just offshore from the Beach Club point of interest. Here are the steps to retrieve it:
Step 1 – Infiltrate Al Mazrah
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Join a DMZ lobby and launch into Al Mazrah.
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When selecting a landing zone, choose an infiltration point near the coast like Beach Club or Port.
Step 2 – Approach the Beach Club
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After infiltration, make your way southeast towards the Beach Club POI.
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Exercise caution and clear any enemies in the area. This region often has Legion forces patrolling early.
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If needed, acquire a scavenged weapon first to defend yourself.
Step 3 – Head to the Pier
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Move south of Beach Club to the long pier extending out into the water.
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There will likely be some moderate enemy resistance around this mostly open area.
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Push forward using cover like concrete barriers and disabled vehicles.
Rusted Fridge Key location marked on the Al Mazrah DMZ map
Step 4 – Locate the Rope
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When you reach the end of the pier, look for a rope hanging down into the water.
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This is located on the east side of the pier near some metal scaffolding.
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Equip a night vision scope or use a flare if conducting this at night.
Step 5 – Dive Underwater
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Swim out from the pier and dive underwater following the rope.
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Descent until you reach the sea floor roughly 15-20 feet down.
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Make sure you have full breath capacity before submerging.
Step 6 – Unlock the Cache
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At the bottom along the rope is a sunken cache box. Interact with it to retrieve the Rusted Fridge Key.
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With the key now in your inventory, return to land to unlock the matching cache.
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Optionally attach a Dive Tank from your loadout to extend underwater duration.
And that‘s all it takes to obtain this extremely valuable Rusted Fridge Key!
The reliable fixed location right near a starting infiltration site makes it easily accessible within the first 5-10 minutes of a DMZ match. Now let‘s see how to make use of your prize.
Unlocking the Rusted Fridge Key Cache
With the Rusted Fridge Key in your inventory, you can now unlock its corresponding loot cache tucked discreetly nearby.
Cache Location
The Rusted Fridge Key cache can be found on land directly southeast of the Beach Club.
Look for a cache box sitting against a rock wall right next to some fuel tanks and white barrels. It blends in well, so keep an eye out.
Rusted Fridge Key Cache Location
Unlocking the Cache
Interact with the cache box to bring up the prompt to use your Rusted Fridge Key.
Input the key and the cache will unlock, granting you access to the exclusive rewards inside.
This includes the Whitley LMG blueprint which should immediately be equipped as your primary weapon.
Recommended Loadout
When using the Whitley LMG, we recommend complementing it with:
- Riot Shield – For increased protection on approach
- Spotter – Highlights enemies and lootable items
- Tracker – Detect enemy movements
- Any Medium/Long Range Weapon – For alternate engagement ranges
This loadout caters to the Whitley‘s strengths. Now let‘s review tips for mastering this mighty LMG.
Tips for Using the Whitley LMG Effectively
The Whitley distinct strengths that make it extremely effective are:
- High Damage – Expect 3-4 shot kills at most ranges. Devastates enemies.
- Large Magazine – 100 round belt provides sustained fire. Great for suppression.
- Low Recoil – Very controllable for an LMG with the right attachments.
- Fast ADS Speed – Surprisingly quick aim down sight speed for its class.
However, be aware of its weaknesses:
- Lower Mobility – Among the slowest movement speeds in class.
- Long Reload – Reloads leave you vulnerable. Use windows carefully.
- Variable Performance – Shines most in mid range engagements.
Here are 5 key tips for dominating with the Whitley:
1. Leverage the Large Magazine
Continuous fire is extremely powerful. Don‘t be shy with ammunition and take advantage of those 100 rounds.
2. Control Engagement Distance
Medium range plays to the Whitley‘s accuracy. Avoid extreme close quarters where SMGs overpower it.
3. Mount and Manipulate Angles
Mounting stabilizes its precision while firing. Be patient and hold power positions.
4. Equip For Recoil Control
Optimize recoil reducing attachments like the Sachse Precision Barrel. Makes it a laser beam.
5. Paired Sidearm
Carry an agile SMG or shotgun to compensate for the Whitley‘s CQC weakness.
Following these tips, you‘ll be nearly unstoppable with your new heavy hitter LMG at the ready.
Additional Sources for the Rusted Fridge Key
While the underwater cache at the Beach Club pier is the only guaranteed spawn location, here are a couple other potential sources for the Rusted Fridge Key:
Enemy AI Drops
All enemies have a small chance (~1%) to randomly drop keys when eliminated. With luck, the Rusted Fridge Key can drop from any faction.
Loot Containers
Open any chests, duffel bags, or lootable items found around the map. These have a ~3% chance to contain random keys.
HVT Contracts
Completing High Value Target contracts rewards you with contraband items. These may rarely include DMZ keys like the Rusted Fridge Key.
However, these sources are unreliable and inconsistent. Locating the fixed spawn is by far the most efficient approach.
Key Finder Intel and Purchasing Keys
Once you progress Operator rank in DMZ, new options open up for acquiring keys:
Key Finder Intel
This rare intel reveals locations of keys on your tac map for 60 seconds. Let‘s you efficiently hunt multiple keys.
Buy Keys
Purchase keys from Buy Stations for $5,000 – $15,000 based on rarity. Provides another avenue if struggling to find.
However, these require DMZ progression to unlock. When just starting out, target that reliable Rusted Fridge Key spawn!
Top Keys to Prioritize Early On
While this guide has focused on the Rusted Fridge Key, here are 5 other top keys to target early on:
| Key Name | Reward Highlight |
|---|---|
| XRZ Key | X13 Auto Pistol Blueprint |
| Village Watch Key | $100,000 Cash |
| Lion‘s Den Key | Foresight Lethal |
| Chemist Key | Gas Grenade Blueprint |
| King‘s Palace Key | Unmarked Weapon Case |
Again, prioritizing keys nets massive rewards. These represent some of the most lucrative options when powering up your Operator during the first hours of play.
Key Strategy Tips for DMZ Domination
Let‘s wrap up with some key hunting strategies I‘ve learned across my extensive DMZ experience:
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Memorize set spawns – Fixed locations are vastly more efficient than random drops.
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Equip Spotter – Highlights lootable caches through walls to easily identify.
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Buy key intel – Pay for clues at Buy Stations to add to your map.
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Clear areas methodically – Secure zones before stopping to search thoroughly for hides stashes.
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Deposit keys – Store duplicates in caches to avoid losing them when dying or extracting.
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Trade and sell – Barter with squadmates or merchants to exchange keys.
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Level up quickly – Unlocks key purchasing and bonuses to find rates.
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Play contracts – HVT missions provide keys as rewards.
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Watch the skies – Look for contraband smoke plumes guiding you to loot.
Follow these tips along with the intel in this guide and you‘ll be fully equipped to track down those invaluable keys, starting with claiming the mighty Rusted Fridge Key to ignite your DMZ domination!
Thank you for reading and hopefully this guide has armed you with everything needed to conquer DMZ matches. Stay tuned for more CoD: Warzone 2 strategies and analysis!
