Warzone 2.0‘s new DMZ mode offers players an immersive sandbox experience filled with high stakes extractions, dangerous AI enemies, and most importantly, coveted loot. Keys in DMZ provide exclusive access to stashes containing rare items that can give you a significant edge. One of the most valuable keys is the Scientist‘s Locker Key, granting access to top tier loot hidden away in the Zaya Observatory point of interest (POI). In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about tracking down this key and claiming the epic rewards inside the Scientist‘s Locker.
An Introduction to the Addictive World of DMZ
For those new to Warzone 2.0, DMZ is an open-world narrative-focused extraction mode supporting up to three player squads. Matches take place on Warzone 2.0’s brand new map, Al Mazrah – an intricately detailed battleground complete with urban city centers, sprawling rural outposts, and coastal shores spread across diverse biomes.
DMZ mixes PvP and PvE elements. The goal is to complete faction missions, gather loot, and exfiltrate successfully while contending with dangerous AI enemies and other players looking to score your hard-earned rewards. It incorporates RPG mechanics like an inventory system for building up your arsenal over time. The loot you extract directly impacts progression, so collecting high quality weapons, equipment, and killstreaks is key.
This is where keys come into play. Keys provide exclusive access to stashes containing rare items you won’t find anywhere else. With greater risk comes greater reward, so let’s learn how to track down one of the most coveted keys on Al Mazrah.
Pinpointing the Location of the Scientist’s Locker at Zaya Observatory
The Scientist’s Locker Key unlocks a stash full of elite loot tucked away inside Zaya Observatory, located centrally on Al Mazrah.
Zaya Observatory is built into a rocky ridgeline just northwest of the City of Al Sharim Pass, identifiable from a distance by its large central structure with a parabolic dish and prominent radio tower.
When approaching Zaya Observatory, ascend the hill from the west. About 150 meters north of the main building, you’ll spot a angled man-made tunnel leading into the base of the ridge. This serves as the entrance to the underground room containing the Scientist’s Locker.
Inside the cramped hallway, you‘ll find the unassuming locker tucked around the corner to the right, next to some rusty shelving and barrels. Interact with it to use your hard-earned key and unlock a wealth of rare loot.
Obtaining the Coveted Scientist’s Locker Key
Now that we know precisely where to utilize the Scientist’s Locker Key, let‘s examine the various ways to acquire this valuable key in DMZ mode:
Looting – A Rare Random Drop
- The Scientist’s Locker Key has a 1.2% chance to randomly spawn as ground loot across Al Mazrah
- Also can appear in Supply Boxes with a 0.8% drop rate
- Check any loot source thoroughly for a small shot at obtaining the key
Defeating Elite Enemies
- Heavy Armored AI enemies have a 2% chance to drop the key when eliminated
- Using stealth takedowns boosts odds to 2.5%.
- Other bosses like The Lion have a 1% drop rate. Take them out for a risky roll of the dice!
Completing Contracts
- High stakes contracts can reward keys upon completion
- Black Site Deals in particular have a 25% chance to drop Scientist’s Locker Key as a bonus
- Completing the Legendary Weapon Case contract also yields a 5% shot at the key
Taking Down the HVT
- The High Value Target contract has a 40% chance to reward the Scientist’s Locker Key for a successful execution
- Compete aggressively for this contract to boost your odds
As you can see, obtaining the Scientist’s Locker Key requires dedication, skill, and a bit of luck. Keys are intentionally rare, so perseverance and cunning tactics are musts on the hunt for this coveted item. But the loot you’ll unlock is well worth the effort.
Navigating to the Locker and Securing the Loot
Upon finally acquiring the Scientist’s Locker Key, you’ll need an extraction strategy to safely reach the locker location and escape with your newfound rewards.
When plotting your insertion to Zaya Observatory, opt for a discrete flanking route through cover to avoid detection. Traversing open areas increases the risk of engagement. Use suppressors whenever possible to remain stealthy if confrontation occurs.
Once inside the Observatory, crouch walk approximately 150 meters north of the central structure to locate the angled tunnel entrance marked on your Tac Map. Listen intently for enemy activity as you descend into the underground hallway.
Inside, sneak up to the Scientist‘s Locker tucked around the corner by the rusty shelves. Unlock swiftly and equip any useful loot like heavy weapons or killstreaks that can aid your extraction.
Mark the nearest viable exfil point outside Zaya Observatory. Use your compass and mini-map to cautiously navigate towards extraction, avoiding high traffic zones like Roads, Treasure Chests, and Buy Stations.
With some skill and strategy, you’ll successfully unlock the secrets of the Scientist’s Locker and turn its rare contents into rewards you can leverage for future matches.
Inventorying the Epic Loot Within the Scientist’s Stash
Cracking open the Scientist’s Locker grants access to an assortment of elite, high-rarity loot. While the exact contents are partially randomized, here are some of the goodies you can expect to discover inside:
Primary Weapons
- RPK (Legendary) – Fully loaded with 5 attachments like the SZ 1MW PEQ laser and FTAC Castle Comp
- Victus XMR (Legendary) – Comes equipped with VLK 8.0x Spotter optic and SOFT Grip tape
- TAQ-V (Epic) – Preconfigured with cool attachments like the Schlager ULO-66 barrel
Lethal Equipment
- Proximity Mine
- Claymore
- Throwing Knife
Tactical Equipment
- Stim
- Snapshot Grenade
- Heartbeat Sensor
Killstreaks
- Cluster Mine
- Precision Airstrike
- UAV
- Armor Box
Perks
- Surplus – Carry 3 pieces of equipment
- Cold Blooded – Undetectable by AI targeting systems
As you can see, cracking the Scientist’s Locker gives you access to loadout items rarely found anywhere else on Al Mazrah. With this kind of elite loot, you‘re guaranteed to gain a tactical advantage on the DMZ battlefield.
Loadout Strategies to Maximize the Locker Loot
To fully capitalize on the rare loot you acquire, build a complementary loadout tailored to the items you obtained. Here are some suggested loadouts based on the most common Scientist Locker drops:
Long Range Sniper Loadout
- Primary: Victus XMR (from Locker)
- Secondary: PDSW 528 Submachine Gun
- Tactical: Snapshot Grenade
- Lethal: Proximity Mine
- Perk 1: Overkill
- Perk 2: Tracker
- Perk 3: Spotter
CQB Breacher Loadout
- Primary: TAQ-V (from Locker)
- Secondary: Expedite 12 Shotgun
- Tactical: Stim
- Lethal: Throwing Knife
- Perk 1: Quick Fix
- Perk 2: Radar
- Perk 3: Battle Hardened
The core concept is pairing your rare primary weapon with a complementary secondary based on engagement range. Perks like Spotter and Radar help you scout and anticipate enemy locations. The exact gear depends on your playstyle, but the key is syncing your full loadout with the Scientist‘s Locker loot.
Other Noteworthy Keys Hidden Across Al Mazrah
While the Scientist’s Locker Key tops the list of rare keys, here are some other noteworthy keys offering access to exclusive loot caches across the DMZ map:
Sawah Crypto Key
This key unlocks a room full of rare crypto mining tech in the village of Sawah, southeast of Sa’id City. Possible loot includes Packed M4 weapons, Expedite 12 shotguns, and ascender cables for elevated infiltrations.
Rohan Tunnels Key
Found in the City of Rohan, this key opens a stash room near the main garment factory containing loadout items to get you battle ready fast. Expect equipment like flashbangs, gas grenades, armor bundles, and ascender cables.
Rohan Control Key
Unlocks a locker room inside the central government building of Rohan with killstreaks and high-level weapon attachments like the FSS Covert V Silencer and 16” Bruen Cyclone Barrel.
Airport Control Tower Keycard
Grants access to the Airport Control Tower armory southwest of Rohan with rare new-generation assault rifles like the STB 556 and rare optics like the Schlager 3.4x Optic.
Make locating and leveraging these keys a priority to unlock valuable early game loadout advantages and unique loot to expand your arsenal.
Master DMZ and Reap the Rewards
DMZ offers immense replayability through randomized loot and emergent sandbox gameplay. But success requires dedication, strategic mastery, and key knowledge. Now that you know precisely how to obtain the Scientist’s Locker Key and unlock its epic contents, you have intel that can ultimately translate into extraction profits.
Keep the tips in this guide in mind during your next Warzone 2.0 session. Scout supply boxes methodically. Seize contracts aggressively. And capitalize on the unique loot you acquire through tailored loadout synergy. Enjoy the mysterious and intriguing world of DMZ, where preparation and cunning are rewarded with success. Happy hunting!
