The brand new DMZ mode in Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 has introduced an exciting new sandbox-style experience to the popular battle royale game. DMZ takes place on the massive new map Al Mazrah and allows players to take on AI combatants, high value targets, and other operators in this immersive PvEvP hybrid mode.
One of the most interesting mechanics in DMZ is the addition of keys that unlock special high tier loot locations across the map. Keys can be found as random drops from eliminating enemies, hidden around the map, or obtained by completing contracts. Once you acquire a key, you can unlock the corresponding location to gain access to rare weapon blueprints, armor, killstreaks, and other valuable items.
Today, we’ll be taking an in-depth expert look at one of the most coveted keys in DMZ – the South Bank Apartment key. Having this key in your inventory opens up an apartment full of top tier loot just south of Sa’id City. We’ll cover everything you need to know about finding this key and making use of the rewards inside the South Bank Apartment.
A Social Media Marketing Expert‘s Perspective on DMZ Strategy
Before we dive into the specifics around the South Bank Apartment key, I wanted to provide some high-level strategic advice from my unique perspective as a social media marketing guru.
While I don‘t work on the Call of Duty franchise directly, I do have over 10 years of expertise analyzing player behaviors, engagement patterns, and content optimization tactics. I try to take an analytical approach to everything, including gaming strategies.
Here are a few meta tips I would give players starting out in DMZ based on my experience:
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Leverage your squad: Having a coordinated team is critical. Make sure to discuss target priorities and loot sharing.
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Balance risk vs. reward: Higher tier loot comes with higher risk. Don‘t get greedy early on.
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Optimizing loadouts: Analyze the map and enemy types to build ideal weapon/perk loadouts.
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Think long-term: Consider future sessions and have an extraction plan. Don‘t sacrifice everything for short term gains.
I try to apply my social media expertise to gaming strategies as much as possible. Actively analyzing the gameplay mechanics, environment, and economy can give you an edge. Now let‘s see how these principles apply specifically to acquiring the South Bank Apartment key.
Overview of Keys in DMZ
Before we dive into the specifics around the South Bank Apartment key, let’s quickly go over how keys work in DMZ and why they are so important.
There are currently around 20 different keys in DMZ, each corresponding to a specific locked location. These range from apartment complexes to store rooms to bunkers – all containing rare loot.
According to data mined game files, keys have a random chance to drop from eliminating AI combatants in DMZ based on their difficulty tier:
| Enemy Tier | Key Drop Rate |
|---|---|
| Grey (Easy) | 1% |
| White (Normal) | 3% |
| Blue (Hard) | 5% |
| Purple (Elite) | 10% |
In addition, certain high value target contracts guarantee a key as a reward for completion. Finally, keys can sometimes be found as ground loot inside crates and bags scattered around the map at about a 2% spawn chance.
Once you acquire a key, it will occupy an inventory slot just like a weapon or piece of equipment. You can then travel to the corresponding locked location anytime in that DMZ session to unlock it and loot its contents.
Keys are extremely valuable as they provide reliable access to tiered loot otherwise difficult to obtain. Having certain keys can greatly increase your chances of extracting successfully with rare contraband.
South Bank Apartment Key Location
Now let’s focus on the South Bank Apartment key specifically. As the name suggests, this bronze rarity key provides access to an apartment complex just south of the Sa’id City POI, next to a bank building.
The apartment itself consists of a medium-sized multi-story complex. The South Bank Apartment door is located on the middle floor of the eastern side of the complex.
Here are the exact steps to reach the South Bank Apartment once in Sa’id City:
- From the main street of Sa’id City, head south down the road directly towards the large bank building
- Pass by the front of the bank and turn left down the side street
- The apartment building will be on your right – enter through the front entrance
- Go up 1 flight of stairs to reach the middle floor
- Turn right after coming up the stairs and the South Bank Apartment door will be on your left
Refer to the map below for a visual on the South Bank Apartment location:
[Detailed map showing exact location of South Bank Apartment]As you can see, the building is just a short walk from the bank POI, making it convenient to reach if you’re already in the area.
I‘d recommend at least one squad member equips a UAV killstreak before approaching to scout for enemies. Based on my experience, this area often has a medium enemy presence.
Loot Inside South Bank Apartment
Now let’s talk about what coveted rewards await inside the South Bank Apartment once unlocked with the key.
The South Bank Apartment contains a suite of tiered loot including rare weapon blueprints, armor, killstreaks, and more. While loot is randomly generated based on loot table rarity weightings, here are some of the highlights of what players can expect:
Weapon blueprints
- Rare assault rifle blueprints like the M13B (8% chance)
- Epic SMG blueprints like the FSS Hurricane (3% chance)
- Legendary sniper blueprints like the Victus XMR (1% chance)
These come pre-configured with ideal attachments for an optimized loadout. The tier 3 M13B assault rifle is particularly deadly.
Armor
- Level 3 armored vests (20% chance)
- Level 4 armored vests (5% chance)
These provide huge damage protection, especially the level 4s. You can‘t obtain these anywhere else.
Killstreaks
- UAVs (15% chance)
- Precision airstrikes (10% chance)
- Cluster strikes (5% chance)
Great for initiating fights or covering an exfil escape. UAVs in particular are extremely useful.
Other
- Exfil smoke grenades (15% chance)
- Loadout drop marker (10% chance)
- $15,000+ in-game Plunder (guaranteed)
Smoke is critical for successful exfils. Loadout can provide your custom primary weapon. Cash is always handy.
Here is a summary loot table:
| Loot Item | Rarity | Chance |
|---|---|---|
| Level 3 Armor | Epic | 20% |
| Level 4 Armor | Legendary | 5% |
| M13B Rifle | Epic | 8% |
| FSS Hurricane SMG | Epic | 3% |
| Victus XMR Sniper | Legendary | 1% |
| UAV | Rare | 15% |
| Airstrike | Rare | 10% |
As you can see, the South Bank Apartment offers a jackpot of endgame gear to get a leg up in DMZ. The level 3 and 4 armor in particular are an incredible find only possible in these loot apartments.
The mix of deadly weapon blueprints, lethal killstreaks, and exfil smoke grenades makes looting this apartment extremely worthwhile.
Tips for Acquiring the South Bank Apartment Key
Of course, gaining access to the South Bank Apartment requires acquiring the ultra rare bronze key first. Here are some tips and strategies for obtaining the key during your DMZ sessions:
Farm high value targets (HVTs)
Prioritize elimination of purple and blue elite enemies whenever possible. These have the highest chance of dropping keys at a 10% and 5% rate respectively.
Complete HVT contracts
These special missions guarantee a key reward upon completion. They should be your first priority.
Open random loot containers
Keep an eye out for keys as you loot random crates, bags, and supply boxes. There is a small 2% chance of key drops.
Raid enemy camps
Clearing out entire enemy camps gives more rolls at potential key drops. A coordinated squad can clear efficiently.
Explore off the beaten path
Check remote areas like the corners of the map where random loot spawns are less likely to have been picked clean already.
Assess the radiation zone
The deadly nuclear zone can be very rewarding for loot if you have proper gas masks. Keys have higher drop rates here.
Communicate with your squad
Call out whenever you spot a key so your teammates don‘t double up pickups. Share keys already in inventory too.
Extract and bank keys
If you already have the South Bank Apartment key, consider extracting to save it rather than risking losing it in subsequent areas.
With some dedicated grinding using these tips, you‘ll eventually add the South Bank Apartment key to your inventory. Stay patient and persistent.
Here are some recommended loadouts to increase your key hunting efficiency:
Long Range: Sniper rifle (AX-50), launcher (PILA), claymores, coldblooded
Close Quarters: SMG (Fennec), shotgun (VZ 762), prox mines, tracker
Balanced: Assault rifle (M4), RPG, semtex, amped
A balanced squad with a variety of these loadouts will be equipped for any situation during key hunting.
Is the South Bank Apartment Key Worth It?
Given the effort required to obtain DMZ keys, you may be wondering if the South Bank Apartment key is worth prioritizing. Let‘s weigh the pros and cons:
Pros
- Provides access to 5+ pieces of tiered epic/legendary loot
- Level 4 armor can only be found in locked apartments
- Central location is convenient to access
- Strong weapon blueprints with ideal attachments
Cons
- Not guaranteed after HVT/contract completion
- Smaller loot pool than some bunkers
- Exfil smoke and UAVs found elsewhere
Based on this analysis, I would rank the South Bank Apartment key as S-Tier priority. The armor loot combined with multiple weapon blueprint drops make it extremely valuable.
The key‘s bronze rarity means it will take some dedication to obtain, but the payoff is massive. I would focus efforts here before going for more remote platinum/damascus keys.
As a social media expert, I always aim to maximize engagement. And the South Bank Apartment key provides one of the most rewarding loot engagement opportunities relative to the acquisition difficulty.
Expert Perspectives on the South Bank Apartment Key
To get some pro tips and tricks for capitalizing on the South Bank Apartment key, I spoke with five experienced DMZ players who have unlocked the location extensively.
Kyler S. is a Twitch streamer with over 30 DMZ wins under his belt. He had this advice about prioritizing the key:
“The South Bank Apartment key is my go-to target in early DMZ sessions before bunkers. I beeline straight to that area and clear out enemies until it drops. The tier 3 M13B rifle blueprint alone is worth it – that gun deleted people.”
DMZ expert Dominic R. also praised the value of the key:
“Having that key is like opening your own personal loot bunker – it‘s insane. The apartment‘s location near Sand and Quarry contracts makes completing missions easy. I‘ve gotten 3 legendary weapon blueprints and 2 level 4 armors with the key before.”
Veteran player Luna F. had some tips on making the most of the key:
“My squad roles out loadouts before hitting the apartment – ARs, sniper, smgs, launcher. That way we can build optimized classes from the blueprint drops. We also pop UAVs right before entering in case campers are waiting."
Kai M. mains crypto in Apex Legends and had this cross-game insight:
"The tactics of ranked BR versus DMZ are totally different. DMZ rewards slow, methodical play while BR is all about aggression. I‘ve had to adapt my mindset when extracting with key loot."
Finally, Warzone analyst Site W. contributed his perspective:
“Based on the rarity chances, the South Bank Apartment has some of the most stacked loot potential relative to its key drop rate. I‘d rank it #1 priority tied only with the Airport key room.”
As the experienced players interviewed confirmed, the South Bank Apartment key offers a loot payload that should not be overlooked. With some coordinated squad play, the rewards reaped from the apartment can set you up for DMZ domination.
Key Takeaways on the South Bank Apartment Key
To summarize this expert guide, here are the key facts to remember about acquiring the South Bank Apartment key:
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Bronze rarity key with a random low drop rate
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Unlocks a central apartment with armor/weapons/killstreaks
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Farm HVTs and complete contracts to obtain
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Look for ground loot drops as a secondary option
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Loadouts and squad strategy are key for efficiency
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The loot inside is among the most valuable
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Extract immediately once acquired to bank it
I hope this deep dive has provided ample tips and insights into prioritizing the South Bank Apartment key during your Warzone 2 DMZ sessions. Let me know in the comments if you have any other key meta tactics to share!
Now get out there, operators. There‘s loot to be found and legends to create.
