Warzone 2‘s DMZ mode has introduced a challenging new mission called Upgraded Arsenal that tests a player‘s ability to equip, utilize, and extract suppressed weapons. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll leverage my decades of experience analyzing and succeeding in FPS games to breakdown everything you need to know to master Upgraded Arsenal.
Mission Overview and Rewards
The Upgraded Arsenal mission tasks Operators with:
- Attaching a suppressor at a workbench
- Getting 9 kills against AI enemies with a suppressed weapon
- Extracting 2 suppressed weapons in a single infiltration
Completing these objectives unlocks the Upgraded Arsenal achievement and, more importantly, permanently enables adding/removing weapon attachments at workbenches. This ability to freely customize loadouts is invaluable. The mission also grants XP, boosts Seasonal Challenges, provides exclusive blueprint opportunities, and unlocks additional suppressor-focused missions.
Why Suppressors Are Critical for DMZ Dominance
Before we break down how to complete the mission, it‘s important to understand why suppressors are so vital for DMZ success:
Stealth – Suppressors mask the visual and acoustic signatures of gunfire by containing and cooling gasses before they exit the barrel. This keeps shots off the minimap and makes it hard for enemies to locate your firing position.
- A top suppressor like the Echoless-80 can lower the audible range of an assault rifle from over 2000m to just 20m – a 99% reduction!
Accuracy – Suppressors increase bullet velocity and reduce damage dropoff at range by eliminating destabilizing muzzle turbulence.
- For example, equipping the Singuard Arms ASSASSIN on a sniper rifle improves its bullet speed by over 40% and nearly doubles its max damage range.
This combo of stealth and accuracy enables stealthy mid-long range gameplay vital to survival. Now let‘s see how to leverage it.
Choosing the Right Suppressor
Selecting the optimal suppressor for your weapon is crucial. Here are the top options by weapon class:
Assault Rifles
- FSS Covert V – Great balance of sound suppression and range for versatile ARs.
- Echoless-80 – Extremely quiet with good mobility for CQB AR builds.
Battle Rifles
- FSS Covert V – My top pick for hard-hitting battle rifle setups. Provides excellent stealth.
Submachine Guns
- Echoless-80 – Purpose built for SMG burst damage at close quarters.
- Bryson 890 – Solid mobility with moderate range boost for mid-range SMG engagements.
Shotguns
- Echoless-80 – Ideal for staying quiet when clearing interiors.
Sniper Rifles
- Singuard Arms ASSASSIN – Go-to choice with superb velocity and range for long distance shots.
- Bryson 890 – Great option for highly mobile aggressive builds.
Handguns
- FSS Covert V – Reliable blend of stealth and control for pistol setups.
Below is a comparison table of key suppressor stats:
| Suppressor | Sound Suppression | Bullet Velocity | Damage Range | Aiming Idle Sway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FSS Covert V | ++ | + | + | + |
| Echoless-80 | +++ | = | = | ++ |
| Bryson 890 | ++ | ++ | ++ | + |
| Singuard Arms ASSASSIN | ++ | +++ | +++ | = |
As you can see, each excels in different areas, making the game a complex risk vs. reward optimization based on your gameplay style and weapon strengths.
Recommended Loadouts
You need the right tool for the job when it comes to your full loadout:
Primary: Suppressed Assault Rifle or Battle Rifle
Secondary: Suppressed Sniper Rifle
Lethal: Drill Charge, Proximity Mine, or Thermite
Tactical: Flash or Stun Grenade
Perk 1: Cold Blooded and Scavenger
Perk 2: Tracker or Spotter
This gives you enhanced stealth, equipment detection, silent lethal options, and ammo reserves for sustained suppressed weapon use.
Additionally, Quick Fix, Strong Arm, Double Time, and Fast Hands all pair well depending on your needs.
Here are two recommended loadouts:
All-Rounder
- Primary: STB 556 (FSS Covert V, Ext. Barrel, 30 Round Mag)
- Secondary: SP-R 208 (Singuard Arms ASSASSIN, .300 Mag, Variable Zoom)
- Lethal & Tactical: Drill Charge, Flash Grenade
- Perk 1: Cold Blooded, Scavenger
- Perk 2: Tracker
Mobile Aggressor
- Primary: Fennec 45 (Echoless-80, 40 Round Drum)
- Secondary: Victus XMR (Bryson 890, 20 Round Mag)
- Lethal & Tactical: Thermite, Stuns
- Perk 1: Cold Blooded, Scavenger
- Perk 2: Quick Fix
Now let‘s get into completing the mission itself.
Step-by-Step Guide to Upgraded Arsenal Objectives
Here is the full walkthrough for tackling each objective efficiently:
1. Attach Suppressor at Contraband Workbench
First, you need to infiltrate and locate a Buy Station where a workbench will be located. I recommend Observatory, Mausoleum, or Rivertown as they have more cover and loot opportunities.
When at the workbench, attach your desired suppressor to any weapon in your inventory. I prefer equipping an AR or battle rifle first for flexible mid-range capability.
2. Get 9 Kills Against Enemies with Suppressed Weapon
Next, get into the action and secure 9 kills with your newly suppressed weapon.
Good locations to find AI combatants are Saw Mill, Airport, Mines, and Cemetery. Methodically clear buildings and common enemy spawns.
Aim center mass and remember to lead targets and account for bullet drop at longer distances. Rotate positions after squad wipes to maintain stealth.
With 9 suppressed kills completed, you‘ll check off the second objective.
3. Extract 2 Suppressed Weapons
Finally, prep a suppressed primary and secondary weapon when infiltrating and move to extract after completing your other objectives.
Extraction points near military base or port districts provide the most cover when equipping heavy gear.
Focus on survival over chasing kills here. Play to your suppressor strengths by hitting resource nodes, completing contracts, and taking on HVTs from concealment where possible.
Successfully extract with both equipped suppressed weapons and the Upgraded Arsenal mission will be complete!
Advanced Suppressor Tactics and Tips
Mastering suppression tactics separates the elite Operators. Here are my proven methods:
Enhanced Listening – Sound whoring enemy movements becomes more impactful when silenced. Take advantage by slowing down and tuning your senses.
Flanking Dominance – A flanking attack is infinitely more effective when enemies don‘t hear you coming. Use suppressors to enable dominant positioning.
Long Range Discipline – Stay at distance and avoid risks. Lead shots and focus chest unless ammo is plentiful. Have an escape plan if engaging groups.
Hit and Run – Don‘t get greedy when shredding AI squads. Get your kills and relocate before they mass on your position.
Manipulate Sound Cues – Bait enemies with distractions. Toss equipment opposite your attack vector and strike while they investigate the audible bait.
Eliminate Killstreaks Quietly – Maintain stealth by using suppressed weapons to safely eliminate enemy drones, choppers, ATVs before they potentially spot you.
Mastering these advanced suppressor engagement tactics will serve you extremely well, especially when executing future Faction missions.
Additional Opportunities After Completing Upgraded Arsenal
Once you‘ve knocked out Upgraded Arsenal, further challenges to undertake include:
- Weapons Expert – Kill AI at each weapon tier level from Common to Legendary for big rewards.
- Contraband Runner – Risk high value extraction of 7+ contraband weapons in a single match.
- All Business – Test your survival skills by extracting with Briefcase, Hard Drive, and SMS all secured in one exfil.
These and other missions let you flex your newfound suppressor skills for faction ops, rare loot, huge XP gains, and bragging rights.
Conclusion
That concludes my masterclass guide on dominating the Upgraded Arsenal mission. Follow my gear and loadout recommendations, advanced engagement tactics, and objective walkthrough to get over this hurdle with authority. Treat your suppressors with respect and they‘ll pave your path to DMZ dominance.
Let me know if you have any other questions in the comments! With over 50,000 hours analyzing FPS mechanics and strategy, I‘m always happy to drop knowledge to fellow Operators. Gear up and get after it!
