How to "Use a Key to Unlock a Locked Space" in Call of Duty: Warzone 2 DMZ

Welcome fellow Operators to this comprehensive guide on using keys to unlock secret stashes and exclusive loot in Warzone 2‘s intense DMZ mode!

In DMZ, you can complete missions, take on AI enemies, and acquire valuable contraband gear. Keys in particular offer reliable access to special locked spaces across Al Mazrah with rare rewards inside.

Today, I‘ll be sharing my expert tips and experiences to help you master the key system and unlock DMZ‘s biggest prizes. Let‘s dive in!

How to Get Keys in DMZ

There are a few main methods to obtain keys for those precious locked spaces:

HVT Contracts – Taking on high value target contracts has the highest chance for key drops. I recommend prioritizing these contracts when you see them appear on the Tac Map. The tier 3 Downtown Post Office HVT is my go-to for scoring keys consistently.
Looting AI Enemies – Any AI across DMZ has a random chance to drop a key on death. To optimize your odds, target dense AI combat zones like the Chemical Lab or Bank. I‘ve found the armored Legion soldiers have the best drop rates.
Searching Containers – Check any lootable container like toolboxes, suitcases, and duffel bags. They have a small chance to hold a key. When looting, make sure to equip the Spotter perk to highlight containers on your screen.
Buy Stations – As a last resort, keys can be bought for $30,000 from any Buy Station. I only recommend this if you‘re flush with cash and struggling to find keys organically.

Some examples of the keys you might acquire are the Downtown Post Office Key, City Hall Entry Key, Quarry Admin Building Key, and more. Now let‘s look at efficiently completing HVT contracts.

Completing HVT Contracts for Keys

In my experience,HVT contracts are the most reliable way to obtain keys in DMZ. Here are my tips for completing them successfully:

Scan your Tac Map – Check for high value human target contracts marked by a bounty symbol. Tier 3 HVTs like the Downtown Post Office seem to have the best key drop chance.
Prep your loadout – I suggest equipping a suppressed mid-long range weapon like the M4, cold blooded perk, and extra armor plates before hunting an HVT. This prepares you for silent takedowns of the target‘s guards.
Pick your infiltration – Choose an insertion point and approach route that keeps you in cover to remain stealthy. I like inserting near the cliffside, then flanking west into downtown.
Eliminate guards first – Use your suppressed weapon to silently headshot each guard from a distance before they detect you. The HVT won‘t flee until you attack them directly.
Defeat the HVT – Swap to a high damage weapon and unleash on the HVT up close once their guards are down. Be ready for a firefight.
Loot the key – Finally, get close to the HVT‘s body and hold your Use button to loot the key. Mission accomplished!

Now that you‘ve got your hands on a precious DMZ key, let‘s look at unlocking those high tier loot rooms…

Unlocking Locked Spaces with Keys

Once you acquire a key, like the City Hall Entry Key, you need to locate its corresponding locked space in Al Mazrah.

Here is the step-by-step process I use to unlock and clear a locked room:

Check your key‘s name and pinpoint the real-world location it references on the Tac Map.
Travel to the building entrance and approach the locked door.
A "Use Key" prompt will appear – press your Use button with the key equipped to unlock.
Breach the room and quickly clear out all enemy forces inside. I like using a shotgun here.
Eliminate the final Defender mini-boss – they will drop top-tier loot when killed.
Check the room for lootable duffel bags, caches, and other containers. You‘ve struck DMZ gold!
Don‘t forget to check the room again in the future. It will reset with new loot based on a cooldown timer.

Looting & Loadout Tips for DMZ Keys

After extensive time unlocking spaces in DMZ, here are some key tips I‘ve learned:

Prioritize tier 3 HVT contracts – They have the highest chance for top tier key drops like the City Hall Entry Key based on community data.
Equip Spotter – This highlights loot containers in the environment so you don‘t miss potential keys. I run Spotter on all key/loot runs.
SMGs excel in CQB – When clearing locked rooms, I prefer rapid firing SMGs like the Fennec to quickly mow down defenders in tight spaces.
Listen for audio cues – Many locked rooms have keys hidden in wall caches that make an audible jingling sound. Keep your ears peeled!
Timing your runs – There are community resources tracking key and loot respawn timers. Use them to determine when containers have refreshed.

Are Keys Worth It for Loot?

You might be wondering – are keys even worth the effort compared to other methods like eliminating the Chemist? Let‘s compare the pros and cons:

Pros

Guaranteed loot every time once unlocked
Exclusive blueprints and cosmetics only found in locked spaces
Keys can be reused on cooldown for repeat loot

Cons

Hunting keys can be time consuming
Clearing locked rooms risks losing your own loot if you die
Other targets like the Chemist provide a similar loot payoff

Overall, I believe keys provide the most consistent source of top-tier blueprints and cosmetics in DMZ. The guaranteed payout is worth the effort to learn the key systems and room breaching tactics required.

Final Tips for DMZ Key Mastery

To wrap up, here are my top expert tips for mastering keys in DMZ:

Hunt high value targets relentlessly to maximize your key finds.
Memorize each key‘s matching location to quickly ID where to breach.
Equip the right loadout perk and weapons to efficiently clear rooms.
Check community resources to optimize your timing on key runs.
Focus on keys for exclusive DMZ loot you won‘t find anywhere else!

Now get out there, Operators! Unlock those secret stashes and become the apex DMZ looter. Let me know if you have any other key questions – I‘m happy to help!