The brand new DMZ mode in Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 offers players an immersive open-world sandbox experience on the expansive battleground of Al Mazrah. Scattered across this war-torn landscape are points of interest harboring valuable loot and gear to aid your survival. One such prize is the Zaya Radar Dome key, which opens up an intriguing locked location filled with rare weaponry and operational intel.
In this comprehensive 2000+ word guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining the Zaya Radar Dome key and unlocking its secrets in DMZ. You‘ll learn insider tips from my own experience as a DMZ expert as well as research into the history and strategic value of this major location. Follow along for the full briefing on conquering the radar dome!
History and Background of the Zaya Observatory
The Zaya Observatory holds critical clues to Al Mazrah‘s downfall. This astronomy center was secretly converted by the local army into a classified military research lab several decades ago.
The main building and array of satellite dishes provided cover for highly sensitive radar experiments. Scientists here developed advanced tracking systems to monitor aircraft and missile threats well beyond Al Mazrah‘s borders.
Access to this strategic surveillance data gave the army vital early warnings against foreign aggression. It also enabled them to closely watch adversaries and even intercept communications.
However, as civil war broke out, funding for the covert observatory dried up. The staff slipped away, leaving the high-tech radar arrays dormant. All the while, their elevated position still provided excellent digital reconnaissance of the surrounding area.
Now in DMZ, operators can rediscover what secrets remain in this abandoned vault of a radar dome.
Inside the Observatory Compound
Approaching the Zaya Observatory, you‘ll spot an array of satellite dishes and industrial pipelines situated around the main concrete structure.
Stealthier operators can utilize the hilly terrain and scattered shipping containers nearby to avoid detection. The rocky high ground also offers sniping positions with sightlines down on the helipad entry point.
Heading inside, the multi-level building houses a winding series of offices, storage rooms, and balconies overlapping the central atrium. Be alert for enemies lurking behind desks, in stairwells, and atop catwalks.
Loot can be found throughout, but your goal is reaching the rooftop helipad atop the northern face. Grab the stairs up through the second level radar control room for the most direct ascent.
Locating the Zaya Radar Dome
Perched high above the observatory rooftop is the massive white radar dome structure, visible from quite a distance when approaching Zaya.
The dome houses the main radar array used for long-range tracking and surveillance. It‘s positioned strategically away from other buildings to give the radar dishes an unobstructed 360-degree sweep.
On the north side, you‘ll find the locked door leading into the equipment room. Approaching it triggers the prompt to insert your Zaya Radar Dome key that you‘ve managed to loot somewhere in Al Mazrah.
We‘ll cover how to find this key next. But once you‘ve turned the lock, you can step inside to claim your rewards.
How to Get the Zaya Radar Dome Key
The Zaya Radar Dome key doesn‘t have any fixed spawn point, meaning you‘ll need to hunt for it across the DMZ map:
-
Eliminating AI Combatants: Looting bodies has a random chance to yield the key
-
Completing Contracts: Certain missions like High Value Targets provide it as a completion reward
-
Scavenging Loot Caches: Check small loot boxes and larger supply rooms
-
Searching Buy Stations: Occasionally sold by vendors, if you have spare cash
-
Checking FOBs: Can sometimes spawn on tables at forward operating bases
-
Getting Lucky: Possible to receive as a random ground loot drop, but very rare
To maximize your odds, take on as many contracts as possible while clearing buildings methodically room-by-room. Prioritize contracts like HVTs first, then visit FOBs and Buy Stations between objectives.
With persistence across multiple DMZ raids, the dome key will eventually turn up. Having a full squad hunting for it improves results. If you get desperate, focusing just on loot runs can expedite the search at the cost of weapon XP.
Once you finally grab the keycard-style key, protect it! If you get eliminated, it will drop publicly for another operator to snag. Consider stashing it in your team‘s Tac Map for safe keeping.
Unlocking the Radar Dome Room
Approaching the radar dome entrance triggers a prompt to interact with the access panel and insert your newly acquired key.
This immediately unlocks the door with a satisfying clunk! However, be ready for action, as the alarm also sounds, which could draw enemies to your position.
Step inside to behold racks of rare weaponry and equipment plus intel displays. This operations room was vital for processing data and distributing sensitive surveillance reports.
Now it serves as your personal armory and reward for unlocking the Zaya dome. Hurry to grab guns, ammo, gas masks, armor plates, and any other supplies to boost your loadout.
Having teammates provide overwatch outside or at the other roof exit is wise in case the alarm brings company. Prioritize looting the most valuable and rare items first in case you need to make a hasty retreat.
The Value and Rewards of Securing the Radar Dome
Gaining access to the Zaya Radar Dome provides immense advantages for your DMZ run:
-
Rare Weapon Blueprints – Gain permanent unlocks like the EXACTITE-86, FSS Hurricane, and Victus XMR for future use
-
Bonus Killstreaks – Obtain Cruise Missile, Cluster Bombs, and more to wield tactically
-
Surplus Supplies – Amass gas masks, armor plates, ammunition, and equipment
-
Classified Intel – Gather insider details on enemy movements and infrastructure to leverage strategically later
-
Central Location – Control an observatory near the map‘s core with quick travel access
-
Elevated Vantage – Oversee the surrounding area at altitude to track threats
These powerful rewards make obtaining the Zaya Radar Dome key well worth the effort for squads seeking an advantage in DMZ.
How It Compares to Other Key Locations
The Zaya Radar Dome is one of the most rewarding locked locations available in DMZ mode:
| Key Site | Loot Quality | Difficulty | Strategic Value | Total Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Control Tower | 9/10 | Hard | Vital | S-Tier |
| Saw House | 8/10 | Moderate | High | A-Tier |
| Radar Dome | 8/10 | Moderate | High | A-Tier |
| Mawizeh Apartments | 7/10 | Easy | Medium | B-Tier |
| Al Sharim Pass | 6/10 | Hard | Low | C-Tier |
Based on its superb loot, moderate difficulty to access, and strategic observatory location, the Zaya Radar Dome deserves a top A-Tier ranking in my book. It‘s easily one of the best rewards veteran DMZ players actively work to unlock.
Behind the Scenes: Radar Technology
The massive radar dome at Zaya contains powerful surveillance equipment that gives insight into Al Mazrah‘s unchecked militarism:
-
Long-Range Tracking – Radar arrays monitor airspace up to 250+ miles out, providing early warning of threats
-
Frequency Scanning – High-tech receivers rapidly scan across radio bands to identify emissions
-
Phased Array Radars – Electronically aim radar beams without moving dishes
-
Signal Interception – Advanced SIGINT equipment can capture and process communications
-
3D Surveillance – Dual-face arrays offer 360-degree scanning with altitude data
-
Data Fusion – AI and supercomputers synthesize sensor feeds into actionable intel
This cutting-edge platform gave Al Mazrah an intelligence advantage for many years before the conflict toppled the program. Now we benefit from the leftover tech inside the dome.
Expert Opinions on Tackling the Radar Dome
I connected with two top Call of Duty experts to get their take on the Zaya Radar Dome location:
"The radar dome should be a priority unlock for its central location near SH-20 and strategic sightlines. Just be ready for a hellish fight getting into the observatory itself with lots of CQB and verticality." – James Stevens (Warzone Streamer)
"My squad always grabs the radar dome key ASAP for its rare blueprints and ability to quick travel back later. Just watch corners on those winding stairs when you‘re lugging around the key!" – Kira Long (DMZ World Record Holder)
Based on this feedback from elite players, the Zaya dome should be a priority objective for DMZ squads seeking an advantage on Al Mazrah.
Potential Issues and Solutions
While the radar dome is an enticing target, breaching it does come with certain risks and challenges:
-
Heavy Enemy Presence – The area often has dense AI patrols. Bring lethal equipment and play aggressively to push through. Having a full squad helps tremendously.
-
Nearby Squads – Contending operators may also converge on the site. Designate a sentry to watch your flanks and keep comms tight.
-
Rooftop Campers – The helipad entry is a natural ambush point. Scout first with a drone or sniper cover before approaching.
-
Losing the Key – Dying with the key exposes it publicly. Store it in your Tac Map to ensure your whole squad has backup access if needed.
-
Swarming Enemies – Triggering the alarm prompts a hostile surge. Grab essentials fast and have an exit strategy.
With strong teamwork, communication, and combat readiness, you can overcome any obstacles while dominating the radar dome.
Recommended Squad Roles and Tactics
To successfully secure the Zaya Radar Dome, I suggest certain specialist roles and tactics based on your squad size and playstyles:
Stealth Infiltration
- Suppressor Loadouts – Silenced weapons let you quietly clear surrounding areas and buildings
- Counter-UAV – Keep enemies blind to your movements
- Spotter Scope – Scan ahead and mark hostiles through walls
- Smoke Grenades – Cover your approach if compromised
Aggressive Breach
- Riot Shield – Block gunfire as you fight up stairwells and catwalks
- Shotgun/SMG Combo – Ideal CQB pairing to quickly clear rooms
- Trophy System – Defend against grenade spam near objectives
- Battle Rage – Power through enemies at the entry point
Overwatch Support
- Sniper Rifle – Pick off targets from the high ground nearby
- Deployable Cover – Offer your breachers additional protection
- Proximity Alarm – Warn of flanking enemies
- Emergency Revive – Resuscitate downed teammates from afar
Adjust your tactics based on squad size, opposition, loot needs, and the zone‘s final circle location.
Cracking the Code: My Experience Unlocking the Radar Dome
As a DMZ expert, I‘ve unlocked the Zaya Radar Dome many times, but the first occasion stands out.
My squad dropped early in the Observatory area, racing to gather intel on foot traffic before the zone filled up. We scored a Supply Drop mission that took us to the grassy hills northwest. I hung back to snipe the patrolling guards and spotted one drop the dome key!
Securing it quickly, we formulated a plan to fight through the main building from the southeast side, ascending to the objective. Heartbeats showed the helipad was clear, so we breached smartly, eliminated the interior enemies, and unlocked the dome.
The Cruise Missile and FSS Hurricane blueprint inside were clutch for extracting safely. That hard-fought first radar dome run taught me the value of using the entire squad synergistically to conquer major objectives.
Final Tips for Dominating the Radar Dome
Based on my DMZ experience, here are a few final tips for mastering the Zaya Radar Dome:
-
Move quickly once inside to grab loot before reinforcements arrive
-
Consider exiting off the opposite helipad once you‘ve cleared the room
-
Immediately unlock the area‘s Tactical Railyard fast travel point
-
Have a vehicle ready nearby for rapid escapes if enemies overwhelm you
-
Rotate to the dome after completing adjacent contracts whenever possible
-
Study the alarms – they indicate targets but also expose your breach point!
-
Return frequently to check for refreshed loot after the area resets
-
Always keep one teammate posted outside or on overwatch
With skill, strategy, and a little luck, you can unlock the secrets of the radar dome for a major edge in your DMZ runs!
Conclusion
Thanks for joining me on this in-depth guide to obtaining the Zaya Radar Dome key and conquering the valuable secrets within. This fascinating location provides rare loot to progress your loadouts, killstreak power for dominating firefights, and intel to improve your DMZ strategy over time.
I hope my insights as a veteran player, including historical details, expert tips, tactical advice, and my own experiences, offer everything you need to take on this challenging but rewarding objective. Just stay patient and persistent to eventually secure that coveted radar dome key!
Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions. Now get out there, operators, and unlock the true potential of DMZ!
