What are Strongholds in Warzone 2? AI controlled areas explained

Warzone 2’s Al Mazrah map features Strongholds where players can get their hands on powerful loot. Here’s everything you need to know about Strongholds in Warzone 2.

Call of Duty: Warzone 2 brings the brand-new Al Mazrah map but that’s not all, as it brings major gameplay changes to differentiate it from the original.

Featuring only Modern Warfare 2 weapons and Operators, Warzone 2 reinvents the circle mechanic, changes up looting with the new Backpack and Armor systems, and introduces deadly AI in Strongholds and Black Sites.

You won’t want to skip over the new Stronghold mechanic as it could deliver a major advantage in Warzone 2, so here’s everything you need to know.

• Warzone 2 Strongholds explained
• How to get Stronghold Key in Warzone 2 DMZ
• Warzone 2 Black Sites explained

Warzone 2 Strongholds explained

Strongholds are AI-controlled buildings in Warzone 2’s Al Mazrah that appear in set locations, and players can clear them out to gain high-tier loot and their full loadout.

Three Strongholds will be marked on your map at the end of the first circle and if you choose to clear one, expect to fight a ton of AI as well as other players looking to clear it out as well. After defeating all of the AI and disarming the bomb, you’ll get some powerful equipment, access to your full loadout, and a UAV will sweep the area.

How to get Stronghold Key in Warzone 2 DMZ

You can get your hands on a Stronghold Key in the DMZ mode by eliminating the AI enemies near the building or killing other players that have already acquired it. Once they’ve been defeated, you can then loot the item from them.

If you want to speed things up then you can also purchase the Key from a Buy Station near the Stronghold. One of the DMZ Faction missions require you to obtain the Stronghold Keycard, and you can use whichever method you prefer.

Warzone 2 Black Sites explained

There’s a lot of value in being the first to clear out a Stronghold as the first team to complete them will get a Black Site key. This key will open up a Black Site, an even more difficult version of a Stronghold that grants players better loot and a permanent Weapon Blueprint.

But don’t worry if another player has cleared out the Stronghold ahead of you, as you’ll still be able to get your loadout and loot, just not the Black Site key.

Activision

Strongholds will not be easy to breach as you’re likely to run into enemy AI that are prepared for your arrival and it’ll be tough to distinguish the bots from real players in the heat of the moment. The devs have mentioned that AI in Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone 2 is smarter and deadlier than ever.

It’ll be up to you and your teammates to judge the risk and reward of attempting to conquer a Stronghold or Black Site. With this new strategic layer added to Warzone 2, Strongholds will surely play an important role throughout Season 1 and beyond.

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For more on Warzone 2, be sure to check out how to watch the OpTic Texas $100k tournament and this trick that stops Loadout Drops from stealing your money.

Image Credits: Activision