Strongholds

Learn about Strongholds in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II's Warzone 2 and DMZ modes. Discover how to find them, their rewards, and tips for clearing these fortified locations.

Strongholds are new fortified locations on the Al Mazrah map that can spawn in any of 77 different locations but will only have three active at any one time.

In Battle Royale mode, three strongholds will spawn after the Circle collapses for the first time. In the new DMZ mode, however, the Strongholds are active from the beginning of the game but will need to be unlocked by defusing a bomb in the first instance and then by clearing out the hordes of AI bots protecting them.

If you manage to do that you will get a Black Site Key which will enable you to enter a tougher version of Strongholds. In DMZ mode you will need to find a key somewhere on the map as the Strongholds are not protected by bombs.

Black Site Keys are only awarded to the first squad that clears a stronghold in a game. Anybody who comes along and re-clears it later, will not get this key, which is the real prize. The Black Site Key will give you access to a nearby Black Site Stronghold, upon which, if you clear that out you will get a Weapon Blueprint for keeps and better loot all around.

The rewards are great but the risk is also immense. Not just from the dramatically improved AI defenders, but also the fact that you are unlikely to be the only squad with your eyes on the prize. You will need to be on your toes.

Strongholds will be marked on your tactical map from the start in DMZ mode and after the first circle collapses in standard Warzone Battle Royale mode. They absolutely will not spawn in the same location all the time.

Upon clearing a Stronghold you will get an ultra-useful UAV sweep of the local area that should show you whether any enemy teams are closing in to try and steal your prize. This UAV will stay active in this location for the duration of the game.

Best Tips For Clearing A Stronghold:

• It is not advised to go alone. You are going to need your full squad bringing their A-Game.
• Once the bomb is disarmed, make a methodical and quick sweep of the site. Use frag grenades where you can to take out multiples.
• Don’t get split up as the chances are high somebody will need reviving before too long.
• The risks in DMZ are even greater, because if you don’t get to the exfil point, you lose everything you have managed to get up to the point.