Are you ready to uncover the secrets of the Al Mazrah warzone and extract some top-tier loot? If so, you‘ll need to get your hands on the elusive Old Lighthouse Citadel Key. In this in-depth guide, we‘ll explore everything you need to know about the lighthouse citadel room, including step-by-step instructions for finding the key and expert tips for making the most of your DMZ runs.
Understanding DMZ Mode
Before we dive into the specifics of the citadel key, let‘s first make sure we‘re on the same page about what DMZ mode is and how it works. Introduced in Warzone 2.0, DMZ (short for demilitarized zone) is an all-new game type that offers a high-risk, high-reward extraction shooter experience.
Unlike traditional battle royale, the goal in DMZ is not to be the last squad standing, but rather to complete objectives, eliminate AI combatants, and extract as much valuable loot as you can. Any weapons, gear, or cash you extract will be added to your persistent Warzone inventory that carries across matches.
As Infinity Ward studio head Patrick Kelly explained in an interview with GameSpot, "What we wanted to do with the DMZ mode is bring that high-stakes, every-moment-counts, risk-it-all feeling to Warzone. It‘s a totally new way to play that we think our fans are going to love."
The release of DMZ mode comes amidst a wave of new extraction-based shooters like Escape from Tarkov and Hunt: Showdown that have been gaining popularity in recent years. By adding their own unique spin on the formula, Infinity Ward aims to create a fresh and exciting experience for Warzone players.
Inside the Old Lighthouse
One of the key points of interest in DMZ mode is the Old Lighthouse, located on a small island south of Sarrif Bay. This towering structure is not just a navigational aid, but also houses a secret room known as the citadel that contains some of the most valuable loot in the game.
Based on its appearance and location, the Old Lighthouse was likely originally a civilian structure used to guide ships through the treacherous waters around Al Mazrah. However, at some point it was taken over by hostile forces and converted into a military stronghold.
The citadel room, located on the middle level of the lighthouse, appears to have been an armory or storage room for high-tier weapons and equipment. But the only way to access it is with the Old Lighthouse Citadel Key – a rare key card that has a chance to spawn in select locations around the map.
Where to Find the Citadel Key
So where exactly can you find the Old Lighthouse Citadel Key? According to player reports and official sources, there are three possible locations:
- Enemy AI combatant drops
- High Value Target (HVT) contract rewards
- Random ground loot containers
Enemy AI combatants, especially the heavily armored "juggernauts", have a small chance to drop the citadel key upon death. So taking out these tough enemies is one potential way to get your hands on a key.
High Value Target contracts are special bounty missions that task you with eliminating a specific named enemy. These HVTs have a higher chance to drop valuable loot, including the citadel key.
Finally, the citadel key can also spawn as random ground loot in supply boxes, caches, and other containers around Al Mazrah. However, the odds of finding one this way are quite low.
To maximize your chances of finding a citadel key, focus your efforts on the southwest coast of the map around Sarrif Bay and Hafid Port. These areas have the highest concentration of AI combatants and supply boxes.
Lighthouse Citadel Location
Once you‘ve obtained a citadel key, it‘s time to make your way to the Old Lighthouse itself. As mentioned earlier, the lighthouse is located on a small island just south of Sarrif Bay in sector F8.
The island has two possible entry points: a small beach on the north side and another on the east side. Both of these approaches leave you fairly exposed, so be sure to have your squad watch your back as you make your way to the lighthouse doors.
Once inside, locate the central staircase and make your way up to the middle level. There you should see a heavy metal door with a red "X" graffiti marking the citadel room. Use your key to open the door and claim your hard-earned loot!
What‘s Inside the Citadel?
So what exactly can you expect to find inside the Old Lighthouse citadel room? Early reports from players suggest the citadel room loot pool includes:
- Killstreaks (e.g. UAV, Chopper Gunner, Juggernaut)
- High-tier weapon blueprints
- Large amounts of cash ($20,000+)
- Armor satchels
- Self-revive kits
- Gas masks
The exact contents will vary, but you can reliably expect a haul worth well over $50,000 each time. However, extracting safely with your newfound gear is another matter entirely.
Since the lighthouse citadel is a well-known loot spot, other squads are likely to have the same idea. So as soon as you open the citadel crates, prepare for a fight. Posting a lookout on the lighthouse roof is a smart idea to alert you to any approaching enemies.
Given the risky nature of the lighthouse run, make sure you have a full squad before attempting it. Solo players have little chance of making it out alive with the citadel room spoils.
DMZ Tips and Strategies
Aside from the lighthouse citadel key, there are plenty of other factors to keep in mind when attempting a DMZ run. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time in Al Mazrah:
Prioritize contracts: Contracts give you a clear objective to pursue and reward you with cash, loot, and intel upon completion. Knock out as many as you can to boost your odds of a successful run.
Play the objective: While eliminating other squads is important, don‘t lose sight of your primary goal – extracting with valuable loot. Sometimes it‘s better to avoid unnecessary fights and focus on the objective.
Communicate with your squad: Coordination is key in DMZ. Make sure you‘re communicating enemy positions, loot locations, and extraction plans with your teammates.
Watch the clock: Unlike battle royale, DMZ has a strict time limit. If you fail to extract before the timer runs out, you‘ll lose everything. Keep an eye on the clock and plan accordingly.
Learn the map: Take time to learn the various points of interest and loot locations around Al Mazrah. The more familiar you are with the map, the more efficient your runs will be.
Experiment with different strategies: DMZ is a sandbox mode that rewards creative thinking. Don‘t be afraid to try out unconventional tactics and see what works for your squad.
By keeping these tips in mind and doing your homework on key loot locations like the Old Lighthouse citadel room, you‘ll be well on your way to becoming a DMZ master.
The Future of DMZ
As popular as DMZ has proven to be so far, it‘s clear that the mode is still in its early stages. Infinity Ward has already hinted at plans to expand upon the mode in future updates, including new points of interest, mission types, and more.
Some players have even speculated that DMZ could eventually evolve into its own standalone game, much like how Warzone spun off from Modern Warfare in 2020. Given the success of other extraction-based shooters like Escape from Tarkov, it‘s not hard to imagine DMZ taking on a life of its own.
But for now, the lighthouse citadel room remains one of the most sought-after loot spots in the mode. So gear up, grab your squad, and get ready to make a run for the citadel key. With a little luck and a lot of skill, you just might make it out with a haul worth writing home about.
Happy hunting, operators!
Sources:
- https://www.gamesradar.com/warzone-2-dmz-lighthouse-citadel-key-location/
- https://www.gamespot.com/articles/inside-dmz-warzones-new-extraction-mode-and-the-future-of-call-of-duty/1100-6507667/
- https://www.pcgamer.com/warzone-2-dmz-mode-guide/
- https://www.eurogamer.net/call-of-duty-warzone-2-dmz-lighthouse-citadel-room-8028
