The much-anticipated Season 3 of Call of Duty: Warzone 2 has kicked off, and with it comes a slew of fresh content for fans of the free-to-play battle royale shooter. One of the most exciting additions is the DMZ mode, an intense survival experience set in Al Mazrah‘s Exclusion Zones. Here, Operators must scavenge for weapons and gear while fending off enemy combatants, both AI and human. Among the many challenges players will face in the DMZ is the Upgraded Arsenal mission, a multi-step test of skill and strategy. In this deep dive, we‘ll analyze what it takes to complete this mission, explore the tech behind it, and hear from real players about their experiences.
Warzone 2 Season 3: New Features Explained
Before we jump into the specifics of Upgraded Arsenal, let‘s set the stage by recapping some of the major changes introduced in Warzone 2 Season 3. The headlining feature is Bartering, a new system that expands on the in-game economy. Players can now exchange valuables and items at Buy Stations to obtain weapon upgrades, equipment mods, and more. This adds a whole new layer of resource management to the DMZ, as you‘ll need to prioritize what to hold onto and what to trade in.
Another key addition is the Contraband Workbench. This special workstation allows Operators to customize their weapons in the field by adding or removing attachments. It‘s a game-changer for those who like to adapt their loadouts on the fly based on the situation at hand.
Finally, Season 3 introduces Active Duty Operator Slots. This feature lets you bring three distinct Operators into the DMZ, each with their own specific gear and items. It‘s perfect for squads who want to diversify their roles and capabilities.
Step-by-Step: How to Complete Upgraded Arsenal
With the context out of the way, let‘s break down the objectives for the Upgraded Arsenal mission:
- Locate a Buy Station in the DMZ and interact with the nearby workbench
- Purchase and equip a suppressor on one of your weapons
- Eliminate 9 cartel or AQ soldiers using your suppressed weapon
- Extract from the DMZ with 2 suppressed weapons in your inventory
Simple enough on paper, but executing these steps takes know-how and skill. The first challenge is finding a Buy Station, as they‘re scattered across the map at key points of interest. You‘ll typically have luck checking major landmarks like the Quarry, Sawah Village, or the Al Sharim Pass. Once you‘ve located a Buy Station, look for the telltale workbench nearby.
Approach the workbench and interact with it to access the customization menu. From here, you can select a weapon in your inventory and browse the available attachments. For the Upgraded Arsenal mission, you‘ll specifically need to equip a suppressor. But which one should you choose?
According to data from WZRanked, a popular loadout tracking site, some of the most frequently used suppressors in Warzone 2 include:
- FSS Covert V (21.6% pick rate)
- VLK Koloss Flash Hider (18.4% pick rate)
- FTAC Dreadnought (15.1% pick rate)
- Polarfire-S (12.8% pick rate)
Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preferred weapon and playstyle. The FSS Covert V, for example, is a popular pick for assault rifles like the TAQ-56 and Kastov-74U. It offers excellent sound suppression without heavy penalties to ADS speed or range. On the other hand, a suppressor like the Polarfire-S is geared towards LMGs and favors recoil smoothness.
The Science of Suppressors
But how do suppressors actually work? In simple terms, a suppressor (also called a silencer) is a device attached to the muzzle of a firearm that reduces the acoustic intensity of the muzzle report. It does this by capturing the rapidly expanding gases that follow the projectile out of the barrel and diverting them through a series of baffles and chambers. This process cools and slows the gases, reducing both the sound and muzzle flash.
Modern suppressors, like those depicted in Warzone 2, are highly engineered and can significantly decrease the sound signature of a weapon. However, contrary to popular belief (and many video game depictions), they don‘t completely silence a gun. Suppressed firearms still make noise, just at a lower volume that can be more difficult to pinpoint directionally.
In the context of the DMZ, using a suppressor makes it harder for enemies to locate you based on sound alone. This is especially valuable when trying to complete the next objective of Upgraded Arsenal: eliminating cartel and AQ soldiers.
Tactics for Taking Out AI Troops
Once your suppressed weapon is locked and loaded, it‘s time to put it to work. To complete Upgraded Arsenal, you‘ll need to rack up 9 kills against AI opponents, specifically cartel and AQ soldiers. These computer-controlled combatants roam the Exclusion Zones and can usually be found guarding key objectives or patrolling urban areas.
When engaging these AI forces, stealth and precision are your greatest assets. The suppressor will keep you off their radar, so use that to your advantage. Try to pick them off methodically from medium range, utilizing cover and elevation to avoid return fire. Headshotting enemies with suppressed weapons feels incredibly satisfying and is a mark of true marksmanship.
If you find yourself in close quarters with multiple AI soldiers, don‘t panic. Maintain your composure, pre-aim your shots, and strafe between cover. Smoke grenades can also be a lifesaver in these situations, obscuring lines of sight and giving you a moment to repositioning or plate up.
Securing the Exfil: Advanced Tips
After you‘ve eliminated your 9th cartel or AQ soldier, it‘s time for the final step: extracting from the DMZ with 2 suppressed weapons in your inventory. This is often the most intense part of the Upgraded Arsenal mission, as calling in an exfil tends to alert nearby enemies to your position. You‘ll have a limited time to reach the extraction point and will likely need to fend off a few waves of hostiles in the process.
To maximize your chances of a successful exfil, here are a few pro tips:
- Plan ahead and start moving towards an extraction zone BEFORE you complete your final objective. This will minimize the distance you need to travel on a timer.
- Communicate with your squadmates and coordinate roles. Have one person on overwatch while the others focus on reaching the LZ.
- Use vehicles if available to reach the exfil faster. Even a quick ATV ride can shave valuable seconds off your transit time.
- Don‘t be afraid to exfil early if things get too hot. It‘s better to extract with your suppressed weapons intact than risk losing them going for a Hail Mary.
The Psychology of Stealth Gameplay
So why do players find missions like Upgraded Arsenal so compelling? A lot of it comes down to the psychology of stealth gameplay. There‘s something innately satisfying about outsmarting and outmaneuvering your opponents, especially when you‘re outnumbered or outgunned.
Stealth mechanics tap into our primal instincts as hunters and survivors. They make us feel clever, skilled, and in control. Pulling off a perfectly executed covert op delivers a rush of adrenaline and dopamine that few other gaming experiences can match.
This psychological reward loop is a big part of why the DMZ has resonated so strongly with fans. It marries the high-stakes tension of extraction shooters with the strategic depth of mil-sim games, all within the familiar framework of Warzone‘s battle royale DNA.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Warzone 2 DMZ
As Season 3 unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how the DMZ meta evolves and how players continue to innovate their tactics. The Upgraded Arsenal mission is just one piece of an ever-expanding puzzle, hinting at the larger story unfolding in Al Mazrah.
It‘s clear that Infinity Ward has big plans for the DMZ, with a focus on emergent narrative and player-driven experiences. By giving Operators more tools to interact with the world and each other, the developers are setting the stage for a new era of Call of Duty multiplayer.
Of course, the DMZ is still a very young mode and has room for growth. As more players sink their teeth into it, expect to see new strategies emerge and new legends rise. It will be exciting to track the speedrun records for missions like Upgraded Arsenal and see how the community pushes the boundaries of what‘s possible.
Conclusion
Completing the Upgraded Arsenal mission is no small feat, but it‘s a challenge well worth undertaking. Not only does it offer a thrilling test of skill and daring, but it also serves as a gateway to the wider world of DMZ tactics and loadout optimization.
By mastering the art of suppressed weapons, you‘ll gain a powerful tool for your arsenal and a valuable edge over your enemies. You‘ll also deepen your understanding of Warzone 2‘s interlocking systems, from Bartering to Active Duty Operators.
More than that, though, tackling Upgraded Arsenal is a chance to be part of something new and exciting in the Call of Duty universe. The DMZ represents a fresh direction for Warzone, one that emphasizes player choice, experimentation, and emergent gameplay. By joining the fray and leaving your mark, you‘ll help shape the mode‘s evolution and cement your legend.
So gear up, lock and load those suppressors, and get ready to make some noise (quietly) in the DMZ. The Upgraded Arsenal awaits, and victory belongs to the bold. See you in Al Mazrah.
