TL;DR
- Building 21 offers limited-time access to exclusive high-tier loot through specialized keycards
- Access cards drop from orange chests in Strongholds, supply drops, and SAM Site contract rewards
- Red and blue keycards provide access to premium rooms but have limited durability
- Proper gear preparation significantly increases survival chances in this high-intensity environment
- Strategic extraction planning is crucial for preserving valuable contraband and keycards
DMZ operators now have access to an exclusive high-risk, high-reward location that requires specialized keycards for entry. This facility represents one of the most challenging yet rewarding destinations in Warzone 2’s extraction mode.
Inside of Building 21
The cooperative DMZ experience in Call of Duty: Warzone 2 features extensive mission variety and hidden secrets, with Season 1 Reloaded introducing Building 21 as a premium combat zone. This comprehensive guide covers essential intelligence about the facility and proven methods for securing the required access credentials.
Building 21 became operational on December 19 as part of Season 1 Reloaded, with Infinity Ward classifying it as a time-limited engagement area. While the developers haven’t specified the exact duration of availability, operators who miss this deployment window must await future operational cycles. The location houses exceptional Contraband weaponry and extraction-worthy gear, making it a priority destination for serious operators.
This combat zone operates independently from Al Mazrah, providing squad leaders with deployment options between the main map and Building 21. However, access remains restricted until teams successfully extract Building 21 keycards during Al Mazrah operations.
DRC Building 21 Access Cards represent the primary entry requirement, obtainable through multiple high-value loot sources. These include rare orange supply crates, public airdrop events, SAM Site contract completion rewards, and elimination of the helicopter commander targets.
Orange containers remain relatively uncommon throughout Al Mazrah, with concentration points primarily within Stronghold locations and Denied Area zones. These fortified positions offer significantly improved acquisition probabilities compared to standard loot areas. For comprehensive Stronghold strategies, consult our Complete Guide to maximize your success rates.
These specialized access cards occupy dedicated DMZ key storage slots. Inventory capacity constraints necessitate maintaining available slots specifically for these high-priority items to avoid missed opportunities.
Strategic Farming Approach:
Prioritize SAM Site contracts as they provide guaranteed supply drops with elevated keycard drop rates. Coordinate with squad members to cover multiple contract locations simultaneously, dramatically increasing acquisition efficiency. Teams should allocate 15-25 minutes per farming session for optimal results.
Beyond standard access credentials, operators can secure red and blue keycards that unlock specialized compartments containing superior equipment. These premium access tools follow identical acquisition patterns to Building 21 entry cards.
Red and blue variant keycards share identical loot sources with standard Building 21 access credentials, making comprehensive orange crate and supply drop clearance essential. Successful extraction remains mandatory for permanent inventory addition. These specialized cards feature durability mechanics, with certain variants displaying “used” or “worn” status indicators, mirroring the limited-use characteristics of conventional DMZ keys.
Durability Management:
Monitor keycard condition indicators carefully, as worn cards may fail during critical access attempts. Always carry backup access methods when exploring high-value areas. For weapon loadout optimization to complement your keycard strategies, explore our Weapons Unlock guide for tactical advantages.
Advanced Acquisition Technique:
Focus on helicopter commander eliminations during public events, as these targets yield substantially higher rare keycard drop percentages compared to standard loot sources.
Critical survival equipment includes self-revive kits, medium or large capacity backpacks, and three-plate armor carriers before initiating Building 21 deployments. Acquiring these resources through successful Al Mazrah extractions provides significant tactical advantages within the high-intensity environment.
Essential Preparation Checklist:
• Secure self-revive kits through buy stations or medical supply loot
• Upgrade to three-plate armor via buy stations or loot caches
• Obtain large backpacks for maximum loot carrying capacity
• Coordinate loadout specialization with squad members using our Class Guide for role optimization
Extraction Timing Strategy:
Plan extraction routes during the initial deployment phase rather than waiting until the final moments. Early positioning near extraction points prevents last-minute ambushes and ensures successful gear preservation.
Common Survival Mistakes:
Avoid rushing into central areas without proper reconnaissance—Building 21 contains concentrated AI resistance and player ambush points. Methodical clearing of perimeter areas first provides safer looting opportunities.
Action Checklist
- Farm orange chests in Strongholds and complete SAM Site contracts for keycards
- Secure self-revive, three-plate armor, and large backpack before entering Building 21
- Monitor keycard condition and always carry backup access methods
- Plan extraction routes immediately upon Building 21 deployment
- Clear perimeter areas methodically before advancing to central high-value zones
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » CoD: Warzone 2 DMZ – How To Access Building 21 And Get Keycards Master Building 21 access strategies, keycard locations, and extraction tactics for maximum DMZ success