Can You Still Get Building 21 Keys? Your Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you can still get Building 21 keys in Call of Duty: Warzone 2’s DMZ mode. However, the acquisition and accessibility of this coveted key are not as straightforward as other items in the game. Building 21, a high-stakes, multi-level location, has a unique structure, both literally in the game and in terms of availability. The keys are not easily obtained and the building itself is not always accessible, adding another layer of complexity to your DMZ experience. Let’s dive deep into the specifics of obtaining, using, and understanding the Building 21 key situation.
Understanding Building 21 Key Dynamics
The Building 21 key is not a permanent item. Unlike keys to strongholds or other locations, the Building 21 key can be extracted, meaning you can store it for future use. This adds a strategic element: if you successfully acquire a key, you can choose to extract with it, saving it for another run when Building 21 is active, or you can attempt to use it immediately. This feature is important because of the limited time availability of Building 21.
How to Find Building 21 Keys
The keys are designed to be somewhat rare. You won’t find them consistently at specific locations, but some areas have a higher likelihood of spawning them. The primary areas to focus on while searching for keys in Al Mazrah, the primary DMZ map, are:
- Planes: Exploring the interiors and cargo areas of crashed planes can often yield valuable loot, including Building 21 keys.
- Drop Boxes: Keep a close eye on the random supply drop boxes that appear around the map. These can often contain high-tier items, including the coveted key.
The keys spawn as random floor loot, meaning there’s no guaranteed location. You’ll need to be persistent and thorough in your searches. Remember that these keys can be picked up by other players as well, so securing one will be a race against time and other squads.
The Temporary Nature of Building 21
It is crucial to understand that Building 21 is not always accessible. It operates on a limited-time schedule. It is typically only open on weekends. Infinity Ward, the developers of Call of Duty, has stated that Building 21 opens for a limited time, and once this timer ends, it will close, with a fixed cooldown period before it reopens. This means that even if you have a key, you cannot access the building at all times. Building 21 is usually inactive from Monday afternoon until Friday afternoon. The game will usually warn you when Building 21 is about to close.
Building 21’s Unique Challenges
Building 21 is not just about keys and timing. The location itself is a highly challenging environment. Expect intense combat against both AI enemies and other player teams. Building 21 supports up to four player squads (with a possibility to form a squad of four, usually starting with three and an opportunity for an extra player to join). The space is compact, multi-floored, and full of corners, making it ideal for ambushes and close-quarters engagements.
Inside, you will find valuable loot, including the RGL-80 grenade launcher, a powerful weapon that can be acquired by defeating the boss NPC, Velikan. However, to access this special loot you’ll need to navigate a labyrinthine interior filled with powerful AI and player teams who are equally determined to claim the loot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the intricacies of Building 21 keys and access, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
1. Why was Building 21 locked previously?
Building 21 was temporarily locked due to a bug that allowed unlimited access. This meant that players could enter the building infinitely without using keycards, creating an exploitable situation that developers had to address.
2. How long was Building 21 disabled for?
Building 21 was initially closed for about 81 hours. This was to allow the developers time to fix the bugs and ensure a fair gameplay experience.
3. Is Building 21 still closed?
No, Building 21 is not permanently closed. It operates on a limited schedule, typically opening during weekends. Check in-game announcements to see if the building is accessible.
4. How many people can spawn in Building 21?
Players can form teams of four. Initially, they spawn in with three, but can request an additional squad mate using the ping menu or proximity chat. This is in contrast to the main DMZ map, where you can form a team of six.
5. Is there a cooldown on Building 21?
Yes, Building 21 operates on a limited-time schedule, and once the timer ends, it will close with a fixed cooldown timer. Infinity Ward has confirmed this mechanic.
6. Why is Building 21 inactive even after getting a key?
This simply means that Building 21 is closed based on its schedule. It’s only accessible during specific time windows, usually from Friday afternoon through Sunday evening.
7. Do you need DLC for Building 21?
Originally, a bug placed components of Building 21 in a multiplayer DLC, making it inaccessible for those without MWII. This issue has been addressed, and Building 21 is now intended to be free for all Warzone 2.0 players, but requires that you own Modern Warfare 2.
8. When is Building 21 open?
Building 21 is typically only open on weekends. You’ll receive in-game warnings prior to it closing.
9. What DLC do I need for Building 21?
To access Building 21, you must own Modern Warfare 2.
10. Where do you find Building 21 keys?
Building 21 keys are found as random floor loot, but are more commonly found in planes and drop boxes in Al Mazrah.
11. How do you get the RGL-80 in DMZ?
The RGL-80 grenade launcher is located exclusively inside Building 21, and it drops from Velikan, the boss NPC.
12. Why can’t I start Building 21 even though I have a key?
If you possess a key but cannot enter, it means Building 21 is currently closed based on its limited-time availability schedule.
13. Is Building 21 limited time?
Yes, Infinity Ward has stated Building 21 is not always accessible and operates on a limited-time schedule.
14. Where is Building 21 located?
Building 21 sits in the area that was previously downtown Verdansk, or possibly underneath the crater created by the Verdansk nuke. It’s a completely separate map, not an addition to Al Mazrah.
15. Do you need to buy MW2 for Building 21?
Yes, to access Building 21, you must own Modern Warfare 2.
Conclusion
Obtaining and using a Building 21 key in Warzone 2 DMZ requires a combination of luck, persistence, and strategic planning. The keys are rare, spawn randomly, and the building’s availability is limited. By understanding how the system works and knowing where to look, you can significantly increase your chances of gaining access to Building 21’s high-stakes environment. Always remember to pay attention to the in-game warnings to know when to make your moves. Armed with this knowledge, you are now ready to embark on the challenging but rewarding experience that Building 21 has to offer. Good luck, operator!