Table of Contents

Is Building 21 Paid Content in DMZ? Unraveling the Mystery

The short answer is no, Building 21 in DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) is not paid content, in principle. However, the situation is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Access to Building 21, a high-stakes, high-reward location within DMZ, has been a source of confusion and frustration for many Call of Duty players. While the DMZ mode itself is free-to-play as part of Warzone 2.0, the accessibility of Building 21 has been tied to a specific requirement that blurs the line between free and paid content. Let’s dive deeper into the intricacies of accessing this coveted location.

Decoding the Building 21 Access Conundrum

The core issue revolves around the initial requirement for Modern Warfare 2 ownership to reliably access Building 21. While technically you didn’t need to buy any additional content to play within Building 21, having Modern Warfare 2 simplified the access process. This led to widespread debate about whether Building 21 was truly “free” if a significant advantage, or even mandatory access, hinged on owning a premium game.

Early statements from Activision suggested Building 21 was intended to be free for all Warzone 2.0 players, a commitment that was later seemingly contradicted by in-game mechanics. This sparked criticism, with players feeling misled about the promised free-to-play nature of DMZ and its content.

The Role of Access Cards

The primary method of entering Building 21 involves using a Building 21 access card. These cards are not purchased; instead, they are acquired through gameplay within the DMZ. You can find them in:

Orange Chests: These rare loot chests have a small chance of containing a Building 21 access card.
Supply Drops: Keep an eye out for supply drops that randomly appear throughout the Al Mazrah map; these can sometimes contain access cards.
Supply Crates from Commanders: Defeating commanders (AI enemies) in DMZ will reward you with supply crates that may contain Building 21 access cards.
SAM Site Contracts: Completing the SAM site contract can also award you a Building 21 access card.
Taking out the Helicopter Commander: Defeating the Helicopter Commander has also been confirmed to drop the DRC Building 21 Access Card.

The Modern Warfare 2 Connection (and Disconnection)

Initially, the easiest and most reliable way to get the access card involved owning Modern Warfare 2. There was anecdotal evidence that players who owned Modern Warfare 2 got easier access. However, recent changes appear to have leveled the playing field, making the Modern Warfare 2 ownership less directly linked to obtaining access cards. However, owning Modern Warfare 2 does offer advantages in leveling up weapons and unlocking operators, which can, in turn, indirectly improve your odds of survival and success in DMZ, making it easier to acquire access cards.

Availability Windows

Building 21 isn’t always open. Infinity Ward implemented a system where Building 21 is available for a limited time, followed by a cooldown period when it’s inaccessible. While there isn’t an official schedule, it’s widely believed that Building 21 is primarily accessible on weekends.

Current State of Building 21 Access

As of the latest updates, while Modern Warfare 2 ownership isn’t a hard requirement, obtaining access cards through gameplay remains the key. This means that all players, regardless of whether they own Modern Warfare 2, theoretically have the same opportunity to enter Building 21, provided they are willing to grind for access cards.

It’s important to stay updated with the latest Call of Duty announcements and patch notes, as access methods and availability may change with each season.

Building 21: Rewards and Risks

Building 21 is not for the faint of heart. It’s a highly challenging environment with strong AI enemies and other player teams vying for the same loot. Success in Building 21 can yield significant rewards, including:

Weapon Cases: Completing Building 21 missions and extracting with weapon cases unlocks unique rewards, such as weapon blueprints (like the Silver Tox for the Chimera assault rifle), emblems, weapon charms, and vehicle skins.

This is why, for many, the risks are worth the rewards.

Engage with the Games Learning Society for more discussions on the mechanics and impacts of game design, or visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Building 21

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of Building 21:

Is DMZ completely free-to-play?

Yes, DMZ is a free-to-play game mode within Warzone 2.0.
Do I need Modern Warfare 2 to play DMZ?

No, Modern Warfare 2 is not required to play the base DMZ mode.
Do I need Modern Warfare 2 to enter Building 21?

Not officially required, but owning it was initially advantageous. Recent updates suggest access card acquisition is now more independent of Modern Warfare 2 ownership.
How do I get a Building 21 access card?

You can find Building 21 access cards in orange chests, supply drops, and supply crates from Commanders. You can also get one through the SAM site contracts.
Can I buy Building 21 access cards?

No, Building 21 access cards cannot be purchased. They must be found through gameplay.
Is Building 21 always open?

No, Building 21 has limited availability and is typically open only on weekends.
How many players can enter Building 21 at once?

Building 21 can accommodate multiple teams, specifically around 4 teams, each with up to 3 players.
Do all players in my team need a Building 21 access card?

No, only one player in a team needs a Building 21 access card to enter.
What are the rewards for completing Building 21?

Rewards include weapon blueprints, emblems, weapon charms, and vehicle skins. The ultimate reward is the Silver Tox blueprint for the Chimera assault rifle.
Why is Building 21 locked for me?

Building 21 is locked when it is not available during its designated timeframe (usually weekdays).
What is a DRC Building 21 access card?

It is a keycard that grants you access to the Building 21 zone in DMZ, lootable from rare orange chests, public supply drop events, supply drops that you get from doing the SAM Site Contracts or from taking out the helicopter commander.
Are Building 21 access cards unlimited?

Building 21 access cards are consumed upon use, meaning you’ll need to acquire a new one each time you want to enter.
Where is Building 21 located?

Building 21 is a separate map outside of Al Mazrah. You can select it from the DMZ menu if you have an access card.
Is DLC generally free-to-play?

Some DLC is free, while other DLC requires purchase. It varies from game to game.
Why can’t I use my Building 21 access card? Ensure that Building 21 is currently active and available for play. It is usually only active on weekends.

Is Building 21 paid?