Building 21: Unveiling the High-Stakes Challenge in DMZ
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The point of Building 21 in DMZ is to provide players with a high-intensity, PvPvE experience focused on objective completion and high-value rewards. It’s a confined, multi-story environment teeming with challenging AI enemies, rival player squads, and lucrative loot. Unlike the broader Al Mazrah map, Building 21 is a more condensed, tactical experience that demands careful planning, teamwork, and combat prowess. Players enter Building 21 seeking unique cosmetic items and a thrill not found in the traditional DMZ experience, facing higher risks for higher gains. In essence, it is a test of skill and coordination against both the environment and other players, all within a focused and intense setting.
The Allure of Building 21
Building 21 stands apart from the standard DMZ experience. It’s not just another location on the map; it’s a self-contained challenge that offers a unique flavor of gameplay. The main draw lies in the unique rewards obtainable only within its walls:
- Cosmetic Items: Completing objectives in Building 21 grants exclusive rewards, including a Camo Cloud Vehicle Skin, a Company Sniper Emblem, a Going Bark Weapon Charm, a Roar Weapon Sticker, a Silver Tox Chimera Blueprint, and a Weapon Rover Calling Card. These are tangible proofs of conquest, allowing players to show off their accomplishments to other DMZ players.
- High-Risk, High-Reward: The tighter confines and increased AI difficulty mean a higher chance of elimination, but also mean a greater possibility of finding rare and powerful loot. Successful exfils from Building 21 often result in significant upgrades to a player’s arsenal.
- Intense Player Encounters: Due to its limited size, Building 21 is a hotspot for player-vs-player conflicts. Unlike Al Mazrah, where players can sometimes avoid conflict, confrontations are practically inevitable within Building 21, demanding tactical awareness and strong fighting skills.
- Focused Gameplay: The objective in Building 21 is straightforward: reach the server room. This central goal dictates the flow of the game, focusing player attention and strategy.
Navigating the Challenges of Building 21
The environment of Building 21 is designed to challenge even veteran DMZ players. Its multi-layered layout, combined with the advanced AI behaviors of the Shadow Company, creates a complex and unpredictable gameplay experience. Here are key elements to consider:
Advanced AI
The AI enemies in Building 21, belonging to the Shadow Company, are more advanced than their counterparts in other DMZ areas. They utilize cover effectively, employ more lethal equipment, and coordinate their attacks. This heightened intelligence requires players to adapt their tactics, constantly moving and utilizing a variety of approaches to overcome enemies. Armor-Piercing Rounds are highly recommended to deal with them more efficiently.
The Deactivation Phase
Upon entering Building 21, players must wait for the security system to deactivate. During this period, waves of AI challenges are introduced, testing players’ endurance and strategic abilities. Surviving this phase is essential to progress further into the building. This downtime forces engagement and combat before making a deeper push toward the main objective.
Tactical Considerations
Success within Building 21 requires a strong tactical approach. Here are some key considerations:
- Teamwork is Crucial: Communication and coordination are paramount. Teams need to work together to clear rooms, cover angles, and revive fallen teammates.
- Armor Up: Players should enter Building 21 with full armor, and they should be prepared to replace it often. The aggressive AI and potential player encounters can quickly reduce protection.
- Utilize Cover: The confined nature of Building 21 means that cover is essential. Taking a position that offers protection is vital when engaging the AI or other teams.
- Weapon Choice: The high-intensity combat requires players to have powerful, reliable weapons. Prioritize assault rifles, SMGs, and shotguns for close-quarter combat, and don’t forget Armor-Piercing Rounds.
- Equipment: Flashbangs, stun grenades, and frag grenades can be the difference between victory and defeat. Utilize equipment to gain an advantage during encounters. The RGL-80 grenade launcher can be particularly effective at clearing out groups of enemies in enclosed spaces.
The Armory
Once the AI threats are cleared and the server room is accessed, players should head to the armory on the top floor. This area is another high-value location that can contain exceptional loot, making it a crucial stop before exfil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many players can enter Building 21 at once?
Building 21 allows for a maximum of four teams, totaling potentially 12 players, though there may sometimes be less due to the possibility of solos and duos. Teams start with three players and can assimilate one more member within the building.
2. Is Building 21 located in Verdansk?
While the precise location is not directly on the main Verdansk map, it is suggested that it is underneath the crater that was formed when the nuke decimated Verdansk, or in the same area as the old Downtown location.
3. What is the main objective inside Building 21?
The main goal is to reach the server room, which is the central objective that players need to achieve to complete the level.
4. What are the main rewards for completing Building 21?
Completing Building 21 rewards players with unique cosmetic items such as a Camo Cloud Vehicle Skin, Company Sniper Emblem, Going Bark Weapon Charm, Roar Weapon Sticker, Silver Tox Chimera Blueprint, and Weapon Rover Calling Card.
5. Are there other players in Building 21?
Yes, Building 21 is a PvPvE environment where multiple teams of players can encounter one another while also battling AI enemies.
6. Do I need DLC to access Building 21?
Yes, access to Building 21 requires the purchase of Modern Warfare 2. Without it, you will only be able to play the regular DMZ.
7. What is the red access card used for in DMZ?
The red access card is required to enter Building 21 when it is available. It can be obtained by looting supply boxes, especially those from shot-down planes at SAM sites.
8. How many people drop into a DMZ lobby typically?
While online sources sometimes state 66 players, the actual number of player squads can vary greatly. It is more common to encounter around 12 players or less in a DMZ match.
9. How big can a party be in DMZ?
DMZ allows for parties of up to six members using the squad assimilation feature, while Warzone 2’s Battle Royale mode is limited to four.
10. How long does a DMZ match last?
Each match in DMZ is limited to 20 minutes, requiring players to think quickly and strategically about their activities.
11. Why is Building 21 locked sometimes?
Building 21 may be temporarily locked due to “significant infiltration”, as stated by the developers. It is generally reopened within a week.
12. What is an RGL-80 in DMZ?
The RGL-80 is a semi-automatic grenade launcher that can fire up to six shots in a salvo, perfect for clearing rooms full of enemies. It is highly effective within the close quarters of Building 21.
13. What kind of enemies are in Building 21?
The primary enemies in Building 21 are from the Shadow Company, an advanced AI faction that utilizes advanced combat tactics, lethal equipment, and effective cover.
14. What kind of tactics should I use in Building 21?
Utilize Armor-Piercing Rounds, maintain close communication with your team, stick together, utilize cover effectively, and be aggressive. Always be aware of the potential of enemy players.
15. Can I request an additional team member inside Building 21?
Yes, you can use the Ping Menu or Proximity Chat to request an additional squad mate, allowing you to potentially play with a team of four within the building.
Building 21 provides a uniquely challenging, intense, and rewarding DMZ experience. Understanding its objectives, challenges, and rewards is key to conquering this high-stakes environment.