Warzone 2 Strongholds Explained

Warzone 2 Strongholds are fortified settlements home to AI soldiers. Inside Strongholds, players will find all sorts of loot unique to Warzone 2, like Custom Loadout items and Black Sites. But to commandeer a Stronghold, you must defeat the AI opponents that occupy it and complete Operations. So, before you parachute down onto Al Mazrah, let's review everything you need to know about Warzone 2 Strongholds.

• Will COD Points and cosmetics transfer to Warzone 2?

What Are Warzone 2 Strongholds?

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Warzone 2 Strongholds are AI-controlled outposts scattered around Al Mazrah, Warzone 2's new map. Players can choose not to interact with Strongholds if they'd like, but those brave enough to enter and take out the AI squatters will be rewarded for their troubles.

Clearing a Warzone 2 Stronghold isn't as simple as bashing in and eliminating all the enemies. Usually, you'll have to complete a series of tasks and objectives called Operations, like defusing bombs or defeating a VIP.

Warzone 2 Strongholds: Loot

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One of the primary reasons to seek out Warzone 2 Strongholds is for the opportunity to access your Custom Loadout. Clearing out Strongholds will award you your Loadout weapons for free, without the need to cough up a bunch of Cash at a Buy Station, referred to in Warzone 2 as 'The Shop'.

It might surprise you, but free Loadout items aren't even the most alluring part about Warzone 2 Strongholds. Select Strongholds will reveal the location of 'Black Site' areas that contain 'even cooler stuff'. These cryptic locations almost sound like Vaults.

Warzone 2 Strongholds: Where To Find

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It's said that 25-30 Strongholds will exist around Al Mazrah. Not all Strongholds are the same, either. Strongholds vary in difficulty and are classified into different tiers. 

Strongholds won't be available right at the start of a Warzone 2 match. Instead, a notification will pop up on the screen as soon as Strongholds begin to open up. When this happens, a quick glance at your map will indicate the location of all active Strongholds.

With Loadout Drops scrapped in Warzone 2, Strongholds are now the best way to secure your favourite weapons.

Strongholds are just one of many Warzone 2 new features.