The addition of Warzone 2 strongholds is one of several new innovations arriving in Call of Duty's latest battle royale offering. Alongside the backpack looting system, strongholds utilise Infinity Ward's AI system to provide players with even more ways to obtain high-tier loot over the course of a match.
Strongholds appear all over the map and reward players with game-changing items if they're able to take control of the AI-controlled area. Although the AI is easy to deal with, the noise is guaranteed to attract some unwanted attention from enemy teams.
Before we share more intel on what Warzone 2 strongholds have in store, take a look at our other guides containing essential intel on the best Warzone 2 guns and all there is to know about the best Warzone 2 landing spots.
What are Warzone 2 strongholds?
Thanks to a Warzone 2 blog post from Activision and Infinity Ward, we know a small slice of information surrounding strongholds. These are areas of Al Mazrah controlled by a number of AI combatants. Players can choose to enter a stronghold and fight the AI for a chance to earn a coveted key to the Black Site and access to their custom loadout.
If you manage to defeat the AI, you'll receive your loadout but if you're the first team that manages to eliminate the enemy and defuse the bomb, you'll receive the Black Site key.
How to enter a Warzone 2 stronghold
Strongholds are incredibly easy to start in Warzone 2. Simply head to the map icon or a building with an orange flag and prepare to engage with the AI.
Defeating AI is relatively straightforward and while it takes you out of the main action for a few minutes, gaining access to a loadout provides more long-term success than continuing with the weapon you've found on the floor.
Warzone 2 stronghold tips and tricks
There's a high chance a few AI soldiers are wielding a riot shield. The fastest way to deal with them is by throwing a grenade behind them or utilising some fast movement to catch them off guard.
Once they're taken care of, you may find AI wearing armour. If you've got a weapon that's not very powerful, breaking through the armour takes at least one magazine but once you hear the crack of the plates breaking, it only takes a few seconds to deal with them
Is it worth completing a Warzone 2 stronghold?
Considering you can't purchase a loadout from a buy station in Warzone 2, completing at least one stronghold is definitely worth your time. Even if you don't obtain a key to the Black Site, having your favourite weapon makes all the difference.
That's everything there is to know about Warzone 2 strongholds. For more on the battle royale, check out our guides showcasing the early Warzone 2 meta and the best Warzone 2 AR to use.