Mastering the Old Place Mission in DMZ

The Old Place mission stands as a pivotal Tier 2 challenge within the Shadow Company faction in Call of Duty: Warzone’s DMZ mode, introduced during Season 5. Players must infiltrate the heavily fortified Building 21, neutralize a specific number of enemy combatants, and exfiltrate with critical intelligence. This guide breaks down every aspect, from preparation to execution, ensuring you complete it efficiently and unlock valuable rewards.

Understanding the Mission Framework

At its core, The Old Place requires two primary objectives: eliminating eight Konni soldiers inside Building 21 and successfully extracting the Extraction Protocol from the same location. These tasks demand precise coordination, especially given Building 21’s limited accessibility and high-risk environment.

• Objective 1: Kill 8 Konni Soldiers in Building 21 – Focus on identifying and engaging only the designated enemies to avoid unnecessary complications.
• Objective 2: Extract the Extraction Protocol from Building 21 – Locate this item on fallen foes and secure it for exfil.

Success grants a Used Skeleton Key and 7,500 XP, boosting your progression in the Shadow Company faction.

Preparation Essentials Before Infil

Building 21 isn’t accessible at all times; it opens exclusively on weekends, aligning with DMZ’s rotating map rotations. Check the in-game schedule to confirm availability. You’ll need a DRC Building 21 Access Card, obtainable from supply drops across Al Mazrah or other maps. Stock your loadout with suppressors for stealth, high-mobility weapons, and ample ammo.

Team up with a squad for better odds, as Shadow Company allies spawn inside to assist against Konni forces.

Navigating Building 21: Layout and Hotspots

Upon successful infil using your access card, you’ll drop into a multi-level facility teeming with AI enemies. The structure spans three floors, with key areas including the generator room, labs, and upper corridors. Konni soldiers are distinguishable by their black armor, red bandanas, and crimson masks – contrasting the helmets worn by friendlies.

Spawn near friendly Shadow Company groups; use them as cover while pushing inward. Most Konni cluster in the generator room on the first floor and patrol the second floor extensively. Clear methodically: peek corners, use lethals for groups, and prioritize headshots to conserve ammo.

1. First Floor Sweep: Engage initial patrols near entry; generator room holds 3-4 Konni.
2. Second Floor Push: Elevator access leads here – expect ambushes; 4-5 enemies roam hallways.
3. Upper Levels: Fewer foes but tighter spaces; watch for snipers.

Aim to rack up eight kills quickly to minimize exposure, as player squads and roaming bots intensify pressure.

Securing the Extraction Protocol

The Extraction Protocol isn’t in a fixed spot; it drops randomly from defeated Konni soldiers, similar to other mission collectibles like battle notes. Loot every body thoroughly – check backpacks and ground drops. It appears as a glowing intel item; secure it immediately in your backpack to avoid loss during firefights.

If unlucky on the first eight kills, continue eliminating Konni until it drops. Prioritize search during lulls between waves. Once obtained, defend your position or make for the exfil elevator, calling it strategically to avoid defending a prolonged timer.

Exfiltration Strategies and Common Pitfalls

Exfil from Building 21 demands caution. The elevator is the primary route – activate it, hold position against incoming waves, and board when ready. Avoid over-looting; secure the Protocol and GTFO. Common mistakes include:

• Targeting Shadow Company allies, failing the mission.
• Ignoring weekend-only access, wasting time.
• Not looting all bodies, missing the Protocol.
• Poor positioning during exfil, leading to downings.

Pro tip: Use UAVs or recon tools post-kills to track remaining Konni.

Rewards and Progression Impact

Completing The Old Place advances your Shadow Company tier, unlocking further high-stakes missions. The Used Skeleton Key opens exclusive locked areas, while XP accelerates weapon unlocks and operator upgrades. Integrate this into a broader faction grind for maximum efficiency.

Advanced Tactics for Solo and Squad Play

Solo: Emphasize stealth – claymores for doorways, dead silence for flanks. Hit generator room first for quick kills.

Squad: Assign roles: one loots, others suppress. Split pushes clear floors faster.

Loadout synergies include RPK for suppression and ISO 45 for CQC. Practice in standard DMZ runs to familiarize with Building 21.

Integration with Season 5 Meta

Season 5 amplified Konni presence across maps, making Building 21 a hotspot for rival squads. Pair The Old Place with Thinning the Herd for efficient Konni farming. Updates refined AI behavior, increasing spawns but improving drop rates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When is Building 21 available?

Only on weekends during DMZ rotations.

How do I get the access card?

From supply drops or buy stations on Al Mazrah.

What do Konni soldiers look like?

Black armor, red bandanas/masks – no helmets.

Where does the Protocol spawn?

Random drop from Konni bodies; loot all.

What rewards do I get?

Used Skeleton Key and 7,500 XP.

Can I do this solo?

Yes, but squads improve success rates.

Conclusion: Conquer Building 21 Today

The Old Place mission tests infiltration, combat prowess, and extraction skills. With proper prep and execution, it’s a rewarding gateway to Shadow Company elite status. Gear up, infil on weekends, and claim victory in DMZ’s most intense facility.