Why is Call of Duty‘s DMZ Building 21 Periodically Inactive?
Building 21 is a secret new high-risk, high-reward location within Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II‘s DMZ extraction mode. Players require special keycards to enter when available. However, Building 21 repeatedly goes inactive without notice, locking even properly equipped squads out.
The developers have not officially commented on Building 21‘s mysterious closures. But based on community discussion, the most likely reasons are to:
- Prevent excess farming of rare loot
- Build anticipation and hype during downtimes
- Maintain its extreme challenge
What Building 21 Offers
Added in December 2022, Building 21 marked a surprise addition to DMZ‘s main Al Mazrah map. Set within a biological laboratory, it acts as an alternate extraction area separate from standard missions.
The catch is that squads only have 13 minutes to complete objectives once inside. This is far less time than Al Mazrah‘s 25-minute limit.
But for those who extract from its claustrophobic halls alive, Building 21 provides exclusive rewards unavailable anywhere else. The crowning prize is the [[Chimera assault rifle]]:
| Weapon | Type | Overview |
|---|---|---|
| Chimera | Assault Rifle | Fully-auto bullpup rifle with integrated suppressor. Extremely rare DMZ-exclusive firearm ideal for stealth engagements. |
Building 21 also hosts unique activities like confronting dangerous bosses and the nerve-wracking [[Weapons Case]] event.
Why Temporarily Disable Access?
While many players express frustration at hitting locked doors, the leading theory is that Infinity Ward intentionally deactivate Building 21 to control the pace of play. As one of DMZ‘s most lucrative sources of contraband, keeping availability scarce prevents it from being exploited.
Some other plausible reasons behind the temporary shutdowns include:
- Prevent excess farming: Building 21‘s rare loot and XP could undermine progression if continuously farmable. Developers may establish "cool down" periods.
- Build anticipation: Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Periodic downtime increases excitement for its return.
- Maintain extreme challenge: By keeping unlock windows rare and unpredictable, Building 21 avoids feeling routine, retaining its hardcore credibility.
Of course without official word, the underlying causes remain speculative.
Gearing Up for Its Return
Veteran DMZ operators know to stay vigilant for announcements of when Building 21 comes back online. Some strategies include:
- Stockpiling keycards from supply caches to guarantee access
- Completing contracts swiftly to leave room for Building 21 runs
- Monitoring community channels for the latest intel on its status
Once active, the race is on to breach its perimeter before the window closes yet again. Expect white-knuckle showdowns amid the eerie, empty labs as squads frantically try extracting whatever top-tier prizes they can secure in mere minutes.
Hopefully Infinity Ward shares more details soon on what triggers Building 21 to go on or offline. For now, stalwart DMZ infiltrators have no choice but to wait with bated breath for their next chance to conquer its challenges against the odds.
