How to get and use Skeleton Keys in DMZ

Find this all-purpose key in DMZ.

Warzone character parachuting.
Image via Activision

DMZ is several seasons deep, and while some challenges and missions fall by the wayside, a few stick around. Skeleton Keys, as their name suggests, have become the bones of the DMZ looting experience.

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Each season, Activision introduces multiple new gameplay mechanics, operators, and even weapons to spice up the gaming experience. Skeleton Keys are a relatively new addition in the grand scheme of things, but they’ve become a vital part of DMZ.

What do Skeleton Keys do in DMZ?

You’ll be using these keys to access multiple different locations and hard-to-reach places across Al Mazrah, Ashika Island, and Vondel, so adding these keys to your shopping list is a good way to go. Whenever I’m in an Al Mazrah hotspot, I usually fight tooth and nail to get my hands on Skeleton Keys. They’re a necessity if you’re looking for top-tier loot.

Usually, players can loot this key from usual looting locations or slain enemies, and the Skeleton Key can unlock any previously inaccessible door, box, or building. While there are a few exceptions, such as Building 21, this key is undoubtedly one of the most useful tools to possess.

How to get a Skeleton Key in Warzone DMZ

Unlocking the Skeleton Key recipe

A screenshot of the unlock requirements for the Skeleton Key in DMZ.
Just kill Velikan, no biggie. Screenshot by Dot Esports

Each main item in the Barter menu must be unlocked before it can be crafted at a Buy Station. The Skeleton Key is no exception, but fortunately, the requirement to unlock the recipe is pretty simple: Kill the miniboss Velikan in Building 21.

Related: DMZ Secure Backpack: How it works and how to get one

Ok, so maybe “simple” is putting it lightly. Building 21 requires a special access card and can only be accessed on weekends, and a majority of players that do get into Building 21 are also hunting the boss down. It can turn into a bit of a race and the risks are high, but the reward is a key that unlocks almost any door or crate in the game.

Skeleton Key Barter recipes for each DMZ map

Skeleton Key recipes change depending on the map you are currently playing on. Between Vondel, Ashika Island, and Al Mazrah, you will need to gather different materials. Below are all the necessary materials to craft a Skeleton Key on each map in DMZ.

Vondel

  • Three 3-Plate Armor Vests
  • Three Self-Revive Kits
  • One Gold Bar
The Vondel Barter menu for the Skeleton Key as of June 2023.
The Vondel Buy Station menu in June 2023. Screenshot by Dot Esports

Al Mazrah

  • One GPU
  • Two Gold Bars
The Al Mazrah Barter menu for the Skeleton Key as of June 2023.
The Al Mazrah Buy Station menu in June 2023. Screenshot by Dot Esports

Ashika Island

  • One Videocassette Recorder
  • Two Gold Bars
  • One Vintage Wine
  • One Encrypted Hard Drive
The Ashika Island Barter menu for the Skeleton Key as of June 2023.
The Ashika Island Buy Station menu in June 2023. Screenshot by Dot Esports

Where to use Skeleton Keys in DMZ

Once the Skeleton Key is acquired, players can use it to open almost any locked location on the map. It should be noted that these Skeleton Keys have only one use and will be removed from your inventory after it has been expended, so use them wisely!

Author
Image of Blaine Polhamus
Blaine Polhamus
Staff Writer for Dot Esports. Avid gamer for two decades and gaming writer for three years. I'm a lover of anything Souls-like since 2011. I cover everything from single-player RPGs to MMOs.
Author
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Harrison Thomas
CS:GO, Overwatch, and Valorant Staff Writer - Played CS:GO since 2012 and keep a close eye on other titles. Give me a game and I'll write about it. Ranks are private information. Contact harry@dotesports.com
Author
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Nicholas Taifalos
Weekend editor for Dot Esports. Nick, better known as Taffy, began his esports career in commentary, switching to journalism with a focus on Oceanic esports, particularly Counter-Strike and Dota. Email: nicholas@dotesports.com