Airport Map Lockdown Mechanics in Season 4
Season 4 launched January 8, 2026 at 6PM EST. Airport map unlocks at Level 25 with 35-minute raids supporting 12 players. The encrypted file mechanic triggers server-wide Lockdown broadcast when picked up, initiating a 10-minute window where the carrier emits 30-second pings revealing approximate location.
Lockdown Zone entry tiers:
- Standard: 150,000+ Koens gear value, 20,000 Koens entry fee
- Premium (Level 30): 300,000+ Koens gear value, 50,000 Koens entry fee
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Lockdown Triggers and Duration
Encrypted files spawn randomly throughout 35-minute raids. Pickup triggers Lockdown alert to all operators. The 30-second ping system updates carrier position, allowing players to triangulate movement and set ambushes.
Tactical phases:
- 0-3 min: Aggressive rushes toward last ping
- 3-7 min: Highest danger—players position along extraction routes
- 7-10 min: Waiting phase before extraction moves
Extraction Point Availability
Lockdown doesn't close extraction points. All maintain normal activation schedules:
- Drainage Pipe: 10 min, no backpacks
- Northern Outpost: 10-20 min, max 2 players, requires enemy kill
- 15-min cluster: Destination Extract, Recycling Station Truck, Road Meet-Up Point, Road to the Port, Western Path (20-sec timers)
- Access Bridge: 25 min
- Parking Lot Helicopter: 1 min+, requires 2 dogtags
Season 4 Changes
- Server tick rate increased to 72 for responsive gunfights
- Control Tower vertical gameplay creates new sightlines
- SEK Composite Body Armor: 70 durability, 5% movement penalty
- Sentry 308 Armored Rig: 60 durability, 20 storage slots, 6% movement penalty
Encrypted File Spawn Locations

High-value loot areas show highest spawn probability:
- Motel: 3 safes (2011 keys)
- Northridge Hotel: 8 safes (highest density)
- Campus Services: 2 safes
- Sewage Plant: 3 safes
- Valley Beach Villa: 2 safes, 10 weapon crates
- Valley Port: 1 safe, 7 weapon boxes
Premium key access:
- Executive Lounge Key: 30 durability, ~2.7M Koens
- VIP Reception Keycard: 30 durability, ~3M Koens
- AOC Secret Archives Keycard: 30 durability, ~6M Koens (highest spawn probability)
- Employee Lounge Key: 30 durability, ~1M Koens (4 doors)
Detection and Value
Visual: Glowing objective item with unique coloration Audio: 30-second ping generates directional cue and HUD indicator
Insurance typically doesn't cover encrypted files due to classified status—death means total loss. Entry costs (20K or 50K Koens) require 40%+ extraction rates for profitability.
Risk Assessment Before Pickup
Check:
- Position relative to extraction points
- Gear condition and ammo reserves
- Raid timer (late pickups reduce player threats)
- Squad composition (solo = max risk, full squad = extraction control)
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7 Safest Extraction Routes
Route 1: Drainage Pipe (10 min)
Activates exactly 10 min after raid start—aligns with Lockdown broadcast end. No backpacks allowed.
Tactic: Pick up file within 2 min, move toward Drainage Pipe managing 30-sec pings. Use first 5 min to cover distance, establish defensive position 100-150m from extract at 9-min mark, final approach in last minute.
Route 2: Northern Outpost (10-20 min)
Requires enemy kill before extraction. Max 2 players. Ideal for duos.
Tactic: Non-carrier secures kill while partner protects file carrier. Approach only after kill requirement completes. 10-min window provides flexibility to wait out initial chaos.
Route 3: Access Bridge (25 min)
Latest activation. Player attrition by 25 min reduces PVP risk significantly (60-70% players gone).
Tactic: Don't pick up files before 15-min mark. Locate file, clear area, pick up at min 18-20 for only 5-7 min Lockdown exposure. Establish fallback positions between file and extract.
Route 4: 15-Min Activation Cluster
Five simultaneous extracts force enemy attention split: Destination Extract, Recycling Station Truck, Road Meet-Up Point, Road to the Port, Western Path. All have 20-sec timers.
Tactic: Position centrally between 2-3 options at 15-min mark. Observe from distance, select least active extract, commit to 20-sec timer. Fight from cover within extraction zone if engaged—don't abandon timer.
Route 5: Southern Blockade (Paid)
Requires 2,000 Koens payment. Lower traffic due to cost barrier.
Tactic: Maintain 5K+ Koens in secure container. Thoroughly clear area before payment—once initiated, you're committed. Position with cover facing likely approach angles.
Route 6: Hunter's Path (No Backpack)
Alternative backpack-sacrifice option with different positioning than Drainage Pipe.
Tactic: Minimize backpack contents throughout raid. Focus on pockets/rig storage for secondary valuables.
Route 7: Parking Lot Helicopter (1 min+)
Requires 2 dogtags. Fastest extraction (5-7 min possible) but high-risk.
Tactic: Secure kills before picking up file when possible. Use 30-sec pings to ambush approaching players from defensive positions. Call helicopter and defend landing zone.
Route Comparison

Travel times (tactical speed):
- Drainage Pipe/Northern Outpost: 3-5 min from central areas
- Access Bridge: 4-6 min
- 15-min cluster: 2-4 min (at least one option nearby)
PVP encounter probability:
- Early extracts (10-20 min): Moderate
- Mid-game (15-min cluster): Highest—60-70% player presence
- Late (25 min Access Bridge): Lowest due to attrition
- Helicopter: Variable by timing
Recommended by skill:
- Beginners: Access Bridge or distant 15-min points
- Intermediate: 15-min cluster flexibility, Southern Blockade
- Advanced: Northern Outpost, Parking Lot (reward combat skill)
NPC Behavior During Lockdown
Lockdown increases NPC aggression and spawn rates. Roaming patrols deploy to high-value areas and extraction approaches. NPCs radio for reinforcements more aggressively—single engagement can cascade into multi-squad fights.
Audio cues:
- Radio chatter: 50-60m range
- Footsteps: NPCs have regular rhythms vs. varied player pacing
- Combat sounds: Reveals both NPC and player positions
Patrol timing: 3-5 min rotation cycles. After patrol passes, area clear for 2-3 min. Extraction points have 4-6 min reinforcement cycles.
Optimal Loadouts

Armor
- SEK Composite Body Armor: 70 durability, 5% movement penalty
- Sentry 308 Armored Rig: 60 durability, 20 slots, 6% movement penalty
- Combined: 130 durability, 11% penalty—survives 2-3 engagements
Budget: Mid-tier 40-50 durability sets reduce cost 40-60%
Weapons
Assault rifles in 5.56mm/5.45mm for range versatility. Avoid specialists (shotguns, DMRs). Reliable sidearm (9mm/.45 ACP) for malfunctions.
Supplies
- Medical: 4-6 quick-use items (not surgical kits)
- Throwables: Smoke grenades (concealment/escape), frags (clear campers), flashbangs (blind extraction campers)
Budget Build (<50K Koens)
- Armor: 40-45 durability body (15-20K) + basic rig (8-12K) = <30K
- Weapon: Standard AR (12-18K) with iron sights
- Supplies: 120-150 rounds, 4 heals, 1-2 grenades (5-8K)
- Total: <50K, sustainable at 40%+ success rates
Advanced Tactics
Reading Player Patterns
Campers position 30-50m from extracts at elevated spots, corners with sightlines, or along direct routes from loot areas. Listen for subtle audio—position adjustments, weapon handling, healing.
Counter-Camping
- Approach from unexpected angles (add 2-3 min travel)
- Throwables force position reveals
- Create obvious audio, relocate 40-50m, observe for camper movement
Squad Formations
2-player: Lead-follow with 20-30m spacing. Non-carrier leads, draws first contact. Carrier offsets path for crossfire.
3-4 player: Rotating point every 2-3 min. Carrier never on point. Final approach: establish 30-40m security perimeter before carrier enters extraction zone.
Backup Routes
Identify two backups before pickup:
- Backup 1: 2-3 min additional travel
- Backup 2: Different map section entirely
Decision tree:
- Enemy 100+m: Abort to backup 1
- Enemy 50-100m: Defend and eliminate
- Enemy <50m: Disengage with smoke to backup 2
Common Mistakes
Misconception: Extracts Close During Lockdown
False. All extraction points maintain normal schedules. Lockdown affects player behavior and NPC aggression, not extraction mechanics.
Timing Errors
- Rushing: Arriving early means defending extraction for extended periods with max player presence
- Waiting: Running out of time forces desperate attempts
- Optimal: Arrive 1-2 min before activation
Visibility Mistakes
File creates no visual indicator. Avoid behavioral changes post-pickup. Move aggressively immediately after pings (position already revealed), stealth before next ping.
Overcommitting to Single Route
Reevaluate every 60-90 sec. Maintain mental flexibility. Switching routes wastes time but saves loadout and file.
Maximizing Success Rate
Pre-Raid Checklist
- Armor: 60+ total durability
- Ammo: 120+ rounds
- Medical: 4+ items
- Throwables: 1+ smoke
- Koens: 5K+ in secure container
- Keys: Equipped with sufficient durability
- Routes: Primary + 2 backups planned
Real-Time Decisions
Post-pickup: Note time, calculate extraction activations, select primary route.
Ping management: Move aggressively 15-20 sec after ping, stealth 10-15 sec before next ping.
Engagement matrix: Fight only if blocking extraction route. Avoid all other engagements.
Route reassessment: Every 90 sec, reevaluate based on new information.
Post-Extraction Management
- Secure file immediately in stash
- Sell armor <40% durability (repair costs exceed replacement)
- Monitor market 24-48 hrs for price spikes (15-25% higher returns)
- Allocate profits: 30-40% future loadouts, 30-40% keys/equipment, 20-40% upgrades
Koen Management
Calculate average cost per attempt (entry + loadout + extraction fees) × 5 = minimum reserve.
Track success rate over 20-30 raids:
- 40%+ = positive returns, increase frequency
- <40% = losing Koens, improve tactics first
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FAQ
What triggers lockdown mode? Any player picking up an encrypted file triggers server-wide Lockdown alert with 30-sec pings for 10 min.
How long does lockdown last? Exactly 10 min from pickup. Pinging stops after 10 min, but carrier still holds file and must extract.
Which extracts remain open? All extraction points maintain normal schedules. Lockdown doesn't close any extracts.
Safest solo extraction? Access Bridge (25 min) due to player attrition. Alternative: distant 15-min activation points.
Does file show on your back? No visual indicator. Only 30-sec pings during 10-min Lockdown reveal position.
What if you die with file? Total loss—files typically don't qualify for insurance. Other players can loot and extract it.


















