Keys are reported as escape-progress items in MM2 of The Locust, but no complete first-party spawn table is available. Search them by zone and landmark, confirm the live interaction, and record the current label. This remains useful whether spawns are fixed, selected from a pool, or changed by an update.
Start with a zone scan
Choose the map’s central anchor and divide nearby routes into upper, central, lower, and side-room zones as the environment allows. Clear the visible surfaces along a safe loop first. Then enter branches and dead ends only when the Locust is elsewhere or you have support.
Look at tables, shelves, corners, floor edges, side rooms, lower sections, and other normal interactable areas. Current public coverage mentions keys in less obvious rooms and lower areas, but that is a search clue rather than a permanent coordinate.
Confirm a real pickup
Approach until the current interaction prompt appears. Use the displayed action and wait for the object, inventory, or objective UI to change. A decorative key shape or exploit overlay label is not enough. Record the live name or color rather than inventing one from the room.
If another player reaches it first, watch whether the key disappears for everyone, remains shared, or changes the team objective. Ownership and transfer behavior need in-game testing. Do not claim the key is personal or shared from a single crowded pickup.
Record the location clearly
Use five fields: current map identity, nearest stable landmark, floor or layer, room or surface type, and return route. “Blue key in the lower room beside central stairs” is more useful than “key on the left.” Add the check date because upcoming maps and PRE-ALPHA changes can move it.
If you cannot confirm the formal map name, describe the visual identity cautiously and avoid presenting it as an official title. A screenshot of the vote panel or round title can establish the displayed name later.
Match the key without exposing the carrier
Move the carrier along connected routes toward doors or prompts that match the current UI. Other survivors should search adjacent areas and call the Locust. Do not gather the whole team around one lock. If the key fails, report the label, door landmark, and result, then leave the lane before the monster arrives.
Watch for a new prompt after a successful use. The first opened route may lead to another objective rather than the final exit. Continue with the How to Escape guide for the full decision loop.
Search while chased
Do not stop for a pickup when the Locust controls the only exit. Lead the threat away through a known loop, break sight, and return from another branch. If a teammate is chased, use that window to clear a zone, but stay alert to the monster changing targets.
If carrying a key makes you a priority target, tell teammates your route and let one support player hold a defensive item or call the threat. Keep doorways clear so the carrier can pass.
When a key is missing
Build a shared key log
After each round, keep only reproduced observations. Note whether the same key appeared in the same zone, another spot in the same zone, or a different area. Separate “found once” from “seen in several current rounds.” Do not calculate a spawn rate from a few attempts.
The strongest current guide may be a zone list rather than a coordinate list. It gets players to the right surfaces without promising a spawn that the PRE-ALPHA build can move.
Continue with Maps for the anchor system, Hiding Spots for safe search recovery, and Multiplayer Guide for carrier support.
Confidence
Key presence is Community reported for the target experience. Specific labels, uses, fixed positions, randomization rules, and transfer behavior remain Needs in-game testing.