Dark Zone Keys
Dark Zone keys can be pretty hard to come by, which is why the best loot is stashed away in locked crates that you'll need these keys to open. They can also be easy to lose if you get taken out in the Dark Zone, as you'll drop keys as well as items, and you can also say goodbye to a portion of your DZ rank and DZ credits. So with that cheery PSA out of the way, here's how to get yourself some keys.
Uplay reward
This is the quickest and easiest way to grab three keys in one haul. You can do it at any time - provided you have the points - but it's a one-off transaction. So it's up to you whether you want to scope out the Dark Zone first and pinpoint some choice-looking chests before cashing in to get the keys. or whether you snap them up on your first trip inside, ready to use them with reckless abandon.
Elite enemy drops
Should you stumble across high-level or named enemies, chances are they've got a key on their person. They may also be guarding a chest, so call in reinforcements if necessary and take them down. Not everyone who participates in the fray may get a key, but as long as you're playing with a decent enough sort, you can hover nearby when they open a chest that requires a key, and pick up the loot as well.
Killing loot-carrying players
You've used your Uplay points, you're struggling to kill the elite enemies, and no one wants you near them when they're busting open their loot chests. You've explored all other avenues and arrived at the only option left to you. Or maybe you just enjoy slaughtering other players. Either way, it's time for a rampage.
Obviously there are consequences to going rogue - but if you're ready to start murdering other agents, presumably you've done a bit of cursory research on the subject. The additional unknown factor is you have no idea what players are carrying in the tantalising yellow pouch, gently bouncing around above their butts. You could go through all of that trouble and still have no keys at the end of it - but you'll never know unless you empty a clip into their back and beat them into submission.
Once you've got a key, it's advisable to use it as soon as possible, in case some other opportunist maniac decides that you're easy pickings.
