How to Get Level 2 Clearance
Level 2 Clearance is the first major access upgrade that lets Dylan revisit previously locked spaces in CONTROL Resonant. You receive the Level 2 Keycard during the main mission “Evacuation Procedures,” so it cannot be missed if you continue the story.
The card is given to you by Arish inside the Evac Building after you find him and begin the escape sequence. It is not hidden in a side room, dropped by an enemy, or awarded for opening every locked door in the area.
- Start the “Evacuation Procedures” main mission.
- Reach the Evacuation Zone and enter the Evac Building.
- Find Arish on the upper floors.
- Escort him back toward the elevator to receive the card.
| Requirement | What to do |
|---|---|
| Story progress | Start “Evacuation Procedures” from the Watchtower |
| Earlier access | Obtain the Level 1 Keycard during the previous story progression |
| Destination | Travel to the Evacuation Zone |
| Key NPC | Find and escort Arish |
| Reward | Level 2 Keycard and Level 2 Security Clearance |
“Evacuation Procedures” begins after speaking with Zoe at the Watchtower during the Contain the Crisis story path. Your first listed objective may still mention getting a security keycard; that refers to the Level 1 card acquired earlier in the Field Office sequence.
Once the Evacuation Zone is available, follow the route southeast from Central. The destination is hard to miss: the Evac Building is surrounded by Hiss activity and marked by a large red disturbance above it. You cannot enter immediately, because the building’s barrier is sustained by several Hiss Nodes outside.
Reaching the Evac Building
Before you can continue toward the Level 2 Keycard, destroy the three Hiss Nodes around the Evac Building. Their red energy trails and floating debris point toward their positions, making them easier to track than searching every alley.
| Hiss Node | General location | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| First | In front of the Evac Building | Central outdoor combat encounter |
| Second | Southwest of the building | Enemies, healing orbs, and a power-core route |
| Third | North of the building | Shielded floating enemies and rooftop access |
Start with the node in the open area near the front of the building. Clear nearby enemies first if they are interrupting your attacks, then destroy the node to reduce the obstruction.
The southwest node takes a little more work. The red trail leads toward a closed entrance near an alley, but you need to use a charge from the marked Power Core Station. Carry the charge to the rooftop box that powers access to the garage, then enter and destroy the node. Prioritize the healing orbs during the fight; leaving them active can drag the encounter out and make the area much harder to clear.
For the northern node, deal with the shielded floating enemies around the building. Use the nearby rooftops to gain the height needed to reach the node. Once all three are destroyed, return to the front entrance of the Evac Building.
This is a useful point to restock from crates and check your build. The next portion contains multiple enemy encounters in tighter indoor spaces, so an ability setup that handles groups quickly is helpful. If you have already earned a fire-based combat ability from the Central Resonance encounter, it can make some of these battles easier, but it is not required to obtain the card.
Find Arish and Receive the Card
Enter the Evac Building and take the elevator on the left to the 12th floor. From there, follow the available path through combat areas, scaffolding, flashback sequences, and another Hiss Node that opens access to the next elevator.
| Step | Route through the building |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ride from the lobby to Floor 12 |
| 2 | Clear the large open room |
| 3 | Continue through the hallway marked by a blue light |
| 4 | Move through the scaffolding and destroy the next Hiss Node |
| 5 | Take the unlocked elevator to Floor 15 |
| 6 | Cross the long red room and locate Arish |
After reaching Floor 15, move through the red room and follow the sequence until you can speak with Arish. The mission then shifts from locating him to getting him safely out of the building.
Backtrack with Arish toward the elevator. When the elevator becomes blocked, follow the objective to deal with the Hiss obstruction. Arish gives Dylan the Level 2 Keycard during this escape portion, before you finish leaving the building.
The timing matters if you are worried that you missed it. You do not need to complete the mission, exit the Evacuation Zone, or talk to Zoe again. As soon as Arish hands over the card, Level 2 doors become available.
The card also opens a nearby Level 2 door, allowing you to continue toward the node blocking the elevator. Destroy that node, defeat the enemies that appear afterward, and return through the yellow-lit hallway to call the elevator back to the ground floor.
What Level 2 Clearance Opens
Control Resonant level 2 clearance is primarily a progression tool, but it also creates an immediate reason to explore before leaving the Evac Building. Several Level 2 doors around the interior contain useful material crates, and the lobby gains a new optional activity room.
| Location or reward | How Level 2 Clearance helps |
|---|---|
| Evac Building combat rooms | Opens side doors containing material crates |
| Ground-floor lobby | Opens the room opposite the customization closet |
| SHUM III room | Provides access to the area’s arcade cabinet |
| Earlier locked doors | Lets you revisit Level 2 barriers encountered during exploration |
| Future routes | Satisfies Level 2 requirements in applicable story and side areas |
After destroying the elevator blockage and clearing the enemies, look around the current floor before rushing back to the exit. The nearby Level 2 doors are easy to overlook because the objective points you toward the elevator, but they can contain crafting materials and other helpful supplies.
On the ground floor, find the door opposite the customization closet. Level 2 access opens the SHUM III arcade room. This is also a convenient moment to check the closet if you have outfit options available, including eligible edition or preorder cosmetics.
Do not confuse the Level 2 card with every clearance gate in the game. CONTROL Resonant has several distinct keycards, and a higher number does not automatically grant access to every special lock. For example, later progression can award Level 6 Clearance, while certain optional quest lines provide dedicated keycards for locations such as a mobile research station or Oldest House storage.
If a door still refuses to open after receiving the Level 2 card, read its lock label carefully. It may require a different clearance type, a higher level, or an item tied to a separate side quest.
FAQ
When do you get control resonant level 2 clearance?
You get Level 2 Clearance during the “Evacuation Procedures” main mission. Arish gives Dylan the Level 2 Keycard while you are escorting him out of the Evac Building and dealing with the Hiss blockage at the elevator.
Can you miss the Level 2 Keycard?
No. The keycard is part of the required main-story progression in “Evacuation Procedures.” Continue the escort objective with Arish, and he gives it to you automatically.
Why can’t I enter the Evac Building?
Three Hiss Nodes are maintaining the barrier around the building. Destroy the nodes in front of it, southwest of it, and north of it before returning to the main entrance.
What should I open first with Level 2 Clearance?
Open the nearby Level 2 doors inside the Evac Building after receiving the card, since they hold material crates. Before leaving the lobby, also unlock the room opposite the customization closet to access the SHUM III arcade machine.
Does Level 2 Clearance unlock every restricted door?
No. It only opens locks marked for Level 2 access. Other restricted doors may require Level 1, Level 6, or a specialized keycard obtained through later story content or optional missions.
