007 First Light Guide: Unlocking the Compound Basement
Secure the 7 of Roses and Bypass the Heaviest Malta Patrols
Quick Answer: To access the Compound Basement during the Malta mission, steal the keys hanging on the wall of the ruined building where the guards are watching TV. Sneak across the nearby balcony after the patrol splits up, unlock the downstairs door, and clear out the three guards inside to secure the 7 of Roses playing card and bypass the heavy surface patrols.
When you finally touch down in Malta during the “A New Home” chapter, your primary objective tasks you with searching the local training facility. It is incredibly tempting to just sprint straight toward your main waypoint. Do not do that. Rushing ahead forces you directly into heavily fortified enemy patrols and completely skips one of the best shortcuts in the level.
Taking a five minute detour to track down the Compound Basement keys gives you a massive tactical advantage. It opens up a flawless stealth route, refills your pockets with resources, and hides a unique collectible you need for a 100% completion run.
Snagging the Keys
The keys actually spawn the exact moment you step foot into the massive compound zone. Look around for a crumbling, partially ruined structure off to the side. You will spot a few slackers hanging out around a television set instead of patrolling. The keys you need are dangling right on the left wall of that exact structure.
You have a few ways to handle this situation depending on your playstyle.
| Approach | How to Execute |
| Total Stealth | Crouch down, wait until their eyes are glued to the TV broadcast, and physically sneak up to the wall to swipe the keys without making a sound. |
| Gadget Distraction | Use your Q Watch to create a noise distraction elsewhere, pulling the guards away from their post while you loot the area. |
| Going Loud | Drop the guards immediately. If you choose this route, make sure you take them out fast before they alert the rest of the base. |
Speaking of sneaking into restricted areas, if you want to master the art of slipping past VIP security, you should definitely read our complete guide on crashing the party and tagging Ellis White.
Navigating to the Basement Entrance
Once the keys are safely in your inventory, turn to your right and walk across the nearby steps. This path drops you onto a balcony currently occupied by two chatting soldiers.
Do not try to sprint past them while they are standing face to face. They will spot you immediately, trigger an unnecessary base wide alert, and ruin your stealth run. Just wait in the shadows. Eventually, their conversation will end and one of them will walk away. Slip quietly behind the remaining guard and cross the balcony.
Follow the corridor all the way down to the end and descend the staircase. Look to your left to spot the locked basement door.
Securing the Room and Claiming the Loot
Unlock the door and step inside. You are not safe just yet. This is a massive room heavily guarded by three more soldiers.
Charging in blindly is a great way to get yourself killed. Pull out your Q Watch and start triggering distractions to split them up. Once they separate to investigate the noises, you can easily pick them off one by one from the shadows.
With the room totally clear, it is time to reap the rewards of your detour.
- Walk over to the wooden pallet to claim the 7 of Roses playing card collectible.
- Scavenge the surrounding shelves and crates to restock your depleted ammo and gadgets.
- Proceed through the back of the basement to continue your mission completely out of sight from the massive army patrolling the surface level.
Taking the time to clear this underground area makes the rest of your Malta infiltration incredibly smooth.
