The Mandate Encampment Outer Gate Key is an essential item for progressing in Phantom Blade Zero, as it grants access to a previously inaccessible region of the game. Players will first encounter the gate to the Mandate Encampment early in their journey in the Village of Lu, but the key itself is found much later.
Players will need to reach the Pangzhen area, which is the game's fourth region and is visited during its second chapter. The key is located on the western side of this area. After defeating the boss Gu Wangyue, a Chinese opera singer, players can drop down the well within her arena. Following the ladder directly ahead will lead to a room where the key can be found on a corpse. This room is also populated by puppet enemies. This location is part of the main path through Pangzhen, meaning players will inevitably pass through it. It is important to collect the key when encountered to ensure the gate to the Mandate Encampment can be opened.