Navigating the treacherous landscapes of Lamang Island requires more than just a steady aim; it demands a keen eye for intelligence and tactical patience. The gray zone warfare big fish task, assigned by Handshake, is one of the more complex multi-stage missions introduced in the 0.4 Spearhead update. This mission takes players deep into the heart of the Midnight Sapphire resort, a high-threat area where President Narith Sayavong’s secrets are buried. To successfully complete the gray zone warfare big fish objective, you will need to infiltrate luxury villas, bypass heavy security in the main hotel, and uncover a hidden room that holds the key to the President's whereabouts.
In this guide, we break down every step of the mission, from obtaining the necessary keys to the final data transfer. Whether you are playing solo or with a squad, understanding the layout of the Midnight Sapphire region is essential for survival. Follow these steps to secure your rewards and boost your reputation with Handshake.
Task Overview and Rewards
The Big Fish task is a high-stakes operation that focuses on intelligence gathering. Handshake is convinced that President Narith Sayavong is hiding in a secret villa, and your job is to find the digital and physical trail he left behind. This mission is notorious for its difficulty due to the high density of elite AI enemies guarding the resort.
| Reward Category | Reward Details |
|---|---|
| Experience Points | 900 Exp |
| Reputation | +1,125 with Handshake |
| Currency | $6,870 USD |
| Equipment | 1x Specialized Equipment Repair Kit |
Warning: This task carries a failure penalty. If you die while the task is active, you will lose 50 Reputation with Handshake, and the task will enter a 20-minute cooldown before it can be attempted again. Prioritize survival and extraction over risky maneuvers.
Required Items and Preparation
Before heading into the Midnight Sapphire resort, you must ensure your inventory is prepared. Unlike some early-game tasks, the gray zone warfare big fish mission requires specific keys and inventory space for quest items.
- Villa Luisa Key: This is a mandatory item to enter the villa north of the hotel. If you do not have this key, you may need to farm AI in the surrounding area or trade with teammates.
- Inventory Space: Ensure you have at least a 1x1 slot free in your rig or backpack to pick up the LAF Hardware Key and the intelligence documents.
- High-Tier Gear: Midnight Sapphire is populated by well-armored AI. Use at least Level III+ armor and armor-piercing (AP) ammunition to ensure you aren't outgunned.
Step 1: Locating the Laptop in Villa Luisa
Your first objective is to locate Jan Park’s villa, known as Villa Luisa. This property is situated to the north of the main Midnight Sapphire Hotel, overlooking the lake.
Approach the villa with caution, as the perimeter is often patrolled by three to five guards. Once the area is clear, use the Villa Luisa Key to unlock the main entrance. Head toward the bedroom area located behind the bar. On the desk, you will find a government laptop.
When you first interact with the laptop, you will realize it is locked and requires a specific hardware key to bypass the encryption. This triggers the next phase of the mission, which requires a trip to the main hotel building.
Step 2: Finding the LAF Hardware Key
The LAF Hardware Key is located on the first floor of the Midnight Sapphire Hotel. This is one of the most dangerous parts of the gray zone warfare big fish task due to the tight corridors and potential for CQB (Close Quarters Battle) encounters.
| Location | Specific Room | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel 1st Floor | Office next to the "Office Key" room | Locate the reception desk, then move to the back offices. |
| Item Found | LAF Hardware Key | Pick up the key from the desk (requires 1x1 space). |
Once you have secured the hardware key, you must return to Villa Luisa. Interact with the laptop again to initiate the data transfer. This process takes a few moments, so ensure the villa is secure before starting the upload.
Step 3: Retrieving Intelligence from the 4th Floor
After the laptop data is secured, Handshake will task you with finding physical intelligence located on the fourth floor of the Midnight Sapphire Hotel—the floor reserved for President Narith Sayavong.
The Embassy Message
Take the stairs or the elevator (if cleared) to the fourth floor. You are looking for a large meeting room. Upon entering the 4th-floor hallway, look for the big meeting room doors. Instead of entering the main hall, turn right into the adjacent office door. On the desk inside, you will find the Embassy Message. Collect this document immediately.
Sayavong's Escape Plan (The Secret Room)
The final piece of intelligence is hidden inside a secret room on the same floor. To access it, follow these exact steps:
- Locate the private office near the service stairs.
- Approach the large wooden office desk.
- Look under the desk on the right-hand side. You will see a small, interactable button.
- Press 'F' to activate the button. This will trigger a hidden door mechanism in the wall.
- Enter the secret room and pick up Sayavong's Escape Plan from the table.
Tactical Tips for Midnight Sapphire
The official Gray Zone Warfare website often emphasizes that tactical positioning is key in high-density urban environments. For the gray zone warfare big fish mission, consider these strategies:
- Suppressors are Mandatory: Using unsuppressed weapons in Midnight Sapphire will draw AI from the entire resort complex to your position.
- The "L" Approach: Instead of running across the open golf course, move along the tree line to the west of the resort to reach Villa Luisa, then use the service entrances to enter the hotel.
- Check the Corners: The 4th-floor hallway has several alcoves where AI can hide. Use grenades to clear rooms before entering if you suspect an ambush.
- Squad Roles: If playing in a group, have one player stay at the villa to guard the laptop while the others retrieve the key from the hotel to minimize backtracking.
Summary of Task Objects
| Object Name | Location | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Government Laptop | Villa Luisa (Bedroom) | Primary data source. |
| LAF Hardware Key | Hotel 1st Floor Office | Required to unlock the laptop. |
| Embassy Message | Hotel 4th Floor | Critical intel document. |
| Sayavong's Escape Plan | Hotel 4th Floor (Secret Room) | Final mission objective. |
FAQ
Q: Where exactly is the button for the secret room in the Big Fish task?
A: The button is located underneath the office desk on the 4th floor of the Midnight Sapphire Hotel. You need to crouch and look at the underside of the desk near the chair gap to see the interaction prompt.
Q: Can I complete the gray zone warfare big fish task without the Villa Luisa Key?
A: No, the Villa Luisa Key is required to access the laptop. If you don't have it, you can try to find a door that has already been opened by another player, but it is highly recommended to bring your own key.
Q: What happens if I die after picking up the LAF Hardware Key?
A: Since the hardware key is a quest item, you will lose it upon death. You will also suffer a reputation penalty with Handshake and will need to wait 20 minutes before the task becomes active again to re-collect the key.
Q: Is the 4th floor accessible via the outside balconies?
A: While some balconies are accessible, the most reliable way to reach the President's floor is through the internal service stairs, which provide more cover from AI snipers positioned around the resort grounds.