The big fish gzw task is one of the most intricate missions introduced in the Spearhead 0.4 update of Gray Zone Warfare. Assigned by the vendor Handshake, this multi-stage operation takes players deep into the heart of the Midnight Sapphire resort, a high-intensity zone known for its lethal AI and complex architecture. To successfully complete the big fish gzw objective, players must navigate between luxury villas and the sprawling hotel complex, retrieving encrypted data and hidden intelligence regarding the whereabouts of President Narith Sayavong.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of every step required to satisfy Handshake’s requirements. Because this task carries a significant reputation penalty upon failure, preparation is key. You will need specific keys, a solid understanding of the hotel's floor plan, and a tactical approach to handle the elite guards patrolling the resort grounds. Follow these steps to secure your rewards and advance the narrative of the Lamang Island conflict.
Task Overview and Rewards
Before heading into the field, it is vital to understand what is at stake. The Big Fish task is a high-level mission that offers substantial financial and reputational gains, but it also features a "Failure Penalty" mechanics. If you die while the task is active, you will lose reputation with Handshake and must wait for a cooldown period before attempting it again.
| Reward Category | Reward Details |
|---|---|
| Experience Points | 900 Exp |
| Vendor Reputation | +1,125 Rep (Handshake) |
| Currency | $6,870 USD |
| Special Equipment | 1x Specialized Equipment Repair Kit |
Warning: Dying while this task is active results in a -50 Reputation penalty with Handshake. The task will remain locked for 20 minutes before you can attempt it again.
Required Items for Big Fish GZW
To complete this mission, you cannot simply walk into the objectives. You will need at least one physical key from the world loot pool and must locate a specific quest item during the mission itself.
| Item Name | Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Villa Luisa Key | Physical Key | Opens the door to Jan Park's Villa (Luisa) north of the lake. |
| LAF Hardware Key | Quest Item | Found during the task; required to decrypt the laptop. |
| 1x1 Inventory Space | Requirement | Needed to carry the Hardware Key and gathered Intel. |
Step-by-Step Walkthrough
The big fish gzw mission is divided into three distinct phases: the Villa infiltration, the Hotel search, and the Intel extraction.
Phase 1: Locate the Villa Luisa Laptop
Your first objective is located at Villa Luisa, situated north of the main Midnight Sapphire hotel, right along the edge of the lake.
- Approach the villa cautiously, as the surrounding gardens often host multiple AI patrols.
- Use the Villa Luisa Key to enter the premises.
- Head to the bedroom area located behind the bar.
- You will find a laptop on a desk. Interact with it (Press F). You will realize the data is locked and requires a hardware key.
Phase 2: Finding the Hardware Key
Now, you must head to the main Midnight Sapphire Hotel building to find the decryption tool.
- Enter the hotel and navigate to the First Floor.
- Locate the reception desk. Behind the reception area, there is a corridor leading to various administrative offices.
- Look for the office situated directly next to the "Midnight Sapphire Hotel Office Key" room.
- On the desk inside this office, you will find the LAF Hardware Key.
- Important: Pick it up and ensure it is in your secure container or backpack.
Phase 3: Data Transfer and 4th Floor Intel
With the key in hand, you must return to Villa Luisa to complete the data transfer before heading back to the hotel for the final pieces of intelligence.
- Return to the laptop in Villa Luisa and use the hardware key to begin the transfer.
- Once the transfer is complete, move back to the Midnight Sapphire Hotel and head to the Fourth Floor (The President’s Floor).
- Intel #1 (Embassy Message): Locate the large meeting room. Upon entering, turn right and enter the adjacent door. The Embassy Message document is sitting on a table.
- Intel #2 (Sayavong's Escape Plan): This is hidden in a secret room. Go into the main office on the 4th floor. Look under the large office desk; there is a hidden button. Press it to open a secret door in the wall. Enter the hidden room and grab the final document.
Location Summary Table
| Objective | Specific Location | Key Required |
|---|---|---|
| Government Laptop | Villa Luisa (North of Lake) | Villa Luisa Key |
| LAF Hardware Key | Hotel 1st Floor (Office) | None (Quest Item) |
| Embassy Message | Hotel 4th Floor (Near Meeting Room) | None |
| Escape Plan | Hotel 4th Floor (Secret Room) | None (Hidden Button) |
Tactical Tips for Midnight Sapphire
The big fish gzw task takes place in one of the most dangerous areas of the map. The AI here are often equipped with high-tier armor and suppressed weapons, making them difficult to spot and even harder to take down without precision.
- Check the Corners: The 4th floor of the hotel has many tight corridors and "closet" spawns where AI can surprise you.
- Secure Container: Always place the Hardware Key and Intel documents in your secure container immediately. If you die, you will still fail the task and lose reputation, but you won't have to find the items again if you managed to "pouch" them.
- Suppressors are Mandatory: Shooting unsuppressed at Midnight Sapphire is an invitation for every guard in the resort to swarm your position.
- Team Up: If possible, run this task with a squad. One player can stay at the Villa while others retrieve the key from the hotel to minimize travel time across open ground.
For more information on gear and mechanics, you can check the official Gray Zone Warfare Steam Page for the latest patch notes and community updates.
FAQ
Q: Where exactly is the hidden button for the secret room in Big Fish GZW?
A: The button is located on the 4th floor of the Midnight Sapphire Hotel. Go into the President's office and look directly under the main office desk. It is a small interaction prompt that opens a hidden panel in the nearby wall.
Q: Can I complete this task without the Villa Luisa Key?
A: No, the Villa Luisa Key is required to access the building where the laptop is located. You can find this key by looting AI in the Midnight Sapphire area or by trading with other players in your faction.
Q: What happens if I die while the Big Fish GZW task is active?
A: You will suffer a -50 Reputation penalty with Handshake. Additionally, the task will be placed on a 20-minute cooldown timer before you can attempt to progress it again.
Q: Do I need to extract to finish the task?
A: Yes, once you have gathered both pieces of intel and completed the laptop transfer, you must successfully reach an Extraction Point (LZ) and return to base to hand the items over to Handshake.