The 0.4 Spearhead update for Gray Zone Warfare has introduced several high-stakes missions, but few are as intricate as the gzw big fish task. Assigned by Handshake, this mission sends players deep into the hostile territory of the Midnight Sapphire Resort to track down Jan Park and President Narith Sayavong. Completing the gzw big fish objective requires a mix of stealth, precise navigation, and the acquisition of specific keys that are often guarded by elite AI combatants.
In this guide, we will break down every phase of the operation, from the initial breach of Villa Luisa to the discovery of hidden rooms within the main hotel. Because this task carries a significant reputation penalty upon death, understanding the layout of the resort and the exact location of quest items is essential for survival. Follow these steps to secure the intel and earn your rewards with Handshake.
Task Overview and Rewards
Before heading into the field, it is important to understand the stakes. The "Big Fish" mission is a multi-stage objective that involves fetching items across different floors of the Midnight Sapphire complex. Unlike simpler courier tasks, failing this mission results in a temporary lockout and a hit to your standing with the vendor.
| Reward Category | Reward Details |
|---|---|
| Experience Points | 900 Exp |
| Vendor Reputation | +1,125 with Handshake |
| Monetary Reward | $6,870 USD |
| Equipment | 1x Specialized Equipment Repair Kit |
Warning: If you die while this task is active, you will suffer a -50 Reputation penalty with Handshake. The task will be unavailable for 20 minutes before you can attempt it again.
Required Items for GZW Big Fish
Success in this mission is impossible without specific keys. While one is a standard lootable item, the other is a quest-specific hardware key found only during the mission.
| Item Name | Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Villa Luisa Key | Permanent Key | Unlocks the front door of Villa Luisa north of the lake. |
| LAF Hardware Key | Quest Item | Used to decrypt and transfer data from the laptop. |
The Villa Luisa Key can be found on AI enemies within the Midnight Sapphire region or in nearby jackets and filing cabinets. It is highly recommended to secure this key before starting your deployment to minimize time spent in the open.
Step 1: Locating the Laptop in Villa Luisa
Your first objective is to head to the northern side of the Midnight Sapphire resort. Look for the lake area; Villa Luisa is situated prominently along the shoreline.
- Approach the villa from the north to avoid the heavier AI patrols near the main hotel entrance.
- Use the Villa Luisa Key to enter the premises.
- Navigate to the bedroom area located behind the bar.
- You will see a laptop on a desk. Interact with it (Press F), but you will realize you cannot yet transfer the data without a specific hardware key.
Step 2: Finding the LAF Hardware Key
To proceed with the gzw big fish mission, you must now move from the villa to the main Midnight Sapphire Hotel. This is a high-traffic area for AI, so utilize suppressors and move between cover frequently.
- Enter the hotel's ground floor (first floor).
- Locate the main reception desk in the lobby.
- Behind the reception area, there is an office wing. Look for the room adjacent to the "Midnight Sapphire Hotel Office Key" room.
- Inside this office, search the desk surfaces. You will find the LAF Hardware Key.
- Ensure you have at least a 1x1 slot in your secure container or backpack to store this item.
Step 3: Data Transfer and Hotel Intel
With the hardware key in your possession, return to Villa Luisa. Interact with the laptop again to begin the data transfer. Once the transfer is complete, your objectives will update, requiring you to head to the fourth floor of the Midnight Sapphire Hotel to find intelligence regarding Narith Sayavong.
Finding the Embassy Message
Head to the fourth floor of the hotel. This area is often referred to as the "Presidential Floor."
- Locate the large meeting room on this level.
- Upon exiting the meeting room, turn right and enter the first door you see.
- On the table or desk inside, you will find the Embassy Message. Pick this up to satisfy the first intel requirement.
Accessing the Secret Room
The final piece of the gzw big fish puzzle is hidden behind a secret door.
- Stay on the fourth floor and locate the private office suite near the service stairs.
- Approach the large office desk.
- Look underneath the desk surface; there is a hidden button. Interact with it to trigger the mechanism.
- A hidden door in the room will slide open, revealing a secret chamber.
- Enter the room and take the documents (Sayavong's Escape Plan) found inside.
Tactical Tips for Midnight Sapphire
The Midnight Sapphire resort is one of the most dangerous zones in the current build of the game. To successfully complete the gzw big fish task, keep the following tactical advice in mind:
- Elevated AI: The AI on the upper floors of the hotel have excellent lines of sight. Clear the balconies from a distance before attempting to enter the fourth-floor hallways.
- Inventory Management: Since quest items like the LAF Hardware Key and the Embassy Message take up physical space, clear your inventory of unnecessary loot before the final push.
- The "Event" Lore: Pay attention to the dialogue from Handshake after completion. The intel suggests that the "Event" was anticipated by certain factions, which may play a role in future Spearhead updates.
- Extraction: The nearest extraction point can be hot. If you have the intel, prioritize a stealthy exit toward the forest rather than running through the main resort gates.
For more information on faction-specific tasks and map updates, check the official Gray Zone Warfare Steam page for the latest patch notes and community guides.
Summary of Intel Locations
| Intel Type | Floor | Specific Location |
|---|---|---|
| Government Laptop | Villa Luisa | Bedroom behind the bar area. |
| LAF Hardware Key | Hotel 1st Floor | Office behind the reception desk. |
| Embassy Message | Hotel 4th Floor | Room adjacent to the large meeting room. |
| Escape Plan | Hotel 4th Floor | Secret room triggered by the under-desk button. |
FAQ
Q: Can I find the LAF Hardware Key before visiting the laptop?
A: While you can technically find the key if you know where it is, the mission flow usually triggers the requirement after you first interact with the laptop in Villa Luisa. It is safer to follow the objective markers to ensure the task script updates correctly.
Q: What happens if I lose the Villa Luisa Key after dying?
A: Unlike quest items, the Villa Luisa Key is a standard world item. If you lose it and don't have a spare, you will need to farm AI in the Midnight Sapphire area or ask a teammate to unlock the door for you to progress the gzw big fish task.
Q: Does the reputation penalty apply if I die after collecting the intel but before extracting?
A: Yes. The penalty is active as long as the task is "In Progress." You must successfully extract and hand over the items to Handshake to secure your reputation and rewards.
Q: Is the secret button on the 4th floor always active?
A: The button is interactive once you have reached that specific stage of the mission. If you cannot see the prompt, ensure you have collected the Embassy Message first, as the objectives often need to be completed in a specific sequence.