You've finally made it to the Ban Pa region in Gray Zone Warfare. It’s sticky, it's humid, and the AI soldiers have aim that feels a bit too personal. Then Handshake hits you with it: The Shadow Over Ban Pa 2. If you’ve been running around the jungle for more than five minutes, you know these tasks aren’t just about shooting things; they’re about not getting lost in the brush while someone with an SKS tries to take your head off from 200 meters away.
Honestly, this specific mission is a bit of a head-scratcher for new players because it forces a choice. It's not just a "go here, grab that" fetch quest. It’s a fork in the road.
The Ban Pa Dilemma: Handshake or Artisan?
Here is the thing. When you pick up the intel for The Shadow Over Ban Pa 2, you’re actually holding the objective for two different tasks simultaneously. Handshake wants it for his "Shadow" questline, and Artisan wants it for "At the Mounds of Madness 2."
You can’t do both.
Well, you can’t give it to both, anyway. Once you hand that weird book over to one vendor, the other quest fails. It disappears. Poof. Most people panic here. They think they’re breaking the game or locking themselves out of the best gear. Relax. It’s basically just a reputation game.
- Handshake’s Side: If you give it to him, you get $7,000, 1,000 EXP, and two M4A1s. Plus, that sweet +150 Reputation.
- Artisan’s Side: She’s usually the one people ignore early on, but her rewards cater to a different playstyle.
Most veteran players lean toward Handshake. Why? Because the M4s are workhorses in the current meta, and his reputation unlocks better ammo and attachments faster. Artisan’s stuff is cool, but Handshake is the bread and butter of your early-to-mid-game progression.
Where is the Intel? (205, 137)
Stop wandering aimlessly. The coordinates you need are 205, 137.
The "Elder’s House" is the target. It’s a two-story building right near the water’s edge. You’ll know it’s the right place because it’s decorated with red ornaments and "party" vibes that feel very out of place in a war zone.
Don't bother clearing the bottom floor unless you're looking for a fight. There’s an exterior staircase. Take it.
Go to the second floor. Inside, you’ll see a small shrine. Sitting right there on the table/shrine area is a "weird book." That’s your intel. Grab it, shove it in your safe container (Safe Pocket), and get out. Seriously, put it in the safe container. If you die on the way to the LZ and it's in your backpack, you’re coming back here and doing the whole thing over again.
Surviving the Ban Pa Gauntlet
Ban Pa is a nightmare for solo players. The AI here loves to hide under the stilt houses or in the thick foliage where you can't see them, but they can definitely see your left elbow.
If you're approaching from LZ India 1, watch the treeline. The AI often patrols the outskirts of the village. It’s better to take it slow. Use a suppressor if you have one. If you don't, be prepared for the entire village to converge on the Elder's House the second you fire a shot.
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The village itself is tight. It’s CQB (Close Quarters Battle) territory. If you’re rocking a long-range bolt action, you might want to swap to something with a bit more "spam-ability" for when you’re inside the house.
What Really Happens if You Choose Wrong?
There is no "wrong" choice, but there is an inefficient one.
The community generally agrees that Handshake is the move for The Shadow Over Ban Pa 2 because his loyalty rewards are more consistently useful for the average player. Artisan’s rewards are okay, but they don't hit the same way those M4s do when you're low on stash.
Also, consider the "Night Ops" update. If you’re doing this at night, the Elder’s House becomes a glowing beacon of "please shoot me." The ornaments and lights make you an easy target through the windows. Clear the immediate area before you go for the grab.
Actionable Tips for a Clean Run
- Check Your Coordinates: Double-check 205, 137 on your map before you jump out of the heli.
- Safe Pocket the Book: This is non-negotiable. Don't be the person who loses the quest item to a random AI bush-wookie.
- Bring Water: Ban Pa is a long walk from the LZs, and the humidity in Gray Zone Warfare drains your hydration fast.
- Identify the Choice: Remember that turning this into Handshake completes The Shadow Over Ban Pa 2, but it will fail "At the Mounds of Madness 2" for Artisan. Pick your favorite vendor and stick with it.
Once you’ve turned in the book, you’ll likely unlock "Rebel Scum" from Handshake. The grind continues, but at least you’re done with the cultists for now. Check your reputation levels with both vendors before you click "Complete" just to make sure you aren't one point away from a level-up with Artisan that you actually care about.