If you’re diving into Gray Zone Warfare with the new 0.3 Update Winds of War, you’re in for a wild ride. This tactical PvEVP extraction shooter doesn’t hold your hand, so this guide is here to do just that.
If you’re fresh boots on the ground or struggling to survive your first few deployments, this Gray Zone Warfare Beginner Guide (Update 0.3 – Winds of War) will break down the essentials and help you get started right. Also check out How to Capture Minor & Major COPs in Gray Zone Warfare
Gray Zone Warfare Beginner Guide (Update 0.3 – Winds of War)
What Is Gray Zone Warfare?
At its core, Gray Zone Warfare is a tactical first-person shooter with a mix of PvE (enemy AI), PvP (real players), and extraction gameplay. That means your mission isn’t just to survive but to loot, complete objectives, and safely extract with your hard-earned gear.
The twist? If you die, you lose everything on you—unless it’s stored in your secure lockbox. It’s a blend of high tension, high reward.
Faction Choice — The First Major Decision
Before you even hit the ground, you’ll need to choose one of three factions:
- Crimson Shield International (CSI)
- Mithras Security Systems (MSS)
- Lamang Recovery Initiative (LRI)
Important Tip:
Choose wisely, especially if you’re playing with friends. You can only squad up with players in the same faction, and your deployment zone is also tied to your faction.
You can’t attack teammates from your faction—doing so may get you reported, and it’s just bad form.
Core Gameplay Loop: Loot, Survive, Extract
Deploy to the map from your base via helicopter.
Explore, engage enemies (AI or players), and complete quests.
Loot gear—from buildings, enemies, and task areas.
Return to your base via another chopper to store your haul or sell it to vendors.
If you die? You drop everything except items in your safe lockbox. That’s your “insurance”—use it wisely.
Inventory 101 – How to Manage Your Gear
Inventory management is half the battle:
- Use Tab to open your character and gear screen.
- Press R to rotate items and make better use of space.
- You can right-click items for more options (like unload/reload).
- Your backpack, rig, pockets, and belt slots all matter. Use them smartly.
Hot Tip: Keep painkillers, bandages, and food/water on your person at all times.
Health & Status Effects Matter
Your character isn’t a bullet sponge. Here’s what you need to watch:
Blood bar = your health.
Hydration & energy = will deplete over time.
Injuries = Headaches? Use painkillers. Bleeding? Use bandages. Some conditions can affect aim or even give away your position (like coughing!).
Always check the Health tab if you get shot or notice something’s off.
Using the Map & Helicopters
The map is your best friend—and your lifeline.
Use it to see objectives, landmarks, and your faction allies.
To deploy, click a Landing Zone (LZ) and call transport.
To extract, go to the nearest LZ and call for a chopper back to base.
Note: Chopper rides aren’t instant. Watch the timer and be ready when it lands.
Quests & Vendors
Quests = gear + cash + vendor rep.
Vendors give tasks (found in the vendor tab).
Accept tasks → complete objectives → hand them in for rewards.
Some tasks require special items—check your messages and bring them before deploying.
Many quests have vague directions. Use grid references and visual clues (like a downed helicopter or red-topped crate) to track things down.
Quest items disappear if you die before extraction. If you die, you’ll likely have to redo that part.