007 First Light: How to Complete the Classified Papers Challenge

TL;DR

• The Classified Papers challenge is found inside TacSim mode — not during a mission.
• The objective is hidden (redacted) in the challenge menu, so many players miss it.
• You do not need to launch a simulation to complete it.
• Enter TacSim from the main menu, spawn near the terminal, turn around, and pick up the Classified Files from the table with the mannequin head wearing VR goggles.
• Reward: 1,000 Intel and 500 XP.
• TacSim requires an internet connection — it will be locked in offline mode.

The Classified Papers Challenge in 007 First Light is one of the most confusing challenges in the game. The objective is completely redacted in the challenge menu — it just shows a black bar where the description should be. Most players assume it requires completing a simulation, but it does not. The document you need is sitting right in the TacSim hub area, and you can grab it in under a minute once you know where to look. This guide explains exactly what to do and gives you context on TacSim so you know what you are working with. Get the game on the official 007 First Light website, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Steam, or the Epic Games Store.

What Is the Classified Papers Challenge?

Classified Papers is a TacSim-specific challenge in 007 First Light. It sits in the Tactical Simulations hub area and counts towards your TacSim challenge progress. The reason it confuses so many players is simple — the challenge description is intentionally hidden in the menu. When you look at it, all you see is a redacted block. There is no hint as to what you are supposed to do or where you are supposed to go.

The answer is not inside any simulation. The Classified Files document is a physical item sitting on a table in the TacSim hub itself — the space you spawn into when you enter Tactical Simulations mode. You just walk up to it and pick it up.

Requirements Before You Start

• TacSim must be unlocked. TacSim unlocks early in the game — you need to complete the first chapter up to the point where Bond receives his gadgets at MI6. After that, you get a notification and TacSim becomes available from the main menu.
• You must be online. TacSim is an online-only mode. If you are playing in offline mode, the entire mode will be locked and inaccessible. Make sure you are connected to the internet before trying to enter.
• You do not need to have finished the main story to complete this challenge.

How to Complete the Classified Papers Challenge — Step by Step

Follow these steps exactly and the challenge will complete in under a minute:

• Go to the Main Menu in 007 First Light.
• Select Tactical Simulations from the menu options.
• Enter TacSim mode. You will spawn inside the MI6 simulation hub area near an interactive terminal — this is the Mission Selector where you can pick Escalations and Operations.
• Once you spawn, turn around from the terminal — do not interact with it.
• Look for the table with a mannequin head wearing VR goggles. It is directly behind you after spawning near the terminal.
• Walk towards that table. As Bond gets close to it, a pickup prompt will appear.
• Pick up the Classified Files from the table.
• The Classified Papers challenge completes instantly.

That is all there is to it. No simulation required. No combat. No stealth. Just walk in, pick up the document, and the challenge is done.

What Do You Get for Completing Classified Papers?

Completing the Classified Papers challenge rewards you with:

• 1,000 Intel — the currency used in the TacSim Intel Shop to buy outfits, weapon skins, and gadget cosmetics.
• 500 XP — Clearance XP that contributes to raising your Clearance Level in TacSim.

1,000 Intel is a solid chunk — some TacSim shop items cost around 1,000 to 2,000 Intel, so this challenge essentially gives you a free item right at the start. It is one of the best free Intel gains in the early game, and most players miss it entirely because of the redacted challenge description.

What Is TacSim and Why Does It Matter?

TacSim — short for Tactical Simulations — is 007 First Light’s post-campaign mode and its main source of ongoing replayable content. It is set inside MI6’s simulation facility, run by Dr. Selina Tan. Think of it as the game’s equivalent of what the Hitman escalation system offered — repeated runs with new conditions and increasing difficulty.

Here is how TacSim is structured:

• Escalations are short timed trials with 3 tiers each, getting harder as you progress. They test your combat, stealth, and improvisation skills in focused scenarios. Each tier has its own set of in-match challenges that reward more Intel when completed. Escalations unlock after Chapter 6: A Night Out — you do not need to finish the campaign to access them.
• Operations are larger sandbox missions with specific objectives, similar to campaign missions but designed as endgame activities. These only unlock after you complete the main story.

Both Escalations and Operations have global and friends leaderboards that rank your Agent Score for each run — adding competitive replay value beyond just grinding for cosmetics.

How Intel and Clearance Level Work in TacSim

TacSim uses two progression currencies:

• Intel — earned by completing challenges, Escalations, and Operations. Spent at the Intel Shop inside TacSim to buy outfits, weapon skins, and gadget cosmetics. The shop is located just before the simulation room, down the stairs from the main hub area. Some items cost 1,000 Intel; others require you to also reach a minimum Clearance Level before they are available to purchase.
• Clearance XP — earned from completing simulations and in-match challenges. This raises your Clearance Level, which unlocks access to higher-tier items in the shop and is required for certain trophies and achievements.

For trophy hunters: reaching Clearance Level 3 is one of the four TacSim-linked trophies in 007 First Light. You will likely hit it naturally just by completing Escalations and Operations for the other TacSim trophies. If you fall short, replaying the shortest Escalation and completing its in-match challenges is the fastest way to top up your XP.

Early TacSim Escalations Available Without Finishing the Story

You do not have to wait until the credits roll to start TacSim. Two Escalations are available early:

• Iceland Advanced Tactical Training — unlocks after completing the Iceland story mission (Against the Odds).
• Malta Advanced Close Combat Training — unlocks after completing the Malta story section.

These two early Escalations double as an extended tutorial for TacSim systems. They use familiar environments and ease you into the modifier and scoring systems before the harder content opens up. Running them early also gets you Clearance XP and Intel you can spend during your campaign playthrough.

Tips for Getting More From TacSim

• Pick up the Classified Files as soon as you enter TacSim. It takes five seconds and gives you 1,000 Intel for free. Do not leave TacSim for the first time without doing this.
• Complete in-match challenges during Escalations. Every Escalation has its own set of objectives visible from the Touchpad / Options menu mid-run. Completing them earns extra Intel on top of the base completion reward.
• Run the earliest Escalations first. Iceland and Malta tutorials take 1 to 3 minutes per tier, teach you the modifier system, and unlock Clearance Levels quickly. They are the most efficient way to build your TacSim foundation.
• Do not spend Intel immediately. Clearance Level keeps unlocking new shop items. Wait until you know what you want before spending, especially early on when your options are still limited.
• Choose modifiers that match your playstyle. TacSim modifiers can lock out gadgets, force headshot-only runs, or restrict movement. Start with modifiers that suit how you already play — do not fight the modifier on your first attempt at a new Escalation.

If you are working through challenges across all missions in the game, see our 007 First Light Against the Odds challenges guide for the full breakdown of the first mission’s challenge list. For everything about how gadgets work in both TacSim and the campaign, check our guide on all gadgets in 007 First Light and our best gadget loadout guide. For a full list of every mission and its collectibles, visit our 007 First Light all missions, challenges, and collectibles guide. And if you are on PC, our 007 First Light PC requirements guide has everything you need to know before installing.