In 2012 Introversion Software launched the prison management game Prison Architect. The game quickly grew a fanbase as players built their own prisons, managed the day-to-day life of its inmates, and prevented violence. Prison Architect proved to be a fairly deep simulation with a lot of moving parts, and it had a unique art style that went on to influence many games including Rimworld.
After two years of Early Access, Introversion officially released Prison Architect. The game had seen many changes, additions, and updates throughout its journey, and while the updates slowed down, Introversion Software still continued improving the title and giving fans even more content to play. In 2019, Paradox Interactive purchased Prison Architect, as Introversion Software felt it was done with the title and moved on to other projects. It has been three years since Paradox bought the game, and the developer did not waste any time creating new content.
Psych Ward: Warden's Edition
Paradox Interactive games are known for releasing a lot of DLC, and it got right to work making some for Prison Architect. Only a year after it purchased the title, Paradox released Psych Ward: Warden's Edition. For an extra $5.99, players gain access to a new prisoner and prison type: insane prisoners and psych wards. Insane prisoners require some extra care, as players must construct a series of padded cells, Psychiatrist's Offices, and unique canteens. Players also have to hire a new guard type, Orderlies. The pack adds a whole new dimension to the game and another thing players need to micromanage.
Along with the DLC, Paradox released a free update called The Sneezer. The Sneezer added new building materials and objects for the player to place around the prison. It also added multiple guard dog types and overhauled some mechanics like the clone tool and planning features. Perhaps the biggest thing to come with The Sneezer update was the inclusion of bridges, an item players could build over roads, water, and land.
Cleared for Transfer
At the beginning of 2020, Paradox released its second DLC pack, Cleared for Transfer.Cleared for Transfer was the first and only free DLC to hit Prison Architect. The pack overhauls the prison transfer system and gives players more control over their security sectors. It adds more depth to shakedowns and gives players more customization for their prison. Alongside Cleared for Transfer came a free update called The Bucket. The Bucket added the ability to construct gyms, brand-new walls, new quick-build rooms, and more control over the prison staff.
Island Bound
Only a month later, the game's second paid DLC pack released: Island Bound. For $9.99, players are given the ability to build their prisons on islands, allowing them to make the Alcatraz of their dreams. This adds a whole new level of logistics to manage as players must prepare for helicopter and ferry transportation, which also allows for more contraband access points. Players also have to connect islands if they want to expand their plot of land. Islands provide a new level of difficulty for players who want to undertake it.
A free update launched alongside Island Bound called The Rock. The Rock added more landscaping options, such as the ability to place water and build cliff edges. The free update also changed up the reputation system for prisoners, as when prisoners perform certain actions or spent time in different areas they now have a chance to either gain or lose reputation. This means a prisoner who was once easy to manage could adopt the deadly or fearless traits and become a problem.
Going Green
In 2021, Paradox Interactive released its third paid DLC expansion called Going Green, turning drab prisons into natural wonderlands. For $9.99, players can build a farm for prisoners to grow crops and flowers. Prisoners can spend their work time growing vegetables that can then be used by the cooks, making prisons more self-sufficient. However, prisoners can also grow secret herbs that they will turn into booze.
Prisons can also begin using reusable energy with the introduction of Solar, Wind, and Solar Wind Hybrid power sources, cutting out pesky generators. Just like with every DLC pack, a free update was also released alongside it called The Glasshouse. The free update added a new recycling system to the game as well as two new guard dog types. It also included some changes to menus and a couple of quick rooms for players to utilize.
Second Chances
A couple of months later, Paradox returned with the fourth pad DLC pack called Second Chances. Second Chances adds a while new set of room types, programs, mechanics, and grants for $5.99. Prisoners can participate in many new reform programs and even run a restaurant for civilians to come eat in. The pack introduces a new reform and rehab menu, and the entire recidivism system receives an overhaul in this DLC that provides players with even more ways to deal with their prisoners. The free update that launched with Second Chances was called The Pen, adding new items to mess with as well as giving players more control over prisoner intake and relaxation.
Perfect Storm
The latest DLC to be released earlier this year is called Perfect Storm, which adds a whole new worry for players to prepare for: natural disasters and rat infestations. For $9.99, players can combat deep freezes, heatwaves, lightning storms, and more that all cause damage to the prison and its prisoners. Four new emergency services get introduced along with brand-new staff training, all in an effort to avoid destruction. The adjacent free update, The Tower, adds more customization features. Players can make visitation longer and use two brand-new search dogs, meanwhile there are also some unique furniture pieces to raise the value of the prison, as well as some new doors to open and close.
Paradox Interactive has been working on Prison Architect for three years now, and in that time it has released five paid (and one free) DLC packs. Each pack has added a whole set of new things to manage in this growing prison simulation game. Paradox is showing no signs of stopping, and it's likely Prison Architect will only get more in-depth as more packs are released.
Prison Architect is available now on Mobile, PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
