A puzzle simulation game

Border Patrol

Article from Issue 291/2025
Author(s):

In Papers, Please, a multi-award-winning indie game, you check the credentials of people who try to enter the fictional state of Arstotzka. Because players are exposed to decision-making pressure, the game is more exciting than it sounds.

The background story to Papers, Please: After six years of war, Arstotzka makes peace with the neighboring state of Kolechia. The border town of Grestin is split down the middle with halves belonging to each of the two states. Your role is that of an East Grestin resident who was awarded the post of border guard in the October 1982 job lottery.

The journey to Arstotzka begins with the installation of the game; Papers, Please dates back to 2013 and is already a several years old, but this has not changed its topicality. The Linux version of Papers, Please [1] by Lucas Pope is available on Steam [2], Humble Bundle [3], and GOG.com [4]. Alternatively, you can purchase the software directly on the game's website [5] for $9.99; the transaction is handled by Humble Bundle. You can claim a discount if you buy several licenses for classroom use [6]. There is also an Android version [7] for mobile devices.

First Day at Work

The ominous sounding music you hear shortly after the game launches generates the right kind of atmosphere. You will find a wrench symbol at the bottom left on the start screen; you can use this to configure settings. Among other things, you can enable easy mode, which earns you a daily bonus of 20 credits. Click on Story to get started in Story mode. Infinite mode can be unlocked later.

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