Papers, Please: A Guide To Citations And Detainment!

Oct 31, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 53 views

Hello, aspiring immigration officers of Arstotzka! Welcome to a comprehensive guide that will turn you from a stumbling newbie into a citation-issuing, detainment-dealing, bureaucratic machine in Papers, Please. Whether you're new to the game or just looking to refine your border control skills, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about issuing citations and detaining entrants effectively.

Understanding Citations in Papers, Please

Let's dive deep into the world of citations within Papers, Please. In this gripping dystopian document thriller, your ability to spot discrepancies and correctly issue citations is crucial not only for your career but also for the survival of your family. Think of citations as official warnings – a slap on the wrist for those who attempt to cross the border with minor infractions. They don't land people in jail, but they do impact your performance evaluation, and too many mistakes can lead to dire consequences.

What Triggers a Citation?

So, what exactly warrants a citation? It all boils down to identifying inconsistencies or missing information in the documents presented by entrants. Here's a breakdown of common triggers:

Missing Documents: One of the most frequent reasons for issuing a citation is when an entrant fails to provide all the required documents. For example, if a foreigner attempts to enter Arstotzka without a valid passport, that's an automatic citation.
Expired Documents: Always check the expiration dates on passports, entry permits, and other official papers. An expired document is as good as no document at all, and definitely worth a citation.
Incorrect Information: This is where your attention to detail truly shines. Scrutinize every detail on the documents. Does the name on the passport match the name on the entry permit? Does the entrant's appearance match the photograph in their passport? Any discrepancies, no matter how small, justify a citation. Be especially vigilant with the weight and height discrepancies that become relevant later in the game; these are easy to miss but crucial for maintaining order at the border.
Invalid Seals or Stamps: Keep a close eye on the authenticity of the stamps and seals on the documents. Forged or invalid stamps are a clear indication of fraudulent activity and should be met with a citation. Compare the seals with the official examples provided in your rule book. Discrepancies in the seal's design or ink quality are red flags.

How to Issue a Citation Correctly

Issuing a citation in Papers, Please is a straightforward process, but precision is key. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you get it right every time:

Identify the Discrepancy: Carefully examine all the documents presented by the entrant. Use your rule book to verify the requirements for entry and double-check all the information for inconsistencies. Don't rush! A careful inspection is always better than a hasty mistake.
Select the Offending Document: Once you’ve identified the discrepancy, click on the document containing the error. This will highlight the specific document you are citing.
Choose the Reason for Citation: After selecting the document, you'll need to choose the specific reason for issuing the citation. The game provides a list of common discrepancies, such as “Missing Passport” or “Expired Entry Permit.” Select the option that accurately reflects the infraction.
Stamp the Document: Use the citation stamp on the document to mark it officially. This serves as a visual indicator that the document has been flagged for an error.
Process the Entrant: After issuing the citation, you can proceed with processing the entrant. Remember, a citation doesn't necessarily mean the entrant is denied entry. It simply means they've committed a minor infraction.

The Consequences of Incorrect Citations

While issuing citations is an integral part of your job, doing it incorrectly can have serious repercussions. Here’s what can happen if you mess up:

Penalties: Issuing incorrect citations will result in penalties, which can affect your salary. At the end of each day, your performance is evaluated, and mistakes are costly. The more errors you make, the less money you earn, which can impact your ability to provide for your family.
Supervisory Scrutiny: Repeatedly making mistakes will attract the attention of your supervisor. This can lead to increased scrutiny and potentially jeopardize your position. Nobody wants extra attention from the boss, especially not in Arstotzka!
Game Over: In some extreme cases, making too many errors can lead to a game over. The game emphasizes accuracy, and consistent mistakes demonstrate incompetence, which the Arstotzkan government does not take lightly.

Mastering Detainment in Papers, Please

Now, let's move on to the more serious side of border control: detainment. Detaining someone in Papers, Please is a significant action with far-reaching consequences. It's reserved for individuals who pose a clear threat to Arstotzka or are attempting to commit serious crimes. Unlike citations, detainment is not a mere slap on the wrist; it's a direct intervention that can alter the course of the game. So, guys, let's learn how to detain with precision and purpose.

When to Detain an Entrant

Knowing when to detain someone is crucial. Detainment isn't just about finding a minor discrepancy; it's about identifying potential threats and serious violations of Arstotzkan law. Here are some scenarios that warrant detainment:

Forged Documents: If you discover an entrant is using forged documents, such as a fake passport or entry permit, detainment is mandatory. Forged documents are a clear indication of criminal intent and a serious threat to national security.
Weapons or Contraband: If an entrant is attempting to smuggle weapons or contraband into Arstotzka, they should be immediately detained. This is a no-brainer; weapons and contraband pose a direct threat to the safety and security of the nation.
Wanted Criminals: As the game progresses, you'll receive information about wanted criminals. If an entrant matches the description of a wanted criminal, detain them immediately. Cross-reference their documents and appearance with the provided information to confirm their identity before taking action.
Inconsistencies with Interrogation: Pay close attention during interrogations. If an entrant's answers contradict the information in their documents, or if they behave suspiciously, detain them for further investigation. Trust your instincts; sometimes, a gut feeling is all you need to uncover a potential threat.
Violating Specific Directives: As the political situation in Arstotzka evolves, you'll receive specific directives regarding certain groups or individuals. If an entrant violates these directives, detain them without hesitation. These directives are in place to maintain order and stability, and it's your duty to enforce them.

The Detainment Process: Step-by-Step

Detaining someone in Papers, Please requires a systematic approach. Here’s how to do it correctly:

Identify the Reason for Detainment: Before you take any action, clearly identify the reason for detaining the entrant. Is it due to forged documents, smuggled contraband, or a match with a wanted criminal? Knowing the reason will help you justify your actions and follow the correct procedures.
Initiate the Detainment Protocol: Once you've identified the reason, initiate the detainment protocol by selecting the detainment option. This will trigger a sequence of events that leads to the entrant's arrest.
Call the Guards: After initiating the detainment protocol, call the guards to escort the entrant to the detention area. This is a critical step; do not attempt to detain the entrant yourself. Your job is to identify threats, not to engage in physical altercations.
Document the Reason for Detainment: Accurately document the reason for detainment in your official records. This is essential for maintaining transparency and accountability. Include all relevant details, such as the specific discrepancies found in the entrant's documents or the type of contraband they were attempting to smuggle.
Await Further Instructions: After the entrant has been detained, await further instructions from your superiors. They may require you to conduct further investigations or provide additional information. Follow their instructions carefully to ensure the integrity of the detainment process.

Consequences of Incorrect Detainment

Detaining someone without proper cause can have severe consequences in Papers, Please. Here’s what you need to be aware of:

Severe Penalties: Incorrect detainment will result in significant penalties, far greater than those for incorrect citations. These penalties can severely impact your salary and your ability to provide for your family.
Loss of Reputation: Repeatedly detaining people without justification will damage your reputation and erode the trust of your superiors. This can lead to increased scrutiny and potentially jeopardize your position.
Dire Consequences: In some cases, incorrect detainment can have dire consequences, leading to game over scenarios or even worse outcomes. The game emphasizes the importance of justice and due process, and violating these principles can have severe repercussions.

Advanced Tips for Spotting Discrepancies

To truly excel in Papers, Please, you need to develop a keen eye for detail and an understanding of the common tactics used by those attempting to deceive you. Here are some advanced tips to help you spot discrepancies and maintain order at the border:

Pay Attention to Details: This might seem obvious, but it’s worth emphasizing. Focus on the minutiae. Check the font types, the alignment of text, and the quality of the paper. Small inconsistencies can be a sign of forgery.
Use the Magnifying Glass: The magnifying glass is your best friend. Use it to examine documents closely, especially stamps and seals. Look for imperfections, smudges, or inconsistencies in the ink.
Cross-Reference Information: Always cross-reference information between different documents. Does the name on the passport match the name on the entry permit? Does the entrant's appearance match the photograph in their passport? Discrepancies are red flags.
Listen to Your Gut: Sometimes, something just doesn't feel right. If you have a gut feeling that an entrant is being deceptive, trust your instincts and investigate further. Your intuition can be a valuable asset.
Stay Updated on Rule Changes: The rules and regulations in Arstotzka are constantly evolving. Stay updated on the latest changes and directives to ensure you're enforcing the law correctly. The rule book is your bible; study it regularly.

Conclusion

Mastering citations and detainment in Papers, Please is essential for surviving and thriving in the challenging world of Arstotzkan border control. By understanding the rules, paying attention to detail, and following the correct procedures, you can become a model immigration officer and ensure the safety and security of your nation. Remember, every decision you make has consequences, so approach your duties with diligence and integrity. Good luck, and Glory to Arstotzka!