Prison Architect

No one gives a shit about human rights her i can shoot em why care for riots if you have 142 armed guards and even if 621 prsioners all riot together you just replace the fallen (warhammer ahh refrence) also even in vanilla gameplay it is possible and funnny worth the five euros.......... i like human rights violations/10

A little buggy and very un-intuitive. Game got the classic Paradox treatment with so many DLC's you could prolly buy a whole new game with how expensive getting them all is. If you like Rimworld type games get this for sure, but this game stopped being fun for me after the campaign funnily enough, it was way more fun to fix prisons and upgrade them instead of starting my own. 6/10. Playable but some things are simply unexplained and I wish there was more campaign missions.

This was a great game, until they sold to paradox. They introduced an insane amount of bugs, stole content from mods for paid DLC, abandoned the game, started making a sequel and abandoned that before it was even released. F*cking paradox.

Game is good but it has some bugs, and if you plan on buying any dlcs, dont most of them just change the color of Prisoner outfits and adds like 2 items.

Здравствуйте, друзья и создатели Prison Architect! Хочу поделиться своим мнением, так как играю в эту игру уже давно. Отмечу плюсы и минусы. Основные проблемы: ИИ заключённых работает плохо: Они не реагируют на график, просто сидят в камерах Игнорируют такие объекты, как душ и телефоны Единственное, что их интересует - столовая Это сводит на нет смысл двора для прогулок Проблемы 2025 года до сих пор не исправлены: Разработчики просто выпускают платные DLC Нужно сначала исправить текущие баги, а потом делать дополнения Опасения насчёт второй части: Есть сомнения, что Prison Architect 2 будет хуже первой версии Но это лишь моё мнение - решать, конечно, вам English Translation: Hello friends and Prison Architect developers! I want to share my feedback as a long-time player of this game. Here are the pros and cons I've noticed. Main issues: Prisoner AI is not working properly: They don't follow schedules, just stay in cells Ignore objects like showers and phones Only care about visiting the canteen This makes the yard almost pointless 2025 issues remain unfixed: Developers keep releasing paid DLC instead Current bugs should be fixed before adding new content Concerns about the sequel: I worry Prison Architect 2 might be worse than the original But this is just my opinion - the decision is yours

I think Prison Architect is a game that, in it's current state, could use a bit more love put into it. It does have a ton of potential though! I love the idea that your prison slowly gets more advanced, but you get worse prisoners. Overall, 8/10 stars.

some builder got rid of a wall and let everyone out in a matter of seconds 9.5/10

very addictive and its oddly satisfying to see a bunch of prisoners get beat up by riot guards when they misbehave

1196 hours as of posting. Best game i chose to get, Cheap as hell, But it went downhill after Double 11. All of the DLCs since Psych ward and Going green, Went bad. Branched out unrealistacally (however the hell you spell it) and then just became a game to "play" Not Feel.

Good game, fun designing many different prisons with different concepts.

This game is a very fun and well designed prison management game. It gives you the freedom to run your prison how you want, that doesn't come without consequences though (riots, escapes, murders, etc.). Construct your prison and make it as pretty, functional, or both as you like. As you build you can fill your prison with amenities to keep your prisoners happy, or don't. You are the warden.

Prison Architect is the greatest game I've ever played. The customization and modding ability is more than what I've ever seen in any other game. Almost no limit with what you can do, especially with the community made mods. This is a must play that I recommend for everyone.

So much fun. A Learning curve wasn't too bad - don't be afraid to look up tutorials. Just bought some dlc. This is one of those games where the whole day went by and I never noticed.

Building Prisons in Co-op is some of the most fun I've had in a game in a while, I recommend picking this up with a buddy!

Found this game for the first time on my tablet and was in love with it. When I found out that there is a pc version I bought it asap. Even better than the tablet version.

This game is just insanely broken - prisoners constantly freak out and rush your guards over and over again, freaking out over nothing. Even if you turn your prison into a luxury resort, they're constantly unhappy and their needs are unfulfilled for no apparent reason. Building anything constantly results in your prisoners en-masse jumping over all your fences because the game automatically rezoned your prison to allow them to just walk out. Prisoners will dig a tunnel 200 meters long in 8 hours - and even if your dogs detect the tunnel you can repeatedly search the cell 5 times and never ever find it because that mechanic is completely broken. Just an exercise in frustration.

What happened to this amazing game? I don’t understand how this game went from amazing to terrible. Five years ago, it was perfect – no bugs, fun to replay many times. But today (2025), the game is broken. Staff don’t move, they get stuck in rooms, and prisoners escape without any warning. It’s very sad that Paradox has already abandoned the game.

yes great game, just getting around to playing it and absolutely love the game.

★☆☆☆☆ "Fun... until it becomes unplayable" I really wanted to love this game. For the first hour or two, it is fun — building, managing, watching your prison come to life. Then the performance hits a wall. I'm running this on a high-end modern laptop (i7, 64GB RAM, Quadro GPU) and still, after a while, the game slows to a crawl. Not from bad design decisions or user error — but because the simulation engine seems locked to a single CPU thread. Once your prison grows or the campaign progresses, the game starts choking on its own logic. This isn’t about mods, giant prisons, or doing anything crazy. I’m playing the vanilla campaign, and it still becomes unplayable after about an hour. I’ve tried every fix out there: no mods, no workshop, legacy builds, V-Sync tweaks, nothing solves it permanently. What really stings is that even years after release and multiple publishers later, this still hasn’t been addressed. You can throw great hardware at this game and still get punished for playing it "too long." Verdict: It's not that the game crashes — it just gradually suffocates itself. 1 star, because what's the point of a management sim if you can't manage anything once it grows?

Great Game, I really like the building and design part of the game

Prison Architect is an all time classic management building sim. Excellent value for money with lots of game play features to keep you entertained for hundreds of hours. It is the best prison management simulation currently out there!

Multiplayer is not stable. Stuck on a connecting to server screen. 0/10 can't mess torture inmates with friends

Great game but has been left to rot by Paradox. Its is a buggy mess even with mods and by the sounds of it they have no plans to fix them. Oh and too Paradox Interactive I hope your socks are forever wet.

Due to a bug, the game is not playable with event. The fireman will not respond with your request to the location where the place burn. Lol.

📢 “Welcome to Prison Architect — where YOU are the Warden… and also probably the problem.” Man, listen… Prison Architect is The Sims if they dropped out of community college, started chain-smoking Newports, and got a job running a for-profit penitentiary. This ain’t no build-a-house-and-watch-'em-kiss kinda game. Nah. This is build-a-shower-and-hope-they-don’t-hide-shanks-in-it. You’re not building a home… you’re building an institutionalized trauma simulator with snack machines and death row. First five minutes of gameplay: Me: “Okay, I’ll make a small prison with positive reinforcement and education!” Ten minutes later: A guy named Loco Mike stabbed a janitor with a fork and now everyone’s on fire. One dude escaped through a toilet. A TOILET. I had to pause the game just to go look in the mirror and ask myself: “Am I the villain?” But let’s keep it real — this game is fun as hell. Every single riot feels like the Super Bowl of bad decisions. You want to be a kind, empathetic reformer? Go ahead! You want to run a hellhole filled with armed guards and solitary confinement cells the size of a pantry? This game lets you be your worst self. Lovingly. And it’s got depth! You’re managing payroll, construction, contraband searches, parole hearings, riots, fires, death penalties… and somehow this is considered relaxing by Steam standards. Also, the art style looks like a Saturday morning cartoon — which makes it ten times funnier when your entire cellblock explodes because the cook left the stove on. Let’s talk DLC though. Yeah, it’s got that Paradox seasoning on it — tastes like money. But even without the extras, vanilla PA still lets you build the Shawshank Cinematic Universe. You don’t need DLC to accidentally cause 37 deaths with a misplaced door and a poorly-timed roll call. Final Thoughts: If you’ve ever wanted to build a functioning prison that slowly becomes a failed experiment in human suffering — and laugh your ass off doing it — this game is for you. 9/10. Would sentence myself to 25 to life again. 🪓 "Rehabilitation is a myth, but recess is at 2 PM."

Гарна ідея і навіть майже нормальна реалізація. Головна проблема гри-це її забагованість. Як би творці гри виправили цю гру, я би її рекомендував.

open game starts building a prison 8 random prisoners show up forgot to deny any new prisoners continues to build prison 8 more show up forgot to deny again deny any more prisoners all 16 prisoners die gets a warning from the ceo saying i need to be more carful i receive 300 prisoners and they all start to riot the second they get there cuffs off prison burns down 10/10 would buy again

Not the best tycoon/building game I've played I still don't know how to make it work properly but I'm sure I'll learn definetly recomended if you learn how to build it right.

Prison Architect is a deeply engaging and intricately detailed simulation and management game that puts players in the challenging role of designing, building, and running a maximum-security prison. Developed by Introversion Software, the game combines creative freedom with complex management mechanics, delivering a unique experience that balances the creative satisfaction of construction with the pressures of maintaining order and security in a volatile environment. From laying out cell blocks and workspaces to managing staff, budgets, and inmate behavior, Prison Architect requires careful planning and quick decision-making, offering a richly layered gameplay experience that evolves as your prison grows. At its core, the game shines in the freedom it grants players to customize every aspect of their facility. The intuitive building tools and modular design allow you to craft prisons tailored to your vision, from humane rehabilitation centers to high-security penitentiaries designed to contain the most dangerous criminals. Beyond construction, managing the daily operations of your prison is a constant juggling act: hiring guards, cooks, janitors, and medical staff while ensuring the facility meets the needs of inmates, such as food, hygiene, recreation, and rehabilitation programs. The emergent gameplay driven by inmate behavior—ranging from routine daily life to riots, escapes, and contraband smuggling—adds unpredictability and challenge that keep the experience fresh and compelling. What elevates Prison Architect is its attention to detail and realism. The game features a robust AI system that simulates individual prisoners with distinct personalities, needs, and risk levels, influencing how they interact with the environment and each other. This leads to emergent stories within your prison walls, where seemingly small decisions can trigger large-scale consequences, such as violent outbreaks or rehabilitation successes. The game also includes a campaign mode with scripted scenarios and objectives that introduce players to complex mechanics gradually, alongside a sandbox mode for those who prefer open-ended creativity without constraints. Visually, Prison Architect employs a clean, top-down 2D art style with clear, easily readable icons and animations. While not graphically extravagant, the visuals effectively communicate the state of the prison and its inhabitants, making it easy to monitor activities and spot issues at a glance. The sound design complements this with appropriate ambient noises, announcements, and alert sounds that contribute to the immersive atmosphere of a bustling prison environment. Multiplayer and workshop support further extend the game’s longevity, allowing players to share custom maps, mods, and scenarios that add new challenges and content. The community around Prison Architect is active and creative, continually expanding the game’s possibilities and providing inspiration for players seeking fresh experiences. Despite its many strengths, Prison Architect has some areas where it may challenge players. The learning curve can be steep, especially for those new to management sims, as the depth of systems and interconnected mechanics require patience and experimentation to master. The game’s pace can sometimes feel slow, particularly when managing large prisons or dealing with emergencies that demand careful resource allocation. Additionally, while the AI is impressive, occasional bugs or unpredictable prisoner behavior can occasionally disrupt gameplay flow. In conclusion, Prison Architect is a compelling and highly addictive simulation that offers a rare blend of creativity, strategic management, and emergent storytelling. Its detailed systems, flexible building tools, and dynamic prisoner interactions create a living, breathing world that challenges players to think critically and adapt constantly. Whether you enjoy meticulous planning or watching chaos unfold, Prison Architect delivers a deeply satisfying experience that remains engaging through countless hours of play. Rating: 8/10

I like this game alot, i highly recommend it if you like build and management games

Absolutely not recommended. I got this game years ago, forgot why I quit til recently, then remembered why. Yall. I had about 8 prisoners in my RECEPTION area, despite there being a perfectly valid and assigned holding cell, empty. I had 36 cells to start with. I had, for some reason, 3 jammed into 1 cell, and the rest just scattered. I put "send to infirmary" idk how many times, they were never escorted. I went unlimited-money mode and hired 50 guards in an attempt to get something going. Nothing. They peed on the FLOOR even after I put an ACTUAL TOILET IN THE RECEPTION. I went and looked up all my problems and followed every solution. Nothing, going YEARS back in dusty threads. And you'd think out of 50 guards they could spare TWO for CCTV? Nope. I built two kitchens and canteens, and people complained of STARVING YALL. NOT HUNGRY, STARVING. I checked assignments. I reinstalled, loaded, new gamed, nothing. This ain't it. I wasted ENTIRELY too much time trying to get this scrap pile of code to work.

great game, need some more depth outside of the campaign tho

ill be honest, it was boring af. Dident really like any of it but only played it for like 50min..

[B]Highly Recommended!![/B] Playtime: 180 hrs TL;DR: / SUMMARY [I]Starts as chaos, becomes pure management bliss. Build, learn, optimize, and create a perfectly functioning prison from nothing. It’s one of the most satisfying builder sims out there—once it clicks, it’s impossible to put down.[/I] Prison Architect is one of those rare games that completely sucks you in—not just for a few hours, but for hundreds. I’ve put 180 hours into this, and honestly, I loved every minute of it. The only reason I stopped playing was because I thought Prison Architect 2 was coming out sooner. At first, it throws a lot at you. There’s a bit of a learning curve. You might forget to put drains in the showers. You might find your canteen too small. Maybe your prisoners riot because you forgot to give them rec time or hot water. But here’s the thing: every mistake teaches you something. The game doesn’t punish you in a way that feels unfair—it teaches you through cause and effect. You watch. You adjust. You evolve. And eventually, you master it. Once you’re past that early learning phase, it’s smooth sailing—or more like smooth building. You go from an empty dirt lot to a massive, well-oiled machine of a prison. Want separate wings for minimum, medium, and max security? Done. Want a Death Row block, or a fully staffed Psych Ward? You can build it. You control every inch of the layout—from the number of guards on duty to how wide the hallways are to what time the prisoners eat, shower, exercise, and sleep. You’re not just a builder—you’re an architect, a warden, a systems engineer, and sometimes a problem-solver under pressure. But when you finally reach the point where the prisoners are content, the guards rotate shifts perfectly, and there are no escape attempts because you’ve covered every angle... that feeling? That’s gaming zen. Your prison becomes a living, breathing thing. And when it hits equilibrium—a perfect loop of structure and stability—it’s incredibly satisfying to just watch it function. Then, when you’ve optimized every detail, you cash out. Sell the prison for a big payday, and start fresh with more money and more knowledge. That loop is where the game really shines. That’s where the hours vanish. Every new prison you build is better than the last. You’ll remember past mistakes and avoid them. You’ll try bold new designs. You’ll mess with new programs, build new facilities, and discover what kind of prison warden you really are. Reform-focused? Ruthless? Efficient? A bit chaotic? It’s your story. And there’s still more: Prisoner needs, gang systems, snitches, legendary inmates Emergency services (riot police, snipers, fire departments) Advanced bureaucracy, grants, parole systems, and staff management Workshop exports, license plates, labor programs that boost profits And the pure joy of watching time tick by as your prison runs itself [B]Bottom line:[/B] Prison Architect is one of the best management sims I’ve ever played. If you enjoy sandbox-style builder games, or if you like the idea of taking something from total chaos to polished perfection, this game delivers. It’s not about microtransactions or flash—it’s about watching a system you created just work. I can’t wait for Prison Architect 2—but until then, this is still an all-timer!

Give the Android version back. It's on iOS and works, why not bother updating the Android version?

Never had so much fun building a place of imprisonment for the criminally insane

I like to much small build. but I do dream of making a super prison.

I truly enjoyed my time playing this game. It was certainly different than other games I have played in the past. However, I could spend hours just trying to optimize my prison. This game is great for those who are looking for a good strategy and management game. If you have a bit of cash laying around I would certainly give this game a try. I would wait for it to go on sale but this game is a solid 8.5/10 for me.

A pretty good simulator / colony sim game. There are lots of options of stuff to choose from when building, and good customization of how you want to play.

great game and highly recomended and great if you love base builders

Prison Architect was a new one for me in the realm of trying this type of game. I enjoyed it, whether it was the building aspect of creating a prison with all the right stuff so everyone was happy, or going into escape mode and trying to recruit as many prisoners as possible to try and take over the prison. Lol, there have definitely been many fails in the escape mode part, but it was a good time and adds an interesting aspect to the game. The building side of the game is interesting, but man, does it get tedious trying to make the prisoners happy. Eventually, though, I got the hang of it and had a pretty big prison going. I feel it has good replay value, so I’ll definitely go back to it eventually.

How has it taken be 10 years to pick this game up? love it 10/10

Disappointed you HAVE to manage a private, for-profit prison and the problems related to that are prevalent. You're not encouraged to rehabilitate the prisoners, you're encouraged to beat them senseless and make them suffer under your iron first. Keep the re-offending rate high so you can make that sweet money. They will be violent towards you, but hey, maybe they shouldn't be poor.

I love designing better and better prisons

I made a Steam account for this and still play it 8 years later

One of my favorite games, can't wait for PA2!!

AMAZING this is the best prison game EVER. i love this game

Very good sandbox game.

get mods, riot, kill

Fun game, I really liked it.