Paradox is gearing up to unveil the next installment of the Prison Architect series, promising a leap forward in the beloved prison simulator genre. With upgraded 3D graphics, improved building tools, and a heightened focus on realism, Prison Architect 2 aims to exceed its predecessor's success.

One notable evolution in Prison Architect 2 is the reimagining of its Bureaucracy tab. In this simulation game, players typically conduct various research activities to advance their prison facilities. From laundry services to security measures, the research scope seems to have expanded significantly in the sequel, offering new technologies and a more intricate system.

Revamping the Upgrade Approach in Prison Architect 2

Contracts: A Key Component of Research

In Prison Architect 2, contracts now play a pivotal role in the research process. Unlike in the previous game where contracts primarily provided financial rewards and construction tasks, they now offer much more. In addition to monetary gains, completing contracts grants players XP, which can be used to unlock new features on the Bureaucracy screen. Furthermore, milestone contracts offer extra XP and cash upon achieving specific goals, such as hiring a certain number of staff.

This marks a significant departure from the original Prison Architect, where research progression relied on hiring administrators, spending money, and waiting for completion. With the introduction of XP, players can unlock research instantly, while administrators help accumulate passive XP.

Expansive Upgrades in the Bureaucracy Tab

Prison Architect 2's Bureaucracy system has undergone a substantial expansion, featuring a more extensive array of research options. The research tree is now divided into four distinct categories: Big Business, Infrastructure, Well-Being, and Security. Players must first unlock corresponding administrative staff to initiate research and then utilize XP to access new upgrades. As prisons expand and more XP is spent, additional tiers of research become available, potentially transforming the prison environment.

Aside from an increased research pool, each category in Prison Architect 2's Bureaucracy differs significantly from its predecessor. The new layout offers a more visually appealing and streamlined experience, providing players with diverse objectives to pursue and potentially revitalizing the game's essence. While the effectiveness of the XP system and new research categories remains to be fully evaluated, initial glimpses suggest promising enhancements. Fortunately, eager players won't have to wait long to experience these changes firsthand.