In “Papers, Please,” players take on the role of a border inspector tasked with evaluating the documents of entrants to a fictional Eastern Bloc country. As part of the gameplay mechanics, one crucial aspect involves identifying and handling contraband, which can include various illegal items such as weapons or drugs.

Upon inspection, players may encounter discrepancies within the documents presented or discover illegal items on the individual. The game’s mechanics allow players to recognize these contraband items through a process of comparing the presented documents with established regulations and conducting thorough searches on the entrants. Understanding these inconsistencies is key to maintaining border security, and it reflects the seriousness of the inspector’s role in national safety.

However, it is notable that while players can identify contraband, they cannot physically interact with or remove these illegal items in a precise manner. Unlike the process for dealing with passports or important documents—where players can drag them to the drawer to remove them from play—contraband such as weapons or drugs cannot be confiscated in this way. Instead, the game’s design necessitates that the inspector take a different approach. Once contraband is detected, players must choose to either deny the individual entry into the country or detain them, depending on the circumstances presented during the inspection. The option to detain an entrant is typically made available only after certain discrepancies, such as the detection of contraband, which adds a strategic element to the decision-making process.

In summary, “Papers, Please” incorporates a unique approach to handling contraband, emphasizing the importance of document verification and entry control without allowing for a direct method of confiscation for illegal items. The player’s primary actions revolve around denying entry or detaining individuals, thus reinforcing the themes of authority and procedural compliance that permeate the game.