Introduction

Doors play a crucial role in Prison Architect 2, providing security, controlling access, and managing prisoner movement. Each door type has different costs, durability, and functions, making it essential to choose the right door for each situation. This guide breaks down the available doors, their uses, and best placement strategies.

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Standard Door

• Cost: $50
• Durability: 20 HP
• Access: Can be opened with a staff key (cleaners, cooks, guards, etc.)
• Best for: Cleaning cupboards, chapels, and non-secure areas
• Key Notes:
  • Auto-opens at the end of lockdown in cell blocks.
  • Provides little security and should not be used for inmate cells.

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Staff Door

• Cost: $100
• Durability: 40 HP
• Access: Can only be opened by staff (guards, cleaners, cooks, etc.)
• Best for: Utility rooms, staff rooms, and administrative areas
• Key Notes:
  • Prevents prisoners from entering staff-only zones unless they steal a key.
  • Avoid placing near exterior walls to prevent escapes.

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Jail Door

• Cost: $200
• Durability: 100 HP
• Access: Requires a guard to open
• Best for: Inmate cells and cell blocks
• Key Notes:
  • Automatically opens during lockdown release.
  • Guards can subdue prisoners through the bars.

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Solitary Door

• Cost: $500
• Durability: 300 HP
• Access: Requires a guard to open
• Best for: Solitary confinement cells
• Key Notes:
  • Does not auto-open during lockdown release.
  • Guards must manually unlock it for prisoner movement.
  • Provides strong security against breakouts.

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Remote Door

• Cost: $500
• Durability: 300 HP
• Access: Requires a door control system
• Best for: High-security areas, armories, and secure entry points
• Key Notes:
  • Cannot be opened with keys.
  • Must be controlled by a door control system and a stationed guard.
  • Slower response time due to control room operation.
  • Can be used in airlocks to slow down prisoner escapes.

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Large Jail Door

• Cost: $350
• Durability: 100 HP
• Access: Requires a guard to open
• Best for: Holding cells, corridors, and common areas
• Key Notes:
  • Works well for high-traffic areas.
  • Can be controlled remotely with a door control system.
  • Slow opening speed makes it ineffective for stopping mass breakouts.

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Road Gate

• Cost: $1,000
• Durability: 100 HP
• Access: Requires a guard to open
• Best for: Prison perimeter and vehicle entry points
• Key Notes:
  • Slows down prisoners attempting to escape via the road.
  • Works best with door servos for automation.

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Road Barrier

• Cost: $10,000
• Durability: Unknown (estimated 300 HP)
• Access: Auto-deploys during lockdown
• Best for: Ultimate security at the prison entrance
• Key Notes:
  • Completely blocks prisoner escape attempts.
  • Prevents prisoners from hijacking vehicles to flee.

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Best Practices for Door Placement

1. Use remote doors and airlocks at critical security points.
2. Avoid staff doors near exits to prevent prisoner escapes.
3. Jail doors work best in standard cells, while solitary doors should only be used in solitary confinement.
4. Remote doors should not be overloaded—each control system should manage a maximum of eight doors.
5. Use multiple layers of security—corridors with several gates and barriers reduce escape success rates.

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Conclusion

Choosing the right door for the right purpose is key to maintaining prison security and efficient operations in Prison Architect 2. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each door type, you can build a secure, well-managedfacility that keeps both inmates and staff safe.