All Game Items - Prison Architect

Introduction

In Prison Architect, \"items\" encompass everything you can place, build, purchase, or confiscate within your prison. This guide covers all major categories: currencies and resources, contraband (weapons, tools, drugs), staff equipment, building materials, infrastructure components, office furniture, security devices, rehabilitation tools, and special collectibles. Each item’s function, acquisition method, optimal use case, and important synergies or upgrades are detailed below.

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Currencies and Resources

Item	Category	Description	How to Obtain	When Useful	Synergies/Upgrades
Cash	Currency	The primary currency used to buy all objects, construct buildings, and pay staff wages.	Starting grant, prisoner intake payments, exported goods from workshops, parole hearings, grants.	Always needed for everything. Unlocks new buildings and services.	Use Accounting Office to reduce import/export costs. Combine with Grant Office to unlock larger grants.
Grant	Resource	Each grant is a set of objectives; completing them provides a lump sum of cash and often unlocks new items or buildings.	Unlocked via Grant Office, chosen from available grants (e.g., \\(40,000 Prison, Regime Reform).	Early game to fund construction; mid/late game to fund expansions.	Grants often require certain rooms or items (e.g., Workshop, Infirmary) – plan builds accordingly. Completing all grant lines unlocks the Supermax grant for \\),000.
Prisoner Intake	Income	Per-prisoner payment: you receive money for each prisoner admitted (varies by security level – max-security pays more).	Automatically when new prisoners arrive via intake system.	Steady, predictable income; essential for budgeting.	Higher security prisoners give more cash but require more expensive security measures.
Workshop Export	Income	Money earned from selling products made in the Workshop (e.g., freight, license plates).	Set up a Workshop with a Prisoner Work program and an Exports area.	Significant recurring income once prisoners are trained.	Requires Metal Detector at workshop entrance to prevent tool theft. Combine with Tool Leash (mod) or careful patrols.
Parole Hearings	Income	Prisoners who successfully pass a parole hearing grant a cash bonus.	Build a Parole Room and assign a Parole Officer; prisoners with high reform scores will be eligible.	Good for medium/late game when you have rehabilitated prisoners.	Pair with Reform Programs to raise reform score faster.
Reputation Tokens	Currency (DLC/Base)	Sometimes used in the Psych Ward DLC or as a premium currency in mobile versions – not a core mechanic in base PC Prison Architect.	Only if playing a version that includes reputation systems.	N/A for most players.	Varies by platform.

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Contraband (Weapons, Tools, Drugs)

Contraband items are illegal objects that prisoners try to obtain or smuggle. They are discovered via searches, metal detectors, dog patrols, or informants. Removing contraband reduces violence and escapes.

Item	Category	Description	How to Obtain (by prisoners)	When Useful (for you)	Synergies/Upgrades

Metal Detectors: Catch weapons, tools, and electronics (phones).

Dog Patrols: Sniff out drugs, alcohol, and buried tunnel tools.

Informants: Reveal hidden contraband per prisoner.

Shakedowns: Order all prisoners searched – high efficiency but causes unhappiness.

Cell Searches: Target specific cells when suspicion arises.

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Staff Equipment and Uniforms

Staff need specific items to perform duties. Most are placed directly on staff when hired.

Item	Category	Description	How to Obtain	When Useful	Synergies/Upgrades
Guard Uniform	Armor/Clothing	Standard gear for guards – includes baton, handcuffs, radio.	Guards are automatically equipped when hired.	Essential for all guards. Upgraded to heavier armor with research.	Patrol Routes and CCTV allow guards to respond faster.
Riot Gear	Armor	Heavy armor and shield – reduces damage during riots.	Unlocked via Riot Guard research (needs Security Office and $500). Hire Riot Guards specifically.	Use when a riot breaks out or when entering high-risk areas (max sec).	Combine with Armory to equip guards with shotguns temporarily.
Guard Taser	Weapon	Non-lethal electroshock weapon.	Guards automatically carry tasers if the Taser research is completed (needs Security Office and $1,000).	Subdue dangerous prisoners without fatalities.	Taser reduces injury risk but requires Warden Office to research.
Sniper Rifle	Weapon	Long-range rifle used in Sniper Towers.	Place a Sniper Tower (costs $3,000). Guards inside are automatically armed.	Deters escapes over fences; can shoot escaping prisoners.	High risk of death – only use for max security perimeter.
Shotgun	Weapon	Available in the Armory for guards to pick up.	Build an Armory (costs $5,000) and research Armed Guards (requires Security Office).	During critical events like riots or escapes.	Only equip during emergencies – decreases prison quality when used.
Doctor's Scrubs	Clothing	Standard medical attire for doctors.	Doctors are hired with scrubs.	N/A – cosmetic.	Infirmary upgrades allow more efficient treatment.
Parole Officer's Briefcase	Tool	Contains forms and files for parole hearings.	Parole Officers are hired with this.	Needed in the Parole Room for hearings.	Parole Room must have a desk and filing cabinet.
Warden's Keycard	Tool	Unlocks Warden's Office and certain administrative areas.	The Warden is automatically given a keycard when hired.	Required to access restricted areas.	Keycards can also be used in Keycard Doors for high security rooms.
Workman's Toolbelt	Tool	Required for Workmen to construct and maintain objects.	Workmen are hired with toolbelt.	Essential for all construction and repairs.	Multiple Workmen speed up building.
Janitor's Broom & Mop	Tool	Used by Janitors to clean facilities.	Janitors are hired with these.	Keep prison clean to reduce disease and improve mood.	Cleaning Rotas improve efficiency.
CCTV Operator's Screen	Equipment	Allows guards in Surveillance Room to monitor cameras.	Place a CCTV Console (costs $800).	Essential to watch multiple screens.	Combine with many CCTV Cameras for full coverage.
K9 Unit	Equipment / Animal	A dog that sniffs contraband and tracks escaped prisoners.	Purchase a K9 Kennel (costs $1,500) and assign a dog handler (same as guard).	Patrol perimeter and cell blocks for drugs/tunnels.	Dogs are faster than humans and can detect hidden contraband.

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Building Materials and Infrastructure Items

These are placed during construction; many are required for functional rooms.

Item	Category	Description	How to Obtain	When Useful	Synergies/Upgrades
Concrete Foundation	Material	The base floor for all buildings.	Build using Foundations tool (costs $X per tile).	Every building must have a foundation.	Combine with Walls and Roofing to enclose rooms.
Wall	Building Piece	Standard wall (1 tile). Can be interior or exterior.	Buy from Materials menu ($20 per wall section).	Defines rooms; keeps prisoners contained.	Exterior Walls are stronger and require more health to break.
Door	Object	Standard wooden door – allows passage.	Place door in wall gap ($100).	Required for every room entrance.	Jail Door (costs $200) is stronger and can be locked remotely.
Window	Object	Provides light and view – can be broken.	Buy ($50) and place in wall.	Useful for staff areas; prisoners may break them.	Barred Windows (cost $75) are stronger.
Gate	Object	Large door for vehicles (e.g., delivery).	Buy ($500) and place in exterior wall.	Needed for road access.	Road Gate requires a road connection.
Toilet	Object	Essential for prisoner hygiene.	Buy ($100) – place in each cell.	Prevents hygiene need failures.	Pipe connection required; Water Boiler supplies hot water for showers.
Shower Head	Object	Allows prisoners to shower.	Buy ($100) – place in shower rooms.	Required by regime for hygiene.	Water Boiler and Drain are recommended to avoid flooding.
Bed	Object	Bunk beds for prisoners.	Buy ($150) – one per cell (double beds for two prisoners).	Provides sleep need.	Quality of Life items (TV, phone) improve mood.
Chair/Table	Object	Furniture for canteens, common rooms, offices.	Buy – varies by type.	Required in dining and break rooms.	Cafeteria tables increase eating speed.
Lamp	Object	Ceiling or wall lamp for lighting.	Buy ($30) – placed on ceilings.	Prevents darkness penalty (decreases mood).	Outside Lights illuminate outdoor areas.
Workbench	Object	Used in Workshop for making products.	Buy ($200) each.	Essential for prisoner work.	Upgrades to allow different products (license plates, freight).
Cooking Stove	Object	Used in Kitchen to prepare meals.	Buy ($800) – requires Kitchen room.	Feeds prisoners.	Combine with Fridge and Sink for hygiene.
Sink	Object	Used in Kitchen and cells (optional).	Buy ($100).	Improves hygiene in cells.	Dishwasher in Kitchen speeds up cleaning.
Metal Detector	Security Object	Detects metal weapons/tools on passing prisoners.	Buy ($1,000) – placed in corridors or entrances.	Crucial for contraband detection.	Link with Surveillance Room for alerts.
Dog Kennel	Object	Houses K9 Units.	Buy ($1,500) – assign a guard.	Must be placed before using dog patrols.	Dog patrols can be assigned to any route.
CCTV Camera	Security Object	Allows surveillance of a small area.	Buy ($300) per camera – requires CCTV Console in Surveillance Room.	Reduces need for guards; catches rule-breaking.	Camera Coverage research increases angle.

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Office Equipment and Furniture

Used in administrative rooms to unlock functions.

Item	Description	How to Obtain	When Useful	Synergies
Desk	Central office furniture – needed for most staff offices (Warden, Chief, Foreman, etc.).	Buy ($200) – place in office room.	Unlocks research and reports.	Warden Office requires a desk.
Filing Cabinet	Stores documents, required for certain rooms (e.g., Parole Room).	Buy ($150).	Used in parole hearings, disciplinary offices.	Parole Room needs one.
Bookcase	Holds books for the Library or offices.	Buy ($100).	Required for Library room (reform).	Increases reform program effectiveness.
TV	Entertainment for common rooms or cells (if allowed).	Buy ($200) – must be placed in common room or cell.	Boosts prisoner mood; reduces needs (recreation).	Needs Power and Cable (via Utility objects).
Phone Booth	Allows prisoners to call outside (within controlled parameters).	Buy ($200) – placed in common room or hallway.	Reduces family contact need; can be monitored.	Call Log research allows recording calls.
Weight Bench	Recreational object for common rooms.	Buy ($150).	Helps fulfill exercise need.	Combine with other recreation like pool table.
Pool Table	Recreation object.	Buy ($200).	Same as weight bench.	Variety improves mood.
Bookshelf (Library)	Specific to Library room – holds reform books.	Buy ($100) each.	Allows prisoners to complete educational programs.	Foundations of Education program requires library.

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Rehabilitation Items and Program Objects

Used in reform programs to reduce recidivism.

Item	Program	Description	How to Obtain	When Useful
Workshop Machine	Prisoners work to earn money and skills.	Requires Workshop room and Workbenches.	Research Prisoner Work via Warden Office. Mid to late game.	Generates income and lowers recidivism.
Classroom Desk	Foundation Education program.	Buy ($100) – place in Classroom.	Unlock Foundations of Education research.	Allows prisoners to gain literacy.
Library Chair	Reading program.	Simple chair – buy for $50.	Place in Library.	Complements education.
Parole Room Desk & Chair	Parole hearings.	Standard office furniture.	Build Parole Room and hire Parole Officer.	Reduces sentence of eligible prisoners.
Infirmary Bed	Medical treatment + potential rehab.	Buy ($150) – place in Infirmary.	Hire Doctor.	Treats injuries; can support drug rehab programs (DLC).
Psychiatry Couch	Psychiatry program (for mentally ill prisoners).	Buy ($200) – place in Psychiatry Room (requires Psych Ward DLC or base).	Unlock via research.	Reduces mental health incidents.
Prayer Mat / Religious Symbol	Spiritual programs.	Buy – varies.	Build Chapel room.	Lowers anger and violence.

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Special Items and Collectibles

These are unique objects not essential for gameplay but add fun or achievements.

Item	Description	How to Obtain	Use
Staff of Life	A golden statue that magically keeps prisoners fed (no kitchen needed).	Unlocked via Grant (\\)40,000 Prison) – requires $200,000 spent.	Removes food logistics – but very expensive.
Executive Car	A luxury vehicle for the Warden.	Unlock via Grant (Executive Car grant) – costs $20,000.	Aesthetic only – no gameplay effect.
Prisoner Photos	Collectible images of notorious prisoners (Escape Mode).	Found in Escape Mode by exploring.	No effect in Sandbox.
Books of Lore	Items left by developers (Easter eggs).	Hidden in certain maps (e.g., the island).	Fun discovery.
Achievement Items (e.g., 'Unbreakable' plaque)	Unlockable icons in the game’s main menu.	Complete certain achievements (e.g., \$1,000,000 net worth).	Cosmetic only.

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Summary

Prison Architect’s item system is vast and interconnected. Mastery comes from understanding which items to place and when. Cash is the lifeblood; contraband is the constant threat; infrastructure builds the prison; security items protect it; and rehabilitation items reform it. Use the table above to plan your prison layout and prioritize research grants that unlock critical items like Metal Detectors, Armory, and Workshop tools.

For synergy, always place a Metal Detector at the main entrance to the prison and near the Workshop. Pair CCTV with Dog Patrols for comprehensive contraband control. Invest early in research (via Warden Office) to unlock advanced items like Tasers and Riot Gear. Finally, use the Grant Office to fund your expansions and unlock unique items like the Staff of Life for late-game optimization.