Papers, Please

Dystopian document-checking simulation where every stamp carries consequences

Lucas Pope · Published by 3909 · Released Aug 8, 2013

Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive; 97% of 81K
Recent reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive; 97% of 403 in 30 days
Playing now: 212; peak 24h 275
Steam Deck: Verified
Last update: 3 years ago; Mar 21, 2023

What is Papers, Please?

A single-player, point-and-click simulation set at an Arstotzkan border checkpoint after a war with Kolechia. As an immigration inspector, you compare travelers’ documents, use inspection, search, and fingerprint tools, then approve entry, deny it, or make arrests as new rules complicate each workday.

For you if...

+you enjoy close observation and cross-checking small details
+you want morally difficult choices in a dystopian setting
+you prefer single-player stories with multiple endings

Not for you if...

−you want a relaxed game without time pressure
−you find repetitive clerical work tedious
−you dislike strict penalties for small mistakes

What players say

97% of 80,575 reviews are positive · 97% of 403 in the last 30 days

Players praise the depth created by steadily expanding rules and the tension between efficiency, family survival, and compassion. Common complaints include constant time pressure, punishing mistakes, clerical repetition, and clunky or nonfunctional handheld controls.

Screenshots and trailer

Papers, Please system requirements

As published by the developer.

Minimum

OS: Windows XP or later
Processor: 1.5 GHz Core2Duo
Graphics: OpenGL 1.4 or better
Memory: 2 GB RAM
Storage: 100 MB available space
Notes: Minimum 1280x720 screen resolution

PC version details

DRM, required accounts, controller support and Steam features.

DRM: None declared on Steam
Controller: Keyboard and mouse
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Achievements: 13
Steam features: Cloud saves, Family Sharing, Trading cards

Steam Deck: Verified

All functionality is accessible with the default controller configuration
Shows Steam Deck controller icons
In-game text is legible on Steam Deck
Default graphics settings perform well on Steam Deck

Multiplayer and co-op

Single-player

Languages

Text only: English, French, German, Spanish - Spain, Portuguese - Brazil, Russian, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Ukrainian, Czech, Simplified Chinese, Turkish, Basque, Korean.