Get Started...
Android
iOS
Mac
Switch
Switch 2
PC
PS4
PS5
Xbox One
Xbox X|S
Play Overview
Papers, Please (2013) is a narrative puzzle game where you play the role of a border-crossing immigration officer in the fictional dystopian Eastern Bloc-like country of Arstotzka. You review each immigrant’s and returning citizen’s passports and paperwork according to an increasing list of changing rules stemming from a volatile political landscape. Each person, whether legitimate or not, has a story about their journey and the personal impact of not being let in. Your choices not only impact the citizens but your own standing and money for your family. You must also decide whether to uphold the government or work with organisations to establish a new one. You play for 31 days and depending on your decisions there are 20 different endings.
These decisions are powerful because of the real stories they tell. There’s the jeopardy of acting morally but at risk and cost to your own job and impoverished family.
Our examiner, Jonah Monaghan, first checked Papers, Please 5 years ago. It was re-examined by Thom Robertson and updated 11 weeks ago.
These decisions are powerful because of the real stories they tell. There’s the jeopardy of acting morally but at risk and cost to your own job and impoverished family.
Our examiner, Jonah Monaghan, first checked Papers, Please 5 years ago. It was re-examined by Thom Robertson and updated 11 weeks ago.
Kids not old enough for this yet? There are lots of games similar to Papers, Please. Here are some similar younger-rated games:
Play Style
Duration
Play Time: This game will take between 5 and a half hours and 9 hours to complete. You can complete the main story in about 8 hours. To see all the endings will take considerably longer, with multiple play-throughs.
Benefits
Age Ratings
Content Rating
Rated for younger players in Australia. Rated Mature (M) for Mature themes and coarse language.
Skill Level
12+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Still, it's important for parents and guardians to consider the maturity required to process the game content. Although younger players can cope with the mechanics of the game, to understand the narrative and make decisions based on morals can require more maturity.
Costs
Game Details
Release Date: 08/08/2013, updated in 2017
Out Now: Android, Mac, PC, PS Vita and iOS
Skill Rating: 12+ year-olds
Players: 1
Genres: Narrative, Puzzle (Point-and-Click and Simulation)
Accessibility: 19 features
Components: 2D Side-On and Pixels
 |
Written by parents for parents, the database complements the in-depth discussion about video game addiction, violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. We are an editorially independent, free resource without adverts that is supported by partnerships. |
© 2025 Family Gaming Database