Game modes

There are two game modes in Papers, Please. Story mode is available from the start, and endless mode is unlocked after reaching one of the twenty endings in the former.

Story mode

Story mode consists of a 31-day campaign, with 20 different endings. The story is that an unnamed male Arstotzkan is chosen via a job lottery to work as a border inspector. He will have to earn enough money to cover rent, food and heating bills each day, in order to keep his family healthy.

In addition to taking care of his family, he will soon have to make some tough choices, as a revolution is stirring in Arstotzka, under the careful planning of a mysterious organization.

Each day, the inspector will encounter a number of randomized generic entrants as well as scripted events, such as entrants with unique dialog, documents or items. The inspector's daily salary is based on performance. Each entrant that is handled according to immigration protocol is worth 5 credits; failing to follow regulations will lead to a citation.

Easy mode

Story mode can be played with easy mode set on in the preferences. This will give the inspector extra 20 credits at the end of each day but does not have any other effect on the game. The daily bonus is called extra mode crutch in the end-of-day screen.

Endless mode

Endless mode allows you to play one of three game types with an endless flow of procedurally-generated entrants: Timed, Perfection, or Endurance. Each game type has a different scoring system. You can also choose from four different rule sets for any game type.

Endless mode is unlocked by entering a five-digit code which is unlocked after reaching a certain ending in story mode. The code will not give to you unless you play until day 31 without helping EZIC.

Endless game modes

Name	Challenge	Details
Timed	Process as many travelers as possible in 10 minutes	+1 point for each correctly processed entrant. +5 seconds for each detained entrant. –30 seconds for each incorrectly processed entrant.
Perfection	Game over at first citation. Earn dwindling points.	+10 points point for each correctly processed entrant in the first minute, one less point for each minute that passes. +1 point for each detained entrant. Receiving a citation ends the game.
Endurance	Play until balance goes negative. Avoid penalties.	+1 point for each correctly processed entrant. +2 points for each detained entrant. –5 × n points for each incorrectly processed entrant, where n is the number of citations received. Falling to or below 0 points ends the game.

Rule sets

A rule set determines which border checkpoint rules are in effect and which documents are required for entrants. All four rule sets are available for all three game types in the endless mode.

Icon	Features in use	Rules in effect	Documents in use
	Inspection mode Detainment Fingerprints Search option Forged documents possible Wanted criminals possible All booth upgrades have been installed	Entrant must have valid passport All documents must be current No weapons or contraband Arstotzkan citizens must have an ID card Foreigners require an entry permit Workers must have a work pass	Passport Entry permit Work pass ID card
	as above	as above, and Foreigners require an ID supplement Diplomats require authorization	as above, and ID supplement Diplomatic authorization
	as above, and Must give a reason for all denials	as above, and Asylum-seekers must have a grant Entrants must have a polio vaccine certification	as above, and Grant of asylum Certificate of vaccination
	as above	as above, but Foreigners require an access permit Entry permits and ID supplements are not valid (not in the rulebook)	as above, but Access permit replaces entry permits and ID supplements