A puzzle simulation game
Border Patrol
In Papers, Please, a multi-award-winning indie game, you check the credentials of people who try to enter the fictional state of Arstotzka. Because players are exposed to decision-making pressure, the game is more exciting than it sounds.
The background story to Papers, Please: After six years of war, Arstotzka makes peace with the neighboring state of Kolechia. The border town of Grestin is split down the middle with halves belonging to each of the two states. Your role is that of an East Grestin resident who was awarded the post of border guard in the October 1982 job lottery.
The journey to Arstotzka begins with the installation of the game; Papers, Please dates back to 2013 and is already a several years old, but this has not changed its topicality. The Linux version of Papers, Please [1] by Lucas Pope is available on Steam [2], Humble Bundle [3], and GOG.com [4]. Alternatively, you can purchase the software directly on the game's website [5] for $9.99; the transaction is handled by Humble Bundle. You can claim a discount if you buy several licenses for classroom use [6]. There is also an Android version [7] for mobile devices.
First Day at Work
The ominous sounding music you hear shortly after the game launches generates the right kind of atmosphere. You will find a wrench symbol at the bottom left on the start screen; you can use this to configure settings. Among other things, you can enable easy mode, which earns you a daily bonus of 20 credits. Click on Story to get started in Story mode. Infinite mode can be unlocked later.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
Cairo Dock 3.6 Now Available for More Compositors
If you're a fan of third-party desktop docks, then the latest release of Cairo Dock with Wayland support is for you.
-
System76 Unleashes Pop!_OS 24.04 Beta
System76's first beta of Pop!_OS 24.04 is an impressive feat.
-
Linux Kernel 6.17 is Available
Linus Torvalds has announced that the latest kernel has been released with plenty of core improvements and even more hardware support.
-
Kali Linux 2025.3 Released with New Hacking Tools
If you're a Kali Linux fan, you'll be glad to know that the third release of this famous pen-testing distribution is now available with updates for key components.
-
Zorin OS 18 Beta Available for Testing
The latest release from the team behind Zorin OS is ready for public testing, and it includes plenty of improvements to make it more powerful, user-friendly, and productive.
-
Fedora Linux 43 Beta Now Available for Testing
Fedora Linux 43 Beta ships with Gnome 49 and KDE Plasma 6.4 (and other goodies).
-
USB4 Maintainer Leaves Intel
Michael Jamet, one of the primary maintainers of USB4 and Thunderbolt drivers, has left Intel, leaving a gaping hole for the Linux community to deal with.
-
Budgie 10.9.3 Now Available
The latest version of this elegant and configurable Linux desktop aligns with changes in Gnome 49.
-
KDE Linux Alpha Available for Daring Users
It's official, KDE Linux has arrived, but it's not quite ready for prime time.
-
AMD Initiates Graphics Driver Updates for Linux Kernel 6.18
This new AMD update focuses on power management, display handling, and hardware support for Radeon GPUs.