In The Escapists 2, players are tasked with breaking out of prisons using stealth, strategy, and crafting. One of the most important tools for successful escapes is the Contraband Pouch. This item plays a vital role in smuggling illegal items past security detectors and is essential for advanced planning and mobility throughout the prison. Understanding how to craft, use, and manage the Contraband Pouch can be the difference between freedom and solitary confinement. Whether you’re new to the game or aiming to refine your strategy, mastering the Contraband Pouch is key to surviving and escaping in The Escapists 2.
What is the Contraband Pouch?
Definition and Purpose
The Contraband Pouch is a craftable item in The Escapists 2 that allows you to carry contraband through contraband detectors without triggering an alarm. Contraband items include red-colored tools, weapons, or materials that are restricted by the prison’s rules. Normally, walking through a detector with these items would set off alarms and summon guards. With the pouch equipped, however, you can bypass these systems without consequence.
Importance in Gameplay
This pouch becomes critical when moving illegal items between prison sections, especially in high-security facilities where detectors are common. Without it, your ability to coordinate a successful escape is severely limited. Whether you’re transporting a makeshift key, a weapon, or a shovel, the Contraband Pouch is your best friend when stealth is a priority.
How to Craft a Contraband Pouch
Required Crafting Level
To craft a Contraband Pouch, you must reach an Intelligence level of at least 60. Boosting your Intelligence can be done by reading books or using the computer in the prison’s library or designated areas. Once you meet the requirement, you can proceed to collect materials.
Materials Needed
- Foil Two pieces
- Duct Tape One piece
Both foil and duct tape are considered contraband, so acquiring them can be tricky. They can be found in desks, bought from inmates, or looted from knocked-out characters. It’s wise to always keep these items hidden in your personal desk or use a hidden compartment.
Crafting Steps
Once you have the materials and the required Intelligence level:
- Open your crafting menu
- Combine 2 Foil + 1 Duct Tape
- Create the Contraband Pouch
The item will now appear in your inventory, ready for use. Note that the pouch has durability, which limits the number of uses.
How the Contraband Pouch Works
Mechanics of Use
The Contraband Pouch does not need to be held actively. As long as it’s in your inventory, it automatically allows one contraband item to pass through a detector without setting off alarms. However, the pouch has limited durability and will degrade each time it’s used. Once it breaks, you’ll need to craft another.
Durability Limit
Each Contraband Pouch typically lasts for three uses. If you try to pass through with multiple contraband items, only one will be protected. The others will still trigger the detector. This means it’s crucial to plan your movements carefully, especially if you’re transporting more than one item.
Strategic Tips
- Use the pouch for the most essential contraband only.
- Avoid wasteful uses don’t pass through detectors unless necessary.
- Keep track of how many times you’ve used the pouch to avoid being caught off guard.
Where to Find Foil and Duct Tape
Common Locations
Foil and duct tape are scattered throughout inmate desks and sometimes dropped by knocked-out inmates or guards. You can also purchase them from other prisoners if your reputation is high enough. Visiting desks during roll call or after lights out increases your chance of finding them unnoticed.
Shopping from Inmates
Keep an eye on inmates who are selling items. They refresh their stock daily, and duct tape especially is a common commodity. Foil is less common but appears frequently enough with persistence. Use your money wisely and prioritize contraband needed for crafting critical items like the pouch or tools for digging and cutting.
Advanced Strategies Using the Contraband Pouch
Coordinated Escapes
If you’re playing in multiplayer or working with NPC allies, coordinate so that only one person uses the pouch while others distract guards or disable security systems. Sharing responsibilities helps preserve the pouch for critical moments.
Using Contraband Desks
In some prisons, desks marked as contraband desks allow you to store illegal items safely. These desks are usually in isolated or hard-to-reach places, so having a pouch lets you access them more freely.
Combining with Other Items
Using the Contraband Pouch alongside other crafted tools like Fake Vents or Dummy Guards can provide complete stealth and freedom of movement. Think of it as one piece of a broader escape plan rather than a standalone solution.
Variants and Upgrades
Durable Contraband Pouch
While the standard Contraband Pouch lasts only a few uses, some game updates or mods introduce a Durable Contraband Pouch. This variant requires additional materials but lasts longer. Check your version of the game to see if this option is available and adjust your crafting accordingly.
Alternative Smuggling Methods
- Using underground tunnels to avoid detectors entirely
- Timing guard movements and schedules to bypass surveillance
- Hiding items in desks close to secure areas for later retrieval
While the pouch is incredibly useful, it’s not the only way to transport contraband. Mixing strategies makes your escape less predictable and more successful.
In The Escapists 2, the Contraband Pouch is one of the most valuable tools for smuggling illegal items past contraband detectors. Its role in complex escape plans cannot be overstated. Knowing how to craft it, when to use it, and how to manage its durability is essential for any player aiming to beat the system. Whether you’re crafting it in a low-security prison or using it in a high-risk escape, the pouch remains a cornerstone of stealth and survival. Stay prepared, stay clever, and your path to freedom will be smoother than ever.