TIPS (21)

Unlock the best endings in Papers, Please! Get expert tips for Day 21 and Day 22, including handling the niece, smugglers, and maximizing your earnings.

Hey there! So, you're diving deep into Papers, Please and looking to really nail those tricky days? Day 21 and 22 can be a bit of a turning point, especially if you're aiming for certain endings. Let's break down how to handle them like a pro.

First off, let's talk about the niece. If you're planning on staying in Arstotzka for any of the endings, whether you're with EZIC or against them, taking her in can actually be a net positive for your wallet. Even for Ending 18, which might seem like it costs more upfront with that extra 25 Credits expense, if you play it smart and avoid any citations on the day you get her passport, she'll still end up saving you money in the long run. It's a gamble, but usually a profitable one!

Now, about Day 21 specifically, there's a moment after the eighth entrant passes through. You'll likely get citations for Entrant Four and Six. Don't sweat it too much – go ahead and take both of those citations. It's a small price to pay for potentially bigger gains later.

Moving onto Day 22, things stay pretty familiar mechanically, but the opportunities to boost your income really ramp up. You'll get chances to accept gifts or even a bribe, so keep an eye out for those. The day will keep going until at least the ninth entrant is processed.

Here's a crucial heads-up for Day 22: after the ninth entrant, smugglers start popping up randomly. Always keep an eye on the entrants' body weights – that's your biggest clue. If you let a smuggler slip through, they'll cause a terrorist attack, and the day will end abruptly. On the flip side, catching a lot of them can earn you some extra cash from Calensk after work, so it's worth being vigilant!

And if you decided to adopt the niece before this day, be prepared for your food bill to jump by 5 Credits daily. But don't worry, you'll also receive 100 Credits from her and her mother's savings, which more than covers the 40 Credit adoption fee. So, financially, it's still a win!