Papers, Please: Can You Keep the EZIC Gift?

In the game “Papers, Please”, players take on the role of an immigration officer in the fictional country of Arstotzka. One intriguing aspect of the game involves the secret organization EZIC, which offers the player a substantial gift of credits. The question of whether you can keep this gift is significant because accepting it can lead to severe consequences, such as the confiscation of all your savings. This dilemma adds a layer of moral and strategic complexity to the game, challenging players to weigh the risks and rewards of their choices.

Understanding the EZIC Gift

In “Papers, Please,” the EZIC gift is a sum of money offered by the mysterious organization EZIC. The first gift of 1,000 credits is given a few days after the player meets an EZIC agent. If the player refuses this gift, EZIC offers 2,000 credits on day 12. Accepting the money without burning it leads to the confiscation of all the player’s savings later in the game.

Consequences of Accepting the EZIC Gift

Accepting the EZIC gift in Papers, Please has significant consequences:

1. Initial Gift: EZIC offers 1,000 credits, which doubles to 2,000 credits if not burned.
2. Confiscation: If you keep the money, all your savings will be confiscated later.
3. Arrest: Failing to let both EZIC agents pass results in your arrest.
4. Neighbors’ Suspicion: Your neighbors may report your sudden wealth, leading to further complications.

These actions can severely impact your progress, leading to potential game-ending scenarios.

Strategies to Keep the EZIC Gift

In “Papers, Please,” players can attempt to keep the EZIC gift without facing negative consequences by:

1. Burning the Money: This avoids detection but means you don’t get to keep the gift.
2. Keeping Savings Low: If your total savings are below a certain threshold, the authorities might not notice the sudden influx of money.
3. Allowing Both Agents to Pass: Ensuring both EZIC agents pass through your checkpoint can prevent arrest, though the money might still be confiscated.
4. Timing the Acceptance: Accepting the gift at a strategic point in the game where inspections are less likely can reduce the risk.

These methods involve a mix of risk management and strategic planning to avoid negative outcomes.

Community Insights and Tips

Here are some insights and tips from the ‘Papers, Please’ community regarding the EZIC gift:

1. Burn the Money: Many players recommend burning the money every time, even if you’re doing an EZIC run. If you don’t, your savings will be confiscated, and you might face severe consequences.

2. Allow Both Agents: If you decide to accept the gifts, make sure to allow both EZIC agents to pass. Failing to do so will result in your arrest.

3. Consequences of Acceptance: Accepting the gifts but failing to let Stepheni Graire in will lead to ending 4, where you are cleared of wrongdoing but the money is not returned.

4. Skipping Food: Some players skip buying food every other day to save money, but this can be risky if you accept the EZIC gifts and get caught.

5. Game Balance: The game would be much easier if the money wasn’t confiscated, so the developers included this mechanic to maintain balance.

These tips should help you navigate the tricky decisions involving the EZIC gift in ‘Papers, Please’.

The EZIC Gift in Papers, Please

The EZIC gift can be kept without severe consequences by burning it, keeping savings low, allowing both agents to pass, and timing acceptance strategically.

However, accepting the gift still poses risks, including confiscation of all savings and potential arrest.

The game’s developers included this mechanic to maintain balance, making it challenging for players to keep the gift.

Ultimately, the feasibility of keeping the EZIC gift depends on careful planning and risk management.