Prison Architect 2: Everything We Know About the Release

Prison Architect 2 is the sequel to the management classic Prison Architect. The game is now being developed by Kokku, with Paradox Interactive publishing. After the delay, there's still no release date. I've gathered all the known info on gameplay, platforms and the current state of the game for you. You can also check the latest status on the official Prison Architect 2 Steam page.

What is Prison Architect 2?

Just like in the original, you build and run your own prison. You plan cells and common rooms, hire guards and staff, and make sure the inmates stay fed, busy and under control. So the core concept stays the same, but the execution is far more modern.

New: 3D and multiple floors

The biggest change is the move into the third dimension. You now build prisons across multiple floors, which opens up entirely new layouts and security concepts. Instead of the 2D top-down view, you rotate and zoom freely around your facility. Steam also announces a new behavior system for inmates.

Inmates, staff and campaign

The screenshots show recreation rooms, guard patrols in the yard and a map view where you pick new contracts. Different environments such as deserts or big cities are meant to add variety. Prison Architect 2 is a single-player game focused on building and management.

Developer switch and delay

Prison Architect 2 was announced in January 2024, back then with Double Eleven as developer and a March 2024 release. After several delays, Paradox announced in May 2024 that Kokku would take over development. In August 2024, the release was then postponed indefinitely and pre-orders were refunded. Closed beta tests took place in 2026.

Release, platforms and price

Prison Architect 2 is slated for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. There's currently no new date or price, and Steam only says “Coming soon.” According to Steam, German text is supported, and the PEGI rating is 16. You'll find the system requirements in the table below this article.

Verdict and outlook

I'm looking forward to Prison Architect 2, but I'm staying cautious. The move to 3D with multiple floors sounds like exactly what many fans have been hoping for. But the bumpy development, with a studio switch and an indefinite delay, shows that Kokku still has a lot of work ahead. We'll keep you posted here.