A padded cell acts as the secure housing unit for the Psychically Insane security risk category (introduced in the Psych Ward DLC and integrated into the base game).
Do not scatter Padded Cells throughout your general population. You need a .
Check your deployment settings. If the wing is accidentally zoned for "Maximum Security" instead of "Criminally Insane," your guards will leave the insane inmates waiting in handcuffs in the reception area indefinitely.
Prison Architect is a sandbox-style simulation game that allows players to design and manage their own prisons. As part of the game's design, players can choose to build padded cells, which are intended to provide a safe and controlled environment for inmates who require additional supervision or protection. However, the use of padded cells raises important questions about the balance between security and rehabilitation in prison design. prison architect padded cells
The room environment naturally suppresses the rapidly rising frustration levels of mentally unwell prisoners. How to Unlock Padded Cells
Think of Padded Cells not as a "punishment" room, but as a They are expensive to build, require specific research, and take up space, but they are the only thing standing between your prison and a mass casualty event caused by a man who thinks the sprinklers are snakes.
You cannot build padded cells immediately at the start of a new sandbox game. You must unlock them through your bureaucracy tree. Secure basic prison management. Research Finance: Unlocks the accountant. A padded cell acts as the secure housing
In , padded cells are a specialized housing requirement for the Criminally Insane security level , introduced in the Psych Ward DLC . These inmates cannot be housed in standard cells; failing to provide padded accommodations will cause them to be transferred to another facility, resulting in a loss of potential revenue. Building Requirements
The in-game description notes that the padded walls provide a "calming effect". This reduces the rate at which inmates become "Triggered" or "Agitated," which are unique status effects that cause CI inmates to lash out.
💡 You can convert any existing cell into a padded cell simply by changing the room designation in the Rooms menu and ensuring the walls convert to the padded texture. Why You Must Use Padded Cells Check your deployment settings
Standard walls and floors are replaced with soft padding to prevent self-harm and minimize destructive behavior.
Each psychiatrist requires an office. Ensure you build multiple offices if you manage a large psych ward population. Deploy Orderlies