InThe Escapists 2, escaping prison requires more than brute strength or speed it demands strategy, stealth, and smart crafting. One of the most essential tools for a successful escape is theContraband Pouch. This handy item plays a vital role in transporting restricted goods through metal detectors without raising alarms. Understanding how it works, how to craft it, and how to use it effectively can make or break your escape plan. Whether you’re a new inmate or a seasoned escape artist, mastering the Contraband Pouch gives you a massive edge in planning your breakout.
What is the Contraband Pouch?
Essential for Smuggling
The Contraband Pouch is a crafted item designed to conceal illegal items also known as contraband when passing through security scanners. Without this item, carrying anything red-tagged (contraband) through a metal detector instantly triggers an alarm, alerting guards and potentially ruining your entire escape strategy.
Key points about the Contraband Pouch include
- Allows safe passage through metal detectors with contraband
- Has limited durability it wears out after a few uses
- Requires a moderate level of intellect to craft
- Not reusable indefinitely be prepared with backups
Knowing when and where to use this pouch is just as important as crafting it. Waste it in the wrong place, and you may find yourself locked down before reaching your exit point.
How to Craft the Contraband Pouch
Required Materials
To craft a Contraband Pouch inThe Escapists 2, you’ll need to gather specific items and reach a certain level of intelligence. The items are not particularly rare, but you must keep your eyes open and avoid getting caught with them.
Here are the materials you need
- Foil– Found in desks or bought from inmates
- Duct Tape– Common and used in many crafting recipes
- Intellect Level of 60+– Study at the library or use computers
Once you have the required materials and the necessary intellect, open your crafting menu, combine the Foil and Duct Tape, and create the Contraband Pouch. Simple but powerful, this item opens up new routes for escape.
Durability and Limitations
The Contraband Pouch is not a permanent solution. It typically lasts for three uses before breaking, so it’s crucial to plan accordingly. If you need to pass through multiple detectors in your escape route, you may need more than one pouch or alternative ways to bypass security, such as creating a distraction or using a timed route.
Best Times to Use the Contraband Pouch
Planning the Escape Route
Metal detectors are often placed at strategic points throughout the prison, especially in high-security areas like
- Cell blocks
- Work areas
- Infirmaries
- Escape tunnels or exits
If your route to freedom includes any of these, a Contraband Pouch is vital. Remember, not all metal detectors are avoidable. The pouch allows you to carry key items like cutters, keys, or dig tools without setting off alarms.
Combining With Other Tools
The pouch works best when combined with other escape tools. For example
- Use it withFake Keysto enter restricted areas undetected
- Pair withCuttersor aShovelto reach an underground exit
- Carry aMultitoolthrough a secure gate without setting off alarms
The pouch doesn’t stop guards from searching your desk or frisking you, so use it tactically when movement is necessary, not for storage.
How to Get Foil and Duct Tape
Finding Foil
Foil is not overly rare but can be harder to find than other items. The best ways to get foil include
- Searching inmate desks during free periods
- Trading with friendly inmates
- Looting guard lockers or knocked-out inmates (risky but rewarding)
Always stash foil in a secure, hidden compartment or use a contraband desk in your cell to reduce the risk of being caught during cell inspections.
Finding Duct Tape
Duct Tape is common and useful for crafting many items. It can usually be found
- In desks scattered around the prison
- As a common trade item with inmates
- In job zones if you have access
Stockpile duct tape early. You’ll need it not just for the pouch, but for tools, fake keys, and dummy items used during your escape.
Tips for Using the Contraband Pouch Effectively
Plan Your Timing
Don’t waste the pouch on unnecessary movement. Save it for when you’re ready to make a serious move toward escape. Triggering the pouch too early may result in wasting durability before you even reach a detector that matters.
Hide Contraband Safely
Use hidden compartments in your desk or secure areas to store contraband when not moving it. Remember, routine inspections can uncover your items, leading to confiscation and lockdowns.
Craft Backups
Always have a backup Contraband Pouch if your plan involves multiple scans or if you’re prone to being caught. One pouch breaking mid-escape could ruin hours of preparation.
Work With Friends in Co-op
In multiplayer, designate one person as the pouch carrier while others distract guards or disable detectors. Coordinated effort makes escaping much easier.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating Durability
Some players assume the pouch lasts forever. It doesn’t. Count your steps, track your uses, and know when to switch to a fresh one.
Getting Caught With It
The pouch itself is contraband. If guards catch you with it, they’ll confiscate it. Always hide it when not in use or carry it only when necessary.
Not Having Enough Intellect
Many players forget to level up their intellect. Without it, you can’t craft advanced items like the Contraband Pouch. Always keep your intellect above 60 if you’re planning to escape with crafted tools.
The Contraband Pouch is one of the smartest items you can craft inThe Escapists 2. It turns what would otherwise be risky and noisy escape plans into smooth, stealthy operations. While it’s not invincible, its ability to bypass detectors makes it essential for many prison layouts. Combine it with strong planning, smart movement, and well-chosen tools to become a true escape master. Whether you’re digging under fences, cutting through barriers, or sneaking into restricted zones, the Contraband Pouch gives you the upper hand. Always be prepared, keep your materials safe, and escape with style.