# Prison Architect: Mobile

> Build and manage a maximum security prison, from layout to inmate control. (iPhone/iPad app by Paradox Interactive.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/prison-architect-mobile/id1174105466 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Paradox Interactive](https://appshunter.io/developer/440506376)
- Category: Games, Simulation, Strategy
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.60/5 from 6,460 App Store ratings · 988 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 17+
- Requires: iOS 8.0 · 258 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2017-05-25
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/prison-architect-mobile/id1174105466/reviews.md

## What is Prison Architect?

Build and Manage a Maximum Security Prison!

Escape from reality but not from your custom-made jail! Prison Architect: Mobile challenges you to build and manage a maximum security prison, from laying out cell blocks and inmate facilities, to managing staff pay and prisoner morale. From layout to execution (literally, in some cases), you are the architect, the warden, and the enforcer.

Prison designs will include basic necessities like cells, canteens, guard rooms, and infrastructure, but players can also include features like solitary confinement, workout areas, and even an execution chamber. The tablet version comes with enough to get started, with additional story-driven campaign chapters and more features available as premium content. 

Prison Architect: Mobile includes:
- Build and manage a prison to house a variety of different prisoners
- Juggle inmate needs with security concerns, infrastructure, and the ever-looming budget
- Follow the story in Campaign Mode to learn new prison-building techniques and get to know life behind bars through a series of cutscenes and objectives
- Unlock more Campaign chapters with one-time purchases
- Violent Offenders: Manage different types of criminals and keep control through floods, fires, fights, and full-blown riots

Introversion Software, developers of critically acclaimed games, bring you a new mobile version of their award-winning PC hit. Together with the master strategists at Paradox Interactive, Introversion's Prison Architect: Mobile will provide you with enough challenging fun to last an entire life sentence!

(Requires 64-bit iPads) - basically iPads released on/after November 2013).

## Key features

- Build and manage prison facilities
- Manage inmate needs and security
- Control budget and infrastructure
- Campaign mode with story objectives
- Handle prisoner riots and crises
- Design cell blocks and amenities

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Chapter 2 - Palermo | $2.99 | one-time |
| Chapter 3 - G.A.B.O.S | $2.99 | one-time |
| Chapter 4 - Conviction | $2.99 | one-time |
| Chapter 5 - Bootstrap | $2.99 | one-time |
| Full Game Bundle | $6.99 | one-time |
| Full Game Bundle | $11.99 | one-time |
| Full Game Bundle | $3.99 | one-time |
| Full Game Bundle | $9.99 | one-time |
| Full Game Bundle | $14.99 | one-time |
| Sandbox Mode | $4.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of Prison Architect?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🚀 Smooth performance
- 🎨 Great game design
- 📱 Convenient mobile version
- 💰 Worth the price

**Cons**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 🔒 Paywall issues
- 📉 Lack of updates
- 🔍 Missing features from PC version

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Crashes on launch
- Inability to save progress
- Broken in-app purchases
- Compatibility issues with newer devices

**Most requested features**

- Add escape mode
- Improve save/load functionality
- Expand customization options
- Introduce multiplayer
- Optimize for newer devices

## Recent user reviews (10 of 988)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/prison-architect-mobile/id1174105466/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Love the game just a minor bug

*2026-01-30, version 2.0.8*

I’m absolutely obsessed with prison architect I play on my pc and it’s great there is a mobile version it’s just I’ve bought the sandbox and it was confirmed and I can’t access it the game still tells me to purchase it

### 1/5 — Scam

*2026-01-06, version 2.0.8*

I already purchased in apps full package. But it kept shutting down and restart the apps.

### 1/5 — Very disappointing

*2026-01-04, version 2.0.8*

I have bought the £4.99 game version because I only want to play the build mode nothing else I was playing it really well yesterday but today I lost access to the game and I had lost the game mode which I had to pay for please can you fix it

### 1/5 — Game crashes after purchase

*2025-12-28, version 2.0.8*

After playing the trial mode, I decided to purchase the full game for £4.99 so I could save it.  Unfortunately after purchasing the game it crashes every time I try and launch it….

### 5/5 — Can’t buy the full version now?

*2025-12-21, version 2.0.8*

Ok, previously the price for buying the game was unknown. Couldn’t buy. Recently it now shows you can buy the sandbox mode for $4.99, and the full game for $14.99. I thought, cool, they finally fixed it. So I tried buying the sandbox. Didn’t take, and didn’t appear to be charged. Tried buying the full game, same thing, didn’t work and looked like I was charged. Now, I think it’s been a week later, I was charged for both purchases and yet STILL don’t have access. Is ANYBODY reading these posts and responding anymore?????

### 1/5 — PAID AND DID NOT RECEIVE

*2025-12-17, version 2.0.8*

Paid for the game and did not get it, they did take my money though.

### 1/5 — Paid for full version of game but it still unavailable

*2025-12-05, version 2.0.8*

Paid for full version of game but it still unavailable

### 1/5 — Cool, but no way buy

*2025-10-24, version 2.0.8*

Was interested in the full game but it’s been abandoned for 7 years. Trial runs for about 10mins of gameplay in Architect mode.

### 1/5 — No puedo pagar

*2025-10-23, version 2.0.8*

No me deja comprar la versión completa desde un iPad con M3

### 1/5 — Cannot Purchase “Full” Game

*2025-10-23*

As many of the other reviews have stated, you are no longer able to purchase the unlimited version of Prison Architect Mobile. It’s a shame, because i love playing this game on my PC, but sometimes I don’t really feel like going on it, y’know? Prison Architect, I feel like, would be perfect as a mobile game, if done right. While I understand that there’s a Prison Architect 2 coming out, Paradox doesn’t exactly have a great track record with “sequel” games. The only one they’ve done decently is Crusader Kings. 

It’s a shame because I’d love to be able to play on the go. But lugging around a nearly 8lb gaming laptop isn’t exactly “on the go”, especially if you’re just looking to pass the time on public transit, your break at work, or a long car ride. Not that I think they care, but Paradox should try to breathe some life back into this. I know I’d be willing to pay for the game again, just to have it on mobile. I’m sure others would too.

## Frequently asked questions about Prison Architect

### What is Prison Architect: Mobile?

Prison Architect: Mobile is a simulation and management game where you design, build, and operate a maximum security prison. You'll be responsible for everything from the layout of cell blocks and facilities to managing staff, inmate morale, and the overall budget.

### What are the key features of the game?

Key features include building and managing various prison facilities, juggling inmate needs with security concerns, managing budgets, and a campaign mode that teaches new techniques. You'll also need to handle crises like riots, fires, and fights.

### How is the game monetized?

The game is free to download and play, but offers additional story-driven campaign chapters and features as premium content available through one-time in-app purchases.

### What are the compatibility requirements for Prison Architect: Mobile?

The game requires a 64-bit iPad, specifically iPads released on or after November 2013.

### What are some common use cases for this app?

Players can use the app to experience the challenges of prison management, test their strategic planning skills in designing efficient and secure facilities, and engage with narrative-driven content through the campaign mode.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.0.8 — 2018-07-11

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

Improved login flow and extra information regarding GDPR. We don't want to break the law, do we?

### 2.0.7 — 2018-02-09

Greetings Wardens!

This update fixes multiple annoying crashes and resolves a problem with naming/renaming save files.

### 2.0.6 — 2017-12-18

Fellow Wardens - this update fixes a lot of crash bugs and increases stability significantly! Enjoy!

### 2.0.5 — 2017-10-11

Significant stability improvements!

### 2.0.4 — 2017-08-28

Multiple Bugfixes!
- Land expansions limited to prevent overwhelming low-memory devices
- Multiple problems with Policy updates fixed
- Interacting with the toolbar before a cutscene no longer stops the toolbar from working
- A lot more... Enjoy!

## More apps by Paradox Interactive

- [Knights of Pen & Paper](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/knights-of-pen-and-paper/id549248038)
- [Ice Lakes](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ice-lakes/id916685607)

All apps by Paradox Interactive: https://appshunter.io/developer/440506376

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*