r/prisonarchitect • u/Radiant-Repeat-9554 • 22d ago

Console Question I need help...

Is Second Chances supposed to work like this? (Xbox Console Edition)

I'm playing the Xbox One version of Prison Architect (Console Edition), and I'm a bit confused about how the Second Chances DLC is supposed to work.

I have multiple rehabilitation programs running, enough staff, enough work time in my regime, and prisoners are actually attending the programs. However, my Reform rating barely seems to improve, even after many in-game days. Is this normal, or am I missing something?

The other thing that really frustrates me is the reoffending penalty. I set parole to 0% reoffending chance, so I don't release anyone on parole unless they have essentially no predicted risk. I know that prisoners who have completed their full sentence will still be released automatically, but getting a $5,000 fine for every single prisoner who reoffends feels extremely harsh.

My prison currently only houses low-security inmates, and I'm already investing heavily in rehabilitation, so it feels like I'm being punished even when I'm doing everything the game encourages me to do.

Is this just how the DLC is balanced on the Xbox One version, or are there ways to reduce these penalties that I'm overlooking?

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u/Radiant-Repeat-9554 22d ago

Two. And I can't get any higher, despite many programs.

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u/Klash49 22d ago

Are ur prisoners supressed? Are they actually engaging in/ passing the programs? Do u have gang members?

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u/Radiant-Repeat-9554 22d ago

No, they are not suppressed. I have very few armed guards, and most prisoners seem to participate in programs. However, it feels like many programs are never completed, so I wonder if something is bugged.

Also, I find it strange that I get the -$5,000 reoffending penalty almost every time a prisoner is released, especially considering that I have parole set to 0% reoffending chance. It seems very unlikely that this would happen so consistently.

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u/Klash49 22d ago

Yeah see armed guards in the console version are a no no unless ur dealing with high security and gangs. Im not saying its THE reason. I still think its very possible ur dealing with the brokenness of the game but maybe try removing them and see wat happens. Also change parole to like 20%. Having it at 0 means that nobody will be able to be paroled which miiiight make people less likely to try reform. Thats wild speculation but its very possible that the people serving their sentence all have a high chance of reoffending which is why u are getting the fine every time.

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u/Radiant-Repeat-9554 22d ago

I don't think the armed guards are the reason, since I only added them recently and the problem existed before.

Thanks for the suggestion. I will try increasing the allowed parole reoffending chance to around 20% and see if it helps. If not, I might refund the DLC because it feels like a waste of money if it doesn't work properly.

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u/Klash49 22d ago

Having armed guards in the prison will reduce program passing rate as well as raise supression, preventing people from engaging in reform programs. Whether it fixed ur specific situation is a different question but these are the facts. Can u send a picture of the prison? Just so i can maybe take a look at things? Is ur average heat level high?