At A Glance
- Which early tools to upgrade first (spoon, pick, etc.)
- How to budget resources so you don’t waste them on low-value upgrades
- When to shift your upgrade strategy as you progress
Every player starts Prison Escape Journey with very limited options—usually a spoon or similar weak digging tool. Knowing which tools and upgrades to prioritize can make or break your progress. Here’s a tiered approach to maximize efficiency and reduce wasted resources.
Understanding Tools & Upgrades
In the game, tools are your primary way to dig through floors, walls, or hidden panels to uncover items, secret paths, or tunnels. Upgrades usually improve digging speed, reduce noise, increase durability, or expand the range/area you can dig. Some upgrades also let you hide evidence, reduce detection risk, or speed up cooldowns between digs (if that mechanic exists).
Some of the common upgrade types (observed in gameplay walkthroughs) include:
- Dig speed / digging power — allows you to break through tougher terrain faster
- Durability / tool health — ensures your tool lasts longer before breaking
- Noise reduction / stealth bonus — helps you avoid guard detection
- Range / area expansion — dig a larger patch in one go
From playthrough videos, early levels focus heavily on digging under carpets, under floorboards, and avoiding guards.
Priority Upgrade Path (Early Game)
Below is a suggested order to upgrade tools that balances risk, cost, and reward.
| Phase | Upgrade Focus | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 (Tutorial / first cells) | Dig speed + durability | Speeds up basic digging tasks; prevents tool breakage mid-dig |
| Phase 2 (mid-levels) | Noise/stealth reduction | When guards begin to patrol more frequently, quieter digging is safer |
| Phase 3 (deep escape prep) | Range & area expansion | Enables you to dig wider passages or skip certain obstacles |
| Phase 4 (late game) | Hybrid/utility upgrades | Tool versatility, evidence suppression, cooldowns etc. |
Specific Tips for Early Players
- Don’t immediately dump all resources into expensive upgrades. Do low-cost upgrades that yield high marginal benefits first (e.g. +10% speed rather than +50% at high cost).
- Save some currency or tradeable items for stealth/noise upgrades, because being caught wipes progress.
- When you unlock tools beyond the spoon (for example a pickaxe, chisel, or drill), test whether switching immediately gives more net benefit than upgrading the current tool further.
- In videos, players often dig under carpeted floors at the start or hidden floorboards—so a modest speed boost early is more beneficial than late-game area bonuses.
Mid-Game Adjustments
Once guards patrol more often and tougher walls or obstacles appear:
- Stealth / noise reduction becomes more crucial. Even if digging slower, being undetected is better.
- Durability matters more, as failed digs or broken tools often lead to detection or being reset.
- Range / area upgrades let you skip dangerous segments—if one wall is too risky, dig around.
Late Game & Endgame Upgrades
By the time you’re preparing the final escape route:
- Aim for tools that combine multiple bonuses (speed + stealth, or durability + range).
- Consider backups — carry alternate tools if your main one breaks.
- Focus on minimizing wasted exposure time: upgrades that reduce cooldowns or transitions between dig sites are valuable.
Common Player Pitfalls & Mistakes
- Over-investing in pure speed early without any stealth is often fatal; guards may catch you every time.
- Ignoring durability: a tool breaking mid-dig often leaves you exposed.
- Switching to advanced tools too early before you can resource them properly.
- Upgrading range before you really need it—wasted resources.
Final Thoughts
Choosing which tools and upgrades to prioritize is about balance. Early on, speed + durability gives you the capability to dig faster and survive failures. Mid-game, stealth features become essential, and later on range or hybrid upgrades tip you over the finish line. Follow this path and you’ll stretch your resources further and reduce resets.