The survival sim landscape has evolved significantly, but few titles demand the meticulous attention to detail that Quarantine Zone does, especially concerning survivor intake. From our extensive time in the QZ, we've seen countless camps crumble, not from overwhelming zombie hordes, but from administrative oversight. The critical path to stability isn't just about warding off the undead; it's about meticulously vetting every potential new recruit. Specifically, the game's contraband system, active from day seven, is a deceptively complex beast. Misinterpret a rule, and you're not just risking fines; you're jeopardizing your entire operation.
While the initial instructions seem straightforward—confiscate weapons, drugs, and zombie parts—the devil is in the details. What constitutes a weapon? Is alcohol a drug? What about a collection of human teeth? Our analysis shows that success in Quarantine Zone hinges on a nuanced understanding of these definitions, an understanding that separates the veteran administrators from the rookies. Get it right, and you earn crucial bonuses; get it wrong, and financial penalties will quickly send your camp into a downward spiral.
The Definitive Quarantine Zone Contraband List: Our Expert Breakdown
To cut through the ambiguity, we've compiled a definitive list, cross-referenced with countless hours of gameplay, outlining exactly what passes muster and what gets seized. Pay close attention to the distinctions; they are often counter-intuitive.
| Safe for Entry | CONFISCATE (Standard Contraband) | Special Contraband (Send to Liquidation) |
|---|---|---|
| Food | Knives | Zombie Body Parts (Exception: Modern Prometheus Quest - see notes below) |
| Books | Swords | |
| Stationary | Police Baton | |
| Toys | Guns | |
| Toiletries | Flamethrower | |
| Pots and Pans | Axes | |
| DIY Tools (excluding saws) | Saws (manual & chainsaws) | |
| Alcohol (Beer, Wine, etc.) | Ammunition | |
| Cigarettes | Grenades | |
| Money | Bombs | |
| Teeth (human) | Syringes | |
| Gas (e.g., Propane) | Pills (medication) & Drug Bricks | |
| Sparkling Gold Items (Collectibles) | ||
Critical Distinctions & Strategic Advice:
- Alcohol & Tobacco: Not Drugs (Surprisingly): Despite what many might assume in a post-apocalyptic setting, Quarantine Zone rules explicitly state that items like beer, wine, and cigarettes are not considered contraband drugs. This is a crucial quality-of-life detail for camp management; don't make the mistake of confiscating them and incurring a fine.
- Medication IS Contraband: In stark contrast to recreational substances, any form of pills or medications are strictly forbidden and must be seized. This often trips up new players who might view them as beneficial.
- Tools vs. Weapons: While axes and saws (both manual and chainsaws) are classified as dangerous weapons and must be confiscated, other DIY tools like power drills and hammers are perfectly safe. It's a fine line that requires memorization.
- Propane Gas: Allowed: Despite its explosive potential, propane gas is inexplicably permitted entry. This is a minor immersion break, but mechanically, it's something survivors can bring in without issue.
- Zombie Parts vs. Teeth: The Liquidation Loophole: This is perhaps the most critical distinction. If a survivor is carrying actual zombie body parts, do NOT confiscate them directly (unless you're on the "Modern Prometheus" quest, which is a rare exception). Handling them risks infection. Instead, the survivor is deemed infected and must be sent directly to liquidation. However, a collection of human teeth, no matter how unsettling, are not zombie parts and are entirely safe. It's a strange detail, but vital for min-maxing your camp's safety and budget.
Uncovering Internal Contraband: The X-Ray Protocol
Our experience tells us that some survivors are far craftier than others, attempting to smuggle items internally. This is where your X-ray tool becomes indispensable. To effectively scan for these hidden threats:
- Switch to the 'All' Layer: This view eliminates internal organs, giving you an unobstructed look at potential foreign objects.
- Check All Angles: Don't just focus on the front; always perform a thorough check of the backside as well. We've seen more than one grenade smuggled in, shall we say, unconventional locations.
- Tagging and Extraction: Once you've identified an internal item, tag it. You can't remove it yourself. This is where Charlie, our trusted Hazmat-suited colleague, steps in. Interact with him, and he'll perform the extraction, placing the item on his table for your final inspection.
- Final Confiscation: After Charlie's work, examine the extracted item. If it's contraband, seize it.
- Research Points Bonus: Crucially, remember that internal contraband counts as a 'symptom.' Mark it as such when found to maximize your research points – a significant boost for camp progression.
Mastering the contraband system in Quarantine Zone is less about raw combat skill and more about disciplined administration and pattern recognition. It’s a challenge that rewards careful observation and adherence to the game's unique, often peculiar, rule set. For veteran players and newcomers alike, understanding these nuances is the difference between a thriving survivor haven and another forgotten footnote in the annals of the apocalypse.