In Contraband Police, one of the more intense and suspenseful missions players will encounter is the ‘Patient Zero’ scenario. This storyline adds a new layer of tension to the already thrilling gameplay by introducing a biological threat that goes beyond the usual smuggling and document inspection. The mission tests not only your ability to enforce the law but also your decision-making under pressure, especially when public health and safety are at risk. The stakes are higher than ever as you navigate through clues, suspicious drivers, and government directives, all while trying to prevent a potential outbreak that could devastate the border region.
Understanding the Patient Zero Mission
Introduction to the Scenario
The Patient Zero event in Contraband Police is introduced as part of the main campaign, and it immediately sets a different tone from the usual smuggler-catching routine. The mission involves a suspected infected individual trying to cross the border, and it’s up to the player to detect them based on limited information. The challenge lies in the fact that the game doesn’t hand you all the answers you’ll need to rely on your inspection skills, documents, and behavioral cues.
Triggering the Mission
Patient Zero becomes available after you’ve progressed several in-game days and have already dealt with smugglers, fake documents, and weapons. You’ll receive a notification from headquarters warning about a potential biohazard and urging you to be cautious with travelers. The mission begins as part of a routine inspection, but things quickly escalate once you identify the suspect.
Objectives and Gameplay Mechanics
Identifying Patient Zero
To find Patient Zero, you’ll need to pay close attention to several factors:
- Physical Symptoms: Some travelers may appear ill or behave suspiciously. Coughing, sweating, or nervous glances can be red flags.
- Paperwork Irregularities: Outdated medical forms, forged vaccination documents, or incomplete travel papers could point to someone hiding something.
- Vehicle Search: Hidden items like medical equipment, bloody rags, or quarantine notices may be found during a detailed vehicle inspection.
- Intel from HQ: You’ll occasionally receive updated information through radio or documents about what to look for. Always stay alert to new briefings.
Handling the Suspect
Once you’ve identified the potential Patient Zero, you’re faced with multiple choices. Do you arrest them immediately, call for backup, or let them pass based on insufficient evidence? The choice impacts the story’s progression. Detaining the wrong person could cause public panic or anger HQ, while missing the real suspect can have dire consequences later.
Hazmat Protocols
During the mission, you might be required to wear a hazmat suit or quarantine specific zones within the border post. These mechanics are new to the usual gameplay loop and add a layer of tension. Players must also manage sanitation resources, like disinfectant spray or medical gloves, to prevent infection spread.
Consequences of Failure
Spreading the Infection
If you allow Patient Zero to cross the border, the infection can spread to the local population. Later missions will reflect this outcome with more sick travelers, increased border security, and emergency medical shipments. Your reputation will take a hit, and you’ll be blamed for negligence, affecting both narrative and gameplay elements.
Wrongful Arrests
Arresting an innocent person based on poor evidence can lead to fines, disciplinary actions, or even trigger protests at the border. It becomes a moral dilemma are you willing to risk false imprisonment to avoid a potential outbreak, or do you need absolute proof before taking action?
Tips for Success
Stay Informed
Keep your radio tuned for updates from HQ. As the mission unfolds, more clues will be given, including changes in symptoms or specific vehicle types linked to the infected suspect. Ignore these at your own risk.
Use All Inspection Tools
During this mission, don’t skip over any inspection steps. Use the UV flashlight, open all vehicle compartments, and carefully examine documents. Patient Zero may try to hide their condition behind a false identity or stolen papers.
Balance Logic and Instinct
Sometimes the decision won’t be black and white. You’ll have to make educated guesses based on behavior and small inconsistencies. Be logical, but don’t dismiss your instincts subtle signs like excessive sweating or refusal to answer questions might be the clue you need.
Role in the Overall Narrative
Connecting to the Larger Story
The Patient Zero mission isn’t just a side event it’s part of a broader narrative in Contraband Police. The biohazard threat ties into regional instability, covert smuggling operations, and even hints at corruption within government ranks. How you handle this mission could influence later political and military decisions in the story.
Character Development
This mission is also a turning point for your character. Up until now, you’ve mostly dealt with crime and contraband, but now you face a dilemma involving public health and safety. It forces you to think like more than a border agent you become an investigator, a leader, and a protector of the people.
Rewards and Outcomes
Successful Containment
If you correctly identify and detain Patient Zero, you receive commendations from HQ, a boost in reputation, and access to advanced inspection tools for future missions. You may also unlock additional narrative content revealing the origin of the infection.
Failed Containment
Letting Patient Zero through has a cascading effect on the game world. You’ll deal with sick travelers, emergency lockdowns, and a loss of civilian trust. Some future missions may become more difficult, and NPC interactions may change depending on your choices.
The Patient Zero mission in Contraband Police offers a refreshing shift in gameplay, blending suspense, investigation, and moral decision-making. It adds variety to the typical border inspection mechanics and forces players to think critically under pressure. Whether you succeed or fail, the mission leaves a lasting impact on your playthrough, influencing both the world state and your character’s path. For players who enjoy narrative-rich games with meaningful consequences, this mission stands out as one of the highlights of the Contraband Police experience.