The X-ray flickered, revealing a suspicious shape nestled against the survivor’s ribs. Sweat beaded on your forehead as you realized they were getting bolder, stashing contraband where no inspector would think to probe. One wrong move, one overlooked detail, and the whole checkpoint could erupt.
Just when you thought you were mastering your role as a gatekeeper against the undead, the survivors start turning your job into a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek. As if a zombie outbreak wasn’t enough, these folks are now jeopardizing your paycheck by smuggling in forbidden goodies. But don’t worry; there’s a method for dealing with these crafty rule-breakers, one that’s “painless”—at least for you.
Here’s your guide on how to use the Internal Contraband mechanic in Quarantine Zone.
Quarantine Zone Internal Contraband guide
Mid-game inspections at Checkpoint Alpha are becoming a real test of skill, it’s almost like the survivors are learning and adapting. Apparently, making it through the apocalypse isn’t enough; they also need to sneak in their little luxuries. From concealed beer bottles to the occasional grenade, these survivors are getting imaginative while waiting for the world to unfurl.
The Internal Contraband feature rolls out on day 15 of Campaign mode, presenting a fresh angle to unearth items that survivors are desperately trying to conceal. The value of these clandestine items hinges on their purpose—strictly business, or pure pleasure?
Team up Internal Contraband with the X-Ray, and you’re set. Unlike surface contraband, which is detectable via the metal detector, these hidden items require a more invasive approach. Typically stashed near the pelvic bone and tailbone, you’ll need to filter through the organs on your X-Ray by selecting it on the item wheel (Q), activating it with left-click, and cycling through the layers to peer beneath the intestines, spleen, kidneys, liver, and so on. It’s like peeling back layers of an onion, except instead of tears, you get illicit goods.
Illegal contraband will often show up:
- Top: Behind the ribcage and lungs.
- Low: Near the pelvic bone and tailbone.
- All: Underneath the lungs and inside the mouth.
Internal and illegal contraband to watch for:
- Melee weapons: Knife and brass knuckles.
- Explosives/ammunition: Grenade and bullets.
- Drugs: Pill bottles.
Smugglers will frequently try to sneak in multiple items at once. These are usually visible on ‘Low,’ but can pop up on different layers, so always sift through each layer to avoid missing anything. Check the survivor’s entire body (front to back), just as you would when inspecting their breathing and lungs for telltale signs.
Quarantine Zone‘s introduction to the Internal Contraband feature suggests that smuggling happens only in the most private of places, but that’s not always accurate. Missing even one hidden item results in a poor inspection. The introduction of the X-Ray makes smuggling more prevalent than before. So, always check all layers, scan the entire body, and zoom in to be thorough. Seek out and remove “weapons, drugs, or other prohibited items.”
What happens if you miss internal contraband in Quarantine Zone?
Failing to detect smuggled items has direct repercussions on your performance. Poor inspections not only affect your reputation, but can also lead to penalties that make your job harder. Keeping the checkpoint secure means staying vigilant and learning the common hiding spots.
To extract, hover over and select all illegal items you want to extract. Then, go to Charlie, who is beside Georgie, and activate the Internal Contraband feature. You must select the items you want to extract before interacting with Charlie. The items will then appear on his tray, which you can take.
How does Charlie help with Internal Contraband?
Charlie is the checkpoint’s resident expert on handling extracted contraband. After identifying illicit items with the X-ray, you’ll need Charlie to process them. He’s your go-to guy for converting contraband into usable resources or valuable intel, giving purpose to your often thankless job.
Is Internal Contraband worth the risk in Quarantine Zone?
The risk of missing contraband is real, but the rewards can be substantial. Finding those hidden items not only keeps the checkpoint safer but also boosts your standing and unlocks new opportunities. The constant tension of the search becomes almost meditative, like a chess match against desperate people.
The Quarantine Zone survivors are getting wise to your inspection routines, forcing you to adapt and sharpen your skills. Thankfully, Charlie is there to lend a hand with the Internal Contraband feature. With his help, you’ll be ready to meet this new challenge head-on.
Pair Internal Contraband with the X-Ray, and you’re golden. Unlike conventional contraband, detectable with a standard metal detector, these forbidden items are far more discrete. Nestled near the pelvic and tailbones, you’ll need to filter through the organs on your X-Ray, selecting it from the item wheel (Q), activating with a left click, and scrutinizing the layers beneath intestines, spleen, kidneys, liver and all. Activating this feature is a dark art, a little like reading the future in someone’s guts.
Will you be able to stay one step ahead of the survivors, or will their ingenuity lead to the checkpoint’s downfall?