- Follow the inspection order: Always check ID, then face, then vehicle, and finally the trunk.
- Verify the driver: Ensure the person in the car matches the ID photo before looking at cargo.
- Check the trunk: Never approve a vehicle until you have inspected the trunk for contraband.
- Make the final call: Choose to Approve, Reject, or Arrest based on all gathered evidence.
- Watch for bribes: Some travelers may offer money; weigh the risk before accepting.
The Standard Inspection Loop
To consistently make the right decision in Protect the Border, you need a repeatable workflow. Skipping steps is the most common way to let illegal travelers through or wrongfully innocent ones. The game is designed to make you multitask, especially as the days get longer and the nights get harder.
Approving a vehicle too early is a critical mistake. Even if the ID looks correct, the trunk might contain prohibited goods. Always complete the full loop before making a decision.
Here is the standard workflow you should use for every single vehicle that approaches your checkpoint.
Request and Check ID
When a vehicle arrives, your first priority is the driver's identification. Click on the driver or the vehicle to initiate the inspection. Review the ID card for any obvious discrepancies, such as expired dates or mismatched names.
Compare the Face
Look closely at the character sitting in the driver's seat. Compare their facial features (hair, eyes, accessories) to the photo on the ID. If the face does not match the document, you have grounds for an arrest or rejection.
Inspect the Vehicle
Look at the car itself. Check for any visible damage or modifications that might be suspicious. While this step is less intensive than the trunk check, it is part of the thorough process.
Open the Trunk
This is the most critical step for finding contraband. Open the trunk and scan the contents. You are looking for illegal items (marked clearly in red or with warning icons) versus legal goods.
Make Your Decision
Based on your findings, choose one of the three main actions: Approve (if everything is legal), Reject (if paperwork is wrong but no crime), or Arrest (if contraband or identity fraud is detected).
How to Approve: When to Let Pass
Approving a traveler seems simple, but it requires that all checks pass. You should only select the "Approve" option if the following conditions are met. Missing even one of these can lead to a penalty or a failed shift.
A vehicle is only ready for approval when the ID is valid, the face matches, and the trunk is free of illegal contraband.
| Check | Status | Action |
|---|---|---|
| ID Validity | Valid / Not Expired | Proceed to next check. |
| Face Match | Resembles ID Photo | Proceed to next check. |
| Trunk Search | No Illegal Items | Proceed to next check. |
| Bribe Offer | Accepted or Refused | Final decision made. |
If a traveler offers you a bribe, you have a choice. Taking the money might help you buy upgrades, but it comes with the risk that the traveler is actually a criminal. If you take the bribe and let them pass, ensure you are willing to accept the consequences if they turn out to be a threat.
How to Reject and Arrest
Not everyone should be allowed through the border. Knowing the difference between a simple rejection and a full arrest is key to maximizing your score and efficiency.
When to Reject
- Paperwork Errors: If the ID is expired or the name is spelled wrong but the person isn't a criminal.
- Minor Issues: Technicalities that don't warrant arrest but prevent legal entry.
- No Immediate Threat: The traveler is annoying but not dangerous.
When to Arrest
- Stolen/Fake ID: The face clearly does not match the ID photo.
- Contraband Found: You found illegal items in the trunk (e.g., weapons, drugs).
- Wanted Criminals: The ID flags the person as wanted by the authorities.
Arresting takes more time than rejecting. If the line is long and the offense is minor, a quick rejection keeps the traffic moving. Save arrests for the serious threats.
Endless Mode Strategy
In Endless Mode, the pressure increases. You will face more vehicles, more suspicious travelers, and eventually, night attacks. Your approval process must become faster without sacrificing accuracy.
Endless Mode Survival Goals:
- Maintain 100% inspection accuracy
- Upgrade your weapon and station before night falls
- Process travelers quickly to avoid long queues
- Save arrests for confirmed criminals to save time
- Communicate with co-op partners if playing in a group
As days progress, you will encounter Bosses at night. During these attacks, stop inspecting immediately. Your priority shifts from "How to Approve" to "How to Survive." Defeat the boss, then return to the checkpoint to clear the backlog of vehicles.
Co-op Roles
Playing with up to 4 officers makes the approval process much smoother. Instead of one person doing everything, you can split the tasks to ensure no mistakes are made.
| Role | Responsibility | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Document Checker | Reviews IDs and compares faces. | Players with good attention to detail. |
| Trunk Inspector | Focuses solely on opening trunks and spotting illegal goods. | Players who can quickly identify items. |
| Enforcer | Handles the arrests and physical interactions. | Players who want to manage the station. |
| Defender | Watches for night threats and protects the team. | Combat-focused players. |
If you are playing with a full team of 4, try to have one person dedicated to the "Approve" button only once the other three give the thumbs up. This prevents accidental approvals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if I approve someone with illegal items?
If you approve a vehicle carrying contraband, you will receive a penalty or a strike. Too many strikes can result in a game over or a failed shift in Endless Mode.
Q: Should I always take the bribe?
Not always. Bribes provide quick cash but are risky. If the traveler has contraband or a fake ID, taking the bribe won't save you from the consequences if they are caught later or if it's a trap.
Q: Does the game tell me if I made the right choice?
The game provides immediate feedback. If you arrest someone wrongly, you are notified. If you approve correctly, you gain reputation. Watch for these cues to calibrate your inspection logic.
Q: Can I inspect the trunk before checking the ID?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended. The standard workflow (ID -> Face -> Trunk) prevents you from forgetting to check the driver's identity, which is often the source of the more subtle violations.