Prison Architect 2 is the follow-up to the 2015 prison management sim, and publisher Paradox Interactive is running a limited closed beta on PC ahead of the game’s release. A short pre-registration window lets interested players put their name in for a playtest slot, but the number of participants is capped and everyone who gets in must agree to keep what they see private.
Quick answer: To sign up, open the official pre-registration form, confirm you are 18 or older, agree to sign the NDA, and submit before the form closes on September 2, 2026. Selected players will be contacted directly, and the beta itself runs September 9–15, 2026 on PC.
Prison Architect 2 closed beta requirements
Before you register, check that you meet the conditions. The test accepts only a limited number of players, so submitting the form does not guarantee a slot. Two rules apply to everyone who wants in.
- You must be 18 years of age or older.
- You must be willing to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), which means you cannot talk about the game, post footage or screenshots, or share impressions until the publisher lifts that restriction.
Because the beta window is fixed, you should also be able to actually play during the test dates. There is no point taking a slot from another player if you cannot log in that week.
Beta dates, platform, and registration deadline
The playtest is PC-only. Here are the key dates and conditions to keep track of.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Registration closes | September 2, 2026 |
| Closed beta starts | September 9, 2026 |
| Closed beta ends | September 15, 2026 |
| Platform | PC only |
| Minimum age | 18+ |
| NDA | Required |
How to sign up for the closed beta
Registration is handled through a single online form. Follow these steps to enter your details.
What happens after you submit
Submitting the form does not mean you are in. Because the test is capped, only selected applicants receive access, and those players are contacted directly as the beta gets closer. Keep an eye on your email inbox for any invite or follow-up instructions.
Note: Any additional details about the build and how to get into the playtest are shared with chosen participants, not published openly, so make sure the contact information you enter is one you actually check.
If you are not picked this time, the NDA on those who are means impressions and footage stay private until Paradox decides otherwise. That makes the pre-registration window the main way to get hands-on early, so it is worth submitting before the form closes if you want a shot at a slot.
