
In The Escapists, players can craft a plastic key to open certain doors without being sent to solitary or initiating lockdown. To craft a plastic key, players must first create a key mould by knocking out a guard, taking their key, and crafting it with a wad of putty. Then, the player must make molten plastic and craft it with the key mould to create a plastic key. It's important to note that plastic keys only have 10 uses before they break, and if a guard wakes up without their key, the player will be sent to solitary. Additionally, key moulds are contraband and will be confiscated if found during a shakedown.
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What You'll Learn

Crafting a key mould
To craft a key mould in The Escapists, players must first make a Wad of Putty. They must then knock out the desired guard, open their inventory, and remove the key. The key is then crafted together with the wad of putty to make a key mould of the colour of the key. The guard's inventory can then be opened again, and the original key replaced.
It is important to note that key moulds are contraband and will set off scanners. They will be confiscated if the player is knocked out while carrying one, or if it is found during a shakedown. Players should be careful to hide their key moulds in a secure location, such as the Hidden Compartment inside their desk.
Additionally, on certain versions of the game (Console TE2 and Mobile TE1), players can make a Key Mould without taking the original key. This is done by having a Wad of Putty in their inventory and pressing a hotkey when hovering over the key.
Once the key mould is crafted, it can be used to make a plastic key by crafting it together with Molten Plastic.
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Making molten plastic
Preparing the Plastic
Firstly, you need to determine if your plastic can be melted safely. Look for a triangle with a number 5 on the plastic. This is type PP plastic, or Polypropylene, which can be safely heated and reconstituted. Styrofoam, on the other hand, will disintegrate when heated, so avoid melting this type of plastic.
Next, prepare your plastic by removing any labels and washing and drying the bottles thoroughly to remove any sticky residue. Then, cut the plastic into small pieces or chunks, ensuring they are small enough to fit inside your chosen container.
Melting the Plastic
Place the plastic pieces into an oven-safe, non-plastic container, such as a metal or glass bowl. Make sure the container is heat-proof and can fit in your oven. Preheat your oven to around 250-350 degrees Fahrenheit (depending on the type of plastic). Remember to work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors, as melting plastic produces harmful fumes.
Monitor the melting process through the oven door. Be patient, as it takes time for the plastic to melt. Avoid overheating, as high temperatures can cause the plastic to smoke and burn quickly. Once the plastic has melted, carefully remove the container from the oven using oven mitts.
Using a Heat Gun
Alternatively, you can use a heat gun to melt the plastic. Hold the tip of the heat gun a few inches away from the plastic's surface and move it continuously until the plastic melts. This method is useful if you only need to melt a small amount of plastic for smoothing or bending.
Using Acetone
Another method is to use acetone, a chemical that dissolves plastic. Handle acetone with caution as it can irritate the skin and eyes, and is highly flammable. Wear chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection. Pour acetone over the plastic until it is covered, and observe if it melts immediately.
Moulding the Plastic
Once the plastic has melted, you can pour it into a mould to create your desired shape. You can purchase heat-resistant moulds or make your own out of wood or clay. Allow the plastic to cool completely before removing it from the mould. You can also experiment with different colours of plastic to create interesting effects.
Remember to always wear protective clothing when handling molten plastic, as it can burn your skin if improperly handled.
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Combining the mould and plastic
To craft a plastic key in The Escapists, you will need to combine the mould and plastic. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
Firstly, you need to create a key mould. To do this, make a wad of putty and knock out the desired guard. Open their inventory and remove the key you want to copy. Craft the key together with the putty to make a key mould. Remember to replace the original key in the guard's inventory.
Now, you need to make molten plastic. Once you have this, you can craft it together with the key mould to create a plastic key.
It is important to note that a plastic key is not a permanent solution. Each plastic key only has 10 uses before it breaks, losing 10% durability per use (25% on console and mobile). Be sure to keep your plastic key in a safe place, such as the hidden compartment of your desk.
If you need more time to craft the key mould, you can tie up the knocked-out guard with rope or duct tape, keeping them restrained for a few extra minutes. It is also beneficial to knock them out away from the infirmary, as this will give the medics a longer distance to travel.
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Hiding the plastic key
Hiding a plastic key can be done in several ways, and there are products available for purchase that can help with this. One way to hide a plastic key is to use a "'hide-a-key' magnet holder," which can be installed under a car. This product is made of plastic and has a magnetic base, allowing it to be discreetly attached to any metal surface. It is designed to hold a spare key for easy access in case of lockouts.
Another method is to create a DIY hide-a-key using household items. One idea is to use a real book to conceal the key. Find a hardcover book that is at least two inches deep and open it about twenty pages in. Place a small plastic container that is thinner than the book inside, trace around it, and carefully cut out the shape. Then, glue the container into the book, ensuring that it is secure. You can now place your plastic key inside the container, and the book can be placed on a shelf for discreet storage.
If you have access to a garden, you can create a hide-a-key using a real sprinkler head. Purchase a sprinkler head, remove the top, and take out the internal components, including springs and plastic parts. Glue a magnet or small latch to the underside of the top piece, allowing you to attach the key with a piece of string or thread. Reattach the top to the sprinkler head and plant it in the dirt, preferably surrounded by plants for added camouflage.
Additionally, when crafting a plastic key, it is important to note that they typically have a limited number of uses, so be sure to store it in a secure location, such as a hidden compartment of your desk.
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Using the key
Once you have crafted your plastic key, you will be able to use it to open certain doors, depending on the type of key it is modelled after. Be aware that each plastic key only has 10 uses, losing 10% durability per use, so you can only go through each door 10 times before the key breaks.
To avoid being sent to solitary confinement or initiating lockdown, make sure to put the key back before the guard wakes up. If you fail to do so in time, simply drop it on the floor and hide in your cell during the lockdown. The key will eventually be found, ending the lockdown.
It is important to keep your plastic key safe when not in use. Be sure to place it in the hidden compartment of your desk, as you will not want to lose it or have it confiscated.
Additionally, be cautious when crafting the key. The key mould is contraband and will set off scanners. If you are knocked out with it in your inventory or if it is found during a shakedown, it will be taken away.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic keys are items in The Escapists that can be used to open certain types of doors, depending on the key type. They allow the player to obtain a key without being sent to solitary (TE1) or initiating lockdown (TE2).
To craft a plastic key, you will need to first make a key mould. To make a key mould, you must first make a wad of putty. Then, knock out the desired guard, open their inventory, and remove the key. Craft the key together with the wad of putty to make a key mould. Then, make molten plastic and craft it together with the key mould to make a plastic key.
A plastic key loses 10% durability per use on PC, and 25% durability per use on console and mobile. Therefore, a plastic key can only be used 10 times on PC, and 4 times on console and mobile.
You should store your plastic key in the hidden compartment of your desk. If a guard wakes up without his key, you will be sent to solitary, so it is important to keep your key safe and hidden.










































