You can easily knock out any guard by crafting a Cup of Molten Chocolate (lighter + chocolate + cup). This is one of the most powerful weapons in the series and is highly effective for obtaining keys.
While The Escapists doesn't have an official "free hack" in the sense of a developer-provided cheat menu, players can utilize a built-in input code to unlock all levels instantly. The Universal Unlock "Hack" The Escapists: Prison Escape - Free Hack
Obtaining a guard uniform (often through the laundry job or knocking out a guard) is a major strategic advantage. Wearing it after 23:00 prevents tower guards from shooting you on sight while you are outside. You can easily knock out any guard by
Crafting this with two pillows and a bedsheet is essential. It allows you to be out of your cell during lights out while the guards believe you are sleeping. The Universal Unlock "Hack" Obtaining a guard uniform
For those looking to "hack" the game’s difficulty through strategy rather than codes, certain high-efficiency items and methods can trivialize the first few levels: