Key Points
- An X-ray machine is crucial for detecting internal contraband (illegal items inserted inside the body) that UV Scanners or Metal Detectors can’t detect.
- You can unlock the X-Ray machine by upgrading your Facility through your Tablet on Day 7 or 8.
- Tag the identified contraband displayed through the X-Ray machine and call Charles to extract it from the suspect.
I spent countless hours staring at the Metal Detector, unable to understand why it was literally screaming at people who had no visible metal on them. Only after I unlocked and used the X-Ray machine did I find survivors hoarding all sorts of weird things, such as a knife in their ribcage! After numerous rounds of testing and some less-than-ideal extractions, I discovered the ideal workflow for utilizing the X-Ray Machine in Quarantine: The Last Check.
Quarantine Zone: The Last Check – X-Ray Machine Overview
| How to Unlock | Buy through ‘Facility Upgrades’ on your Tablet |
| Energy Cost | High (X-Ray Machine uses a significant amount of power when used. |
| Primary Use | Detecting non-metallic or swallowed contraband. |
| Required NPC | Charles (required for the extraction procedure) |
Quarantine Zone: The Last Check – How to Use the X-Ray Machine
Let me tell you when and how you should use the X-Ray Machine in the Quarantine Zone: The Last Check:
- If the Metal Detector triggers but the pockets and luggage of the survivor in question are empty, break out the X-Ray machine.
- Locate the X-Ray Machine from your Equipment Rack and pick it up.
- Stand directly in front of the survivor.
- I recommend keeping a short distance to get the best angle for the identification of contraband.
- Start from the neck and slowly move the X-Ray machine down to the thighs.
- I have found many items stored in the …ahem… lower guts, so make sure you scan the entire body.
- Don’t rush. Move slowly to let the machine work properly.
- Cycle through all (Top, Base, and Low) layers and check thoroughly.
- Look for dark, solid shapes (like knives, rods, drug baggies).
- Essentially, look for anything that doesn’t look like human organs.
- Once you see a foreign object, keep hovering the machine over it for some time.
- A ‘Tag‘ prompt will appear when you remain static over the object.
- Select the Tag prompt to flag the contraband.
- Do not forget to call Charles!
- Do not extract the contraband yourself. (Even if you see the prompt!)
- You can walk over to Charles directly or contact him through the Communication Menu.
- Charles is the only one who can surgically ‘extract’ the contraband from the survivor’s body.
- You can also use the X-ray machine to detect infection.
- Pay extra attention while scanning the ribcage to see if there are any growths or miscolored splotches on the heart or lungs.
- If you see any splotches or signs of internal bleeding, flag them.
- If you see anything of the sort, you will need to decide whether to send the survivor to the Quarantine Lab or liquidate them.
FAQs
Why can’t I see any contraband on the X-Ray machine, even when the metal detector alarm went off?
The contraband might be hidden behind an organ, obstructed from the machine’s view. I recommend slowly ‘scrubbing’ the stomach, i.e., moving the scanner up and down frequently near the middle area and waiting for the ‘Tag’ prompt to pop up. Keep your eye on the bottom left side of the screen and hit the Tag prompt as soon as it appears.
Do I need to use the X-Ray Machine on every survivor?
No. In fact, I strongly recommend against using it every single time. Using it every time is simply a waste of your time and energy. Since the machine uses a high amount of power, it’d be much better to use that energy where it’s actually required. I suggest using the X-Ray machine only when your metal detector alarm goes off, and you can’t find any contraband on their person.
Can I remove the internal contraband myself?
No. You need Charles the Extractor. It will be extremely messy and dangerous if you do this yourself. Your job is only to identify and tag the contraband. You are not a surgeon in this game. Simply call Charles to extract the internal contraband and move on to the next person in the line.
Do I need the X-Ray Machine to complete any specific story mission?
Yes. The X-Ray machine is essential for your late-game progress. While you might be able to skate by without using it around Day 7-8, you will absolutely need it on later days when survivors start getting creative. So, while you’re busy hunting for collectibles, like all 6 poem locations, I recommend you also invest in a Facility upgrade and unlock this life-saving tool.
