Everything About the Probably Stolen Supply Crate: Tips & Guide

Navigating the dystopian shopkeeping life in Probably Stolen can be overwhelming, especially when you encounter mysterious containers like the probably stolen supply crate. While these crates promise high-value loot, their mechanics often leave players scratching their heads regarding how to source, open, or maximize the profit from their contents.

Understanding the probably stolen supply crate ecosystem is vital for any shopkeeper aiming to move from "Rock Bottom" to a thriving business. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about inventory management, the truth behind security crates, and how to turn these elusive items into your most profitable assets.

The Reality of Supply Crates and Security Containers

In the current version of the game, players often search for a secret key or a specific license to unlock security containers. According to official game updates on Steam, developers have explicitly mentioned that supply and science keycards—often associated with the search for a probably stolen supply crate—have been shelved to avoid player confusion, as there are no active supply crates requiring these keys in the current build.

If you are struggling to find a "secret" unlock method, know that you are not alone. Much of the community’s confusion stems from the game's complex labeling system. Below is a quick breakdown of what you should prioritize instead:

Don't chase ghosts Stop wasting your hard-earned credits on "keys" or "unlocks" for crates that the developer has confirmed are not currently functional. Focus your energy on active trading loops.

Optimizing Your Shop Inventory and Layout

To manage the items you do acquire, you must master the art of space efficiency. Many players fail to realize that the way you organize your floor affects your attractiveness and, consequently, your bottom line. As noted in recent community guides, rotating and flipping items is not just for aesthetics—it is a functional necessity for fitting irregular items like modules into your machinery.

Mastering Inventory Space

When dealing with a probably stolen supply crate or any large cargo, you must utilize the "Flip" mechanic (E or Q keys). This allows you to fit L-shaped items or complex machinery into tight corners of your shop or machine bay.

If you are looking to maximize space, always prioritize "Expanded" storage bays over standard ones. While they take up similar footprints, the internal capacity difference is substantial—often over 50% larger for the expanded variant.

Passive Income: Mousetraps and Alchemy

Beyond the hunt for the probably stolen supply crate, passive income is the backbone of a successful run. Players have discovered that mousetraps are one of the most reliable ways to generate consistent, low-effort revenue.

How to Master Rat-Based Income

• Placement: Place traps in your store and let them sit. You do not need bait, but cheese significantly increases catch rates.
• Processing: Use a sharp object like a kitchen knife to harvest the meat.
• The "Alchemy" Method: Take rat poop and put it into a water pitcher. While tedious, the process of filtering, using a UV lamp, and purifying with a Hydrotech Micro Purifier allows you to generate high-purity water, which is a premium trade good.

Efficiency warning The rat-to-water alchemy process is incredibly time-consuming. While highly profitable, it requires immense patience and should only be your focus once your core shop operations are automated.

Trading Strategy: Managing Factions and Credits

Your reputation with factions dictates your store's survival. Whether you are dealing with the Black Market or the Security forces, your choices in the dialogue menu and your handling of suspicious items matter.

When you encounter an "Aug" (a character with suspicious dialogue or robotic features), don't just reach for your weapon. Trade with them first to maximize your credits, then deal with them according to your faction goals. Selling mislabeled goods—such as passing off average items as genuine—can be lucrative, but keep an eye on your Security reputation.

Strategic Profit Checklist

1. Always insure your store: This protects your inventory from nightly theft, which is a major source of loss for new players.
2. Invest in Giorgio: Paying for his expedition yields a 10x return, providing the liquidity needed for big store upgrades.
3. Utilize Dr. Jackson: He is your primary buyer for raw materials. Sell your metal ingots here for a guaranteed 15% retail markup.
4. Buy the empty energy cell: Loading them is a passive way to gain an extra 100 credits per cell with minimal effort.

The Future of Your Business

The probably stolen supply crate acts as a metaphor for the game itself: there is much more beneath the surface than what meets the eye. Even in the current playtest, the depth of mechanics—from genetic rat breeding to complex water purification—ensures that even after 100+ days, you will still be learning new systems.

Stay updated by checking the game’s official patch notes. The developers frequently adjust the economy and add new "quality of life" features like the Toolbox, which now allows for instant tool switching. This change alone has revolutionized the late-game experience, letting you label and manage your inventory with unprecedented speed.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I actually unlock a locked security crate? A: Currently, no. Developers have indicated that the crates are placeholders and the associated keycards have been shelved to prevent confusion.

Q: What is the most efficient way to make money without a supply crate? A: Focus on the GP Mining contract and the Blast Furnace. Smelting raw ore into high-purity metal ingots and selling them to Dr. Jackson provides the most consistent daily income.

Q: Does store attractiveness really increase sales? A: Yes. High attractiveness increases the number of "normal expected customers." Use the projector and display cases to showcase your best items, but ensure they are actually stocked, or the effect will be wasted.

Q: Should I report criminals for extra credits? A: If you are playing a "Rock Bottom" start, reporting criminals is excellent for quick cash. However, in a standard run, keeping contacts like Odin Haraldson alive is more profitable in the long run as they serve as your primary source for offloading contraband.