Probably Stolen Playtest to Demo: Full Gameplay Guide

The transition from the probably stolen playtest to the official demo marks a pivotal moment for fans of gritty, cyberpunk shopkeeping simulators. With the developer, Questing Goose Studio, announcing a firm release date of October 28, 2026, players are now diving into a significantly polished version of the game that expands on the mechanics first introduced during the probably stolen playtest phase. Whether you are navigating the new Water Merchant starting scenario or trying to survive a "Rock Bottom" challenge run, understanding the intricate layers of item appraisal, water purification, and machine management is essential for staying ahead of rising rents.

Quick Answer The transition from playtest to demo introduced the Water Merchant scenario, a new Toolbox system, and a Fridge for price markups. The full game launches on October 28, 2026, and players can now carry their progress over from previous versions.

The Evolution of Probably Stolen: Playtest vs. Demo

The move from an open playtest to a public demo isn't just a label change; it represents a massive content drop and systemic overhaul. Community reports indicate that the latest build has addressed hundreds of bugs while adding depth to the core gameplay loops. The most significant additions include the Toolbox, the Fridge, and a complete rework of how players interact with their inventory.

For those who participated in the earlier probably stolen playtest, the most immediate change is the fluidity of movement. The new multi-item selection tool allows you to drag a box around items and move them en masse. This is a game-changer for inventory management, especially when dealing with dozens of water bottles or scrap metal pieces. Furthermore, the ability to rotate items with the mouse wheel ensures that your shop layout can be optimized for both aesthetics and efficiency.

Mastering the Water Merchant Path

Water is the lifeblood of the station, and the demo places a heavy emphasis on this commodity. Starting as a Water Merchant provides you with a unique set of tools, but it also introduces complex liability issues. You aren't just selling liquid; you are selling safety. If you mislabel ghost water as high-quality, you risk losing reputation and facing potential retaliation from disgruntled customers.

Understanding Water Quality Grades

To succeed, you must recognize the hierarchy of water purity. Each grade has a specific price point and target demographic. While the "upper level" elites demand nothing less than High Quality or Pure water, the scavengers and miners on the lower decks might settle for Base or even Ghost water during a crisis.

1. Pure Water: The holy grail of trading. Requires high-end modules and multiple purification cycles.
2. High-Quality Water: The standard for profitable trading. Achievable with a good filter and UV light.
3. Base Water: The minimum quality most customers will accept without complaining.
4. Ghost Water: Noticeably contaminated. Needs refining but can be bought cheaply from scavengers.
5. Rust Water / Gutter Flow: Dangerous to consume. Primarily used as a base for heavy refining or industrial tasks.

The Purification Workflow

Purifying water is a science in Probably Stolen. Players have discovered that using a combination of tools is more efficient than relying on a single machine. For instance, using a UV Lamp to kill microbes before putting water into a purifier saves time and energy in the long run.

Advanced Shop Mechanics: The Fridge and the Toolbox

Two of the most requested features from the probably stolen playtest were better tool accessibility and a way to increase the value of perishable or consumable goods. The developers responded with the Toolbox and the Fridge.

The Toolbox: Efficiency at Your Fingertips

Bought from Dr. Jackson after Day 14, the Toolbox allows you to assign tools like the Aqua Scan, screwdriver, and labelers to number keys (1-9). This drastically reduces the "micro-clicking" required to process goods. A common player strategy is to keep the Aqua Scan on key 1 and the Magnifying Glass on key 2, allowing for rapid appraisal of every item that comes across the counter.

The Fridge: Maximizing Profit Margins

The Fridge introduces a "Chilled" status for beverages. According to community testing, chilled goods sell for a 20% markup. This is particularly effective for sodas and beers, though it does not affect unsealed water or wine.

Fridge Upgrades Use scrap metal to increase the "Chill Zone" and "Freeze Zone" capacity. However, be careful: each upgrade increases the daily energy consumption. A fully upgraded fridge can drain your power grid if you haven't invested in the Powerline Hijack perk.

Machine Upgrades and Production Chains

In the dystopian economy of the station, you cannot rely solely on buying low and selling high. You must produce. The demo introduces significant upgrades for early-game machines, allowing you to scale your operations as your rent increases.

The Bottle Printer

Initially, the Bottle Printer only produces small containers. By upgrading it with electronic scrap, you can unlock:

• Standard Bottles (750ml): The bread and butter of water trading.
• Large Bottles (2000ml): High-volume sales for wealthy customers.

Vacuum Robot Incinerator

For those running rat farms or hydroponics, waste management is a constant struggle. The Vacuum Robot can now be upgraded with electronics to include an incinerator. While this doubles its power consumption, it eliminates the need to manually empty rat feces, keeping your shop's "Attractiveness" rating high without constant maintenance.

Navigating the Black Market and Factions

Your reputation is a currency just as valuable as credits. In the probably stolen playtest, faction loyalty was present but felt less impactful than it does in the current demo. Now, your standing with the Black Market determines the quality of goods the Thief will offer you, while your reputation with the Upper Level determines if you can sell "Premium Spring Water."

The Art of the Haggle

Bargaining is a double-edged sword. While you can squeeze extra credits out of a desperate customer, pushing too hard can damage your reputation.

• Appraisal: Always use the magnifying glass or Aqua Scan before haggling. Knowing the exact flaws of an item gives you leverage to lower the buying price.
• Mislabeled Goods: You can attempt to sell ghost water as high-quality by using a blue labeler. However, if the customer tests it on the spot, you will face a massive reputation hit and potential security intervention.

Surviving the "Rock Bottom" Challenge

For veteran players of the probably stolen playtest, the new "Rock Bottom" start offers the ultimate challenge. Starting with zero credits and negative perks like Generative Osteoarthritis (which reduces scavenging attempts weekly) requires a perfect understanding of the game's systems.

Key Survival Strategies for Rock Bottom:

• Prioritize the Faucet: Your first goal should be installing a faucet to get a free, albeit low-quality, water source.
• Scavenge Smart: Since your attempts are limited, focus on high-value scrap and electronics rather than common household junk.
• Avoid Fines: In the early game, a single security fine can end your run. Don't trade in high-risk contraband until you can afford a bribe or have the Intimidating perk.

The Road to Launch: What to Expect

As we approach the October 28 release, the developers are focusing on final balancing and performance optimizations. The transition from the probably stolen playtest has shown that the community's voice is being heard—features like the sorting system and multi-item dragging were directly inspired by player feedback.

For the latest official updates, patch notes, and community discussions, be sure to visit the Probably Stolen Steam Page. The developers are active in the forums, and the Discord community is a wealth of knowledge for players looking to optimize their shop layouts.

FAQ: Common Questions About Probably Stolen

Can I transfer my save from the Probably Stolen playtest to the demo?

Yes! The developers have confirmed that saves from the open playtest are compatible with the current demo build. Simply use the "Discover" button in the load game interface if your save doesn't appear automatically.

Why won't my water get "Chilled" in the fridge?

The fridge is designed for beverages like soda and beer. According to the item description, unsealed water and wine are unaffected by the chilling process and will not receive the 20% price bonus.

How do I stop the Vacuum Robot from running out of space?

You need to upgrade the robot with electronic parts to unlock the "Incinerator" mode. Once active, it will destroy the feces it collects rather than storing it, though this will consume more energy.

What is the best way to get Pure Water?

Getting water to 100% purity is an endgame goal. You will need a moisture farm equipped with advanced modules and a multi-stage filtration system. Most players find that High-Quality water (99%+) offers the best balance of effort and profit.

When is the full release of Probably Stolen?

The game is scheduled to launch on October 28, 2026. The current demo represents a near-final look at the core mechanics, though more machines and story content are expected in the full version.