Choose a Scenario for the Business You Want to Learn
The developer has announced nine Probably Stolen starting scenarios for 1.0. For a first run, Apprentice is the developer's beginner recommendation. The specialized starts are better considered as ways to focus your opening business, while Rock Bottom is the deliberate start-from-nothing challenge.
This is the prelaunch position as of October 27, 2026. The official 1.0 announcement on Steam describes the launch selection; it should not be read as a list of nine currently selectable Demo starts.
The Nine Scenarios Announced for 1.0
| Scenario | Announced focus or starting advantage | Why you might choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | General trading, upgrading as you learn | Learn the broader shop routine |
| Water Merchant | Testing, purifying, and relabeling water | Focus on water quality and resale |
| Fence | Moving stolen goods while staying unnoticed | Explore a riskier trading business |
| Rock Bottom | Starting with nothing | Attempt a demanding recovery run |
| Hydroponic Farmer | Hydroponic machines and farming supplies | Grow crops and develop valuable breeds |
| Gunsmith | Class 1 weapon permit, firearms, and ammunition | Focus on weapons and modifications |
| Chemist | Chemistry equipment and chemical production | Explore the chemistry business |
| Rat Wrangler | Raising rats | Build a livestock-focused shop |
| Aquafarmer | Tilapia and recirculating aquaculture systems | Breed fish and manage their environment |
These descriptions summarize the developer's announcement. They do not establish every starting quantity, machine upgrade cost, or late-game recipe.
The differences can matter more than a simple difficulty ranking. Water processing introduces quality checks; Gunsmith introduces permits and inspections; Aquafarmer adds water, feeding, and habitat management. Choose the system you want to spend the opening days learning.
Apprentice, Water Merchant, or Rock Bottom?
Apprentice is the clearest first choice if you want to understand customers, inventory, the display, and rent before specializing. Its generalist approach leaves room to explore production later.
Water Merchant gives a more focused opening. The official Demo listing specifically confirms a water-testing and purification kit from the start in that scenario. You still need to learn what each treatment removes and how to turn improved water into affordable stock for buyers.
Rock Bottom strips away that early support. Documented playtest player experience describes starting with no money, no supplies, and no Mentor assistance. Pick it when building up from almost nothing is the challenge you want, rather than as an efficient way to learn every mechanic.
Scenario and difficulty should be considered separately. One recorded Rock Bottom challenge also uses Hard mode and six negative modifiers. Its harsher rent and customer conditions do not prove those modifiers are built into Rock Bottom itself.
Demo Content and Post-Launch Plans Are Different Lists
The official Demo listing advertises three starting scenarios plus hardcore mode. Its update notes also describe features added since the earlier playtest, including the Water Merchant starter kit and equipment upgrades.
Access to a production system does not necessarily mean its specialized scenario is selectable. For example, the October Aquafarmer Demo update adds a retired merchant and fish-farming equipment, while the 1.0 announcement separately describes the Aquafarmer starting scenario.
The developer lists Organ Trader, Junker, and Street Food Vendor under post-launch updates. They are not part of the nine-scenario launch list above. No release date or exact starter loadout for those later scenarios is established here.
The announcement says Demo saves are compatible with the full game, but recommends a fresh start to reduce potential bugs. If you want to try a specialized 1.0 opening, a new run also lets you experience its intended starting position.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best starting scenario for a beginner?
Apprentice. The developer explicitly identifies it as the beginner-friendly generalist start.
Are all nine scenarios in the Demo?
The official Demo description advertises three starting scenarios. Nine is the announced 1.0 launch selection.
Is Rock Bottom the same as Hard mode?
No. The recorded challenge selects Rock Bottom, Hard difficulty, and additional modifiers separately. Do not assume every rule in that challenge applies to a normal Rock Bottom run.
Are Organ Trader and Junker launch scenarios?
They appear in the developer's post-launch plans, alongside Street Food Vendor. They are separate from the nine announced 1.0 starts.