Probably Stolen Modules Guide: Best Machine Upgrades and Setup

Master Probably Stolen modules with our in-depth guide on machine upgrades, power optimization, and high-yield production strategies for your shop.

Surviving the escalating weekly rent in Questing Goose Studio's cyberpunk shopkeeping sim requires transforming your humble pawn counter into an automated production powerhouse. Installing the right Probably Stolen modules directly into your workshop machinery is the most reliable way to boost product quality, cut cycle times, and expand your daily profit margins. Without fine-tuning these components, your storefront will quickly fall behind on utility bills and lose out on high-tier faction contracts. Understanding how to acquire, configure, and maintain various Probably Stolen modules ensures that every overnight crafting run delivers maximum returns.

What Are Modules in Probably Stolen?

In Probably Stolen, running a profitable store goes far beyond haggling over pocket watches and secondhand appliances. As you unlock specialized trades—ranging from mineral smelting and chemical synthesis to aquafarming and water purification—you install processing machines in your back rooms.

Each machine contains dedicated internal bay sockets designed to hold specialized modules. Rather than replacing an entire workstation when your production quotas expand, you slot modular hardware into the machine chassis to alter its underlying formulas.

[Raw Inputs] ➔ [ Machine Chassis + Active Modules ] ➔ [Refined / Upgraded Outputs]
                         │
                         ▼
        (Power Consumption & Evidence Risk)

Modules adjust three core machine attributes:

Efficiency: Decreases the volume of raw ingredients required per craft.
Speed / Throughput: Cuts the processing time needed to execute a production cycle.
Quality Rating: Raises the purity and market tier of the finished goods, yielding better prices from faction traders.

However, high-grade modifications carry distinct operational trade-offs, notably increased overnight wattage draw and heat generation. Balancing these variables is essential to keep your utility overhead low.

Machine Module Types and Compatibility

Not all modules fit every terminal. The station divides hardware into general functional cores and trade-specific components. General modules adjust universal attributes across various appliances, while trade-specific modules fit designated industrial machines.

The table below breaks down the primary categories of Probably Stolen modules available across the station:

Module Class	Compatible Workstations	Primary In-Game Effect	Common Power Draw Delta
Performance Core	Desequencer, 3D Printer, Lathe	Increases cycle speed and processing rate	+15% to +25% Wattage
Blast Module	Smelting Furnace	Yields 2 refined ingots from 3 raw ores	+30% Wattage
Chemical Equipment Module	Packager, Chem Finisher, Heating Plate	Mitigates impurity rates (down to 0% with 4 installed)	+10% Wattage per unit
UV & Membrane Filters	Water Purifier, Moisture Recycler	Strips heavy contaminants without shedding mineral yield	Neutral / Minimal Draw
Neural Core Module	High-End Desequencer, Crypto Analyzers	Elevates data decoding quality and benchmark thresholds	+40% Wattage (High Heat)

Where to Find and Buy Modules

Acquiring hardware requires navigating different vendors, illicit pawn sources, and faction relationships on the station.

                ┌─── Dr. Jackson's Workshop (Starter Cores)
                │
Module Sources ─┼─── Scavengers & Thieves (Illicit Crates)
                │
                └─── Faction Specialists (Security & Joe Wild)

1. Dr. Jackson’s Workshop

Dr. Jackson serves as the station’s baseline hardware merchant. In the early days of a run, his shop carries basic components such as standard Performance Cores, initial Water Filters, and mechanical linkages. To unlock higher-grade hardware in his shop, players can purchase inventory expansion perks through Joe Wild’s network.

2. Scavengers, Thieves, and Locked Crates

Independent street operatives and shady visitors regularly stop by your counter attempting to offload sealed crates. Community reports highlight that locked supply containers purchased from thieves often contain genuine modular components, including rare neural nodes. Opening these containers requires single-use Command Keycards crafted via the Crypto Desequencer.

3. Faction Merchants

Aligning with specific station factions unlocks dedicated supplier routes:

Security Wholesalers: Reaching positive reputation with Station Security lets you purchase specialized military-grade attachments and protective hardware.
Joe Wild’s Trade Specialists: Advancing Joe Wild's contact list brings retired craftsmen to your shop door who sell specialized farming, brewing, and chemical hardware.

For further game updates, patch notes, and official community discussions, visit the Probably Stolen Steam Community Hub.

Machine Optimization and Layout Strategies

Slotting every unit you find into a machine without a plan can trigger brownouts or attract station security inspections. Developing a balanced layout is critical for sustaining overnight operations.

The table below outlines recommended loadouts based on popular station professions:

Production Trade	Recommended Module Configuration	Operational Benefit	Primary Hazard to Manage
Contraband Desequencing	1× Neural Core Module surrounded by Node links	Hits the 125 quality benchmark for encoded keycards	High inspection risk; requires Smuggler’s Bay hideout
Industrial Metallurgy	1× Blast Module + 1× Efficiency Stabilizer	Maximizes ingot yield from raw scrap ore	Severe power drain on backup generator batteries
Pharmaceutical Synthesis	3× to 4× Chemical Equipment Modules	Completely eliminates residual chemical impurities	Precise temperature monitoring is required
Aquafarming & Water	Dual Membrane Filters + Low-Draw Bio-Node	Ensures high-purity water without killing juvenile fry	Water tank overpopulation causing stock mortality

Balancing Quality Benchmarks and Station Heat

Player experience shows that security inspectors treat uncertified machinery modifications differently depending on the inspector's temperament. While lenient inspectors frequently overlook unlisted internal modifications, strict officers inspect terminal slots directly.

If your layout utilizes contraband units like Neural Cores, ensure you invest in Smuggler's Bay upgrades or boost your Station Security reputation to minimize sudden store raids.

Starting Perks That Synergize with Module Setups

Building an industrial shop takes capital and perks that streamline utility bills and component hunting. Selecting optimal starting traits during character creation creates an easier path toward fielding high-end machinery.

                      ┌─── Sawyer's Crew (Cuts daily upkeep & utility costs)
Recommended Starting  │
Perk Combinations     ├─── Diplomatic (Increases trade rep gains by 33%)
                      │
                      └─── Model Citizen (+30 Security Rep for quick wholesale access)

The table below evaluates key starting perks that support component collection and power-heavy shop setups:

Starting Perk	Point Cost	Direct Benefit to Machine & Gear Setups	Synergistic Value Tier
Sawyer’s Crew	1 Perk Point	Provides free daily janitor service and unlocks Underground Exchange access early	S-Tier: Frees up hundreds of credits weekly for hardware purchases.
Diplomatic	2 Perk Points	Boosts reputation gained from commerce by 33%	S-Tier: Faster access to high-tier faction merchant stock.
Model Citizen	1 Perk Point	Grants +30 Security Reputation and +20% bounty payout	A-Tier: Immediate access to Security wholesale tech and reduces inspection frequency.
Welfare Program	1 Perk Point	Grants Monday food stamps and early Commissary access	A-Tier: Provides free consumable stock to sell, generating cash for early machine parts.
Intimidating	3 Perk Points	Cuts generated criminal evidence by 25%	F-Tier: Far too expensive; normal shop alarms and bribes handle security easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best Probably Stolen modules to buy first?

For early-game sustainability, focus on obtaining basic Water Filters and Performance Cores from Dr. Jackson. If you specialize in smelting, acquiring a Blast Module immediately doubles your ingot efficiency, saving substantial credit reserves.

Do installed modules draw power when machines are idle?

No. Hardware draws extra power only during active production cycles or overnight automated runs. If a workstation is toggled off or lacks input ingredients, it will not drain your shop's reserve batteries.

Can station inspectors confiscate illicit Probably Stolen modules?

Yes. If an unannounced inspection catches restricted items installed in visible workshops, strict officers will confiscate the hardware and level an evidence fine. Housing illicit gear inside an upgraded Smuggler's Bay keeps it hidden.

How do I upgrade low-tier modules?

While standard components operate at fixed stats, player communities have created custom modification workbenches through modding toolsets, allowing players to upgrade efficiency and performance tiers using scrap electronic parts. In base gameplay, upgrading generally involves purchasing higher-spec models through Joe Wild’s specialist network.