Probably Stolen Starting Scenarios: All 9 and Which to Pick

Quick answer

There are 9 starting scenarios in version 1.0. Pick Apprentice for your first run, because the developers call it the best start for beginners. Rock Bottom starts you with nothing and is the hardest option.

On this page

All nine starts

Scenario	What you do	Official pitch
Apprentice	General trading, upgrading as you go	Best for beginners
Water Merchant	Test, purify and re-label water	The liability is yours
Fence	Move stolen goods	Move fast, stay invisible
Gunsmith	Weapons and mods	High margins, security inspections
Chemist	Chemicals and recipes	Customers who come back
Hydroponic Farmer	Grow crops in tight spaces	Ends with rare modified breeds
Aquafarmer	Breed fish	Water quality decides what you get
Rat Wrangler	Raise rats	Can you grow a healthy 2x3 rat?
Rock Bottom	Start with nothing	Maximum difficulty

After choosing a scenario, you pick one of four difficulty options.

Which one should you pick?

First run: Apprentice. You learn each system at your own pace and aren't tied to one product line.

Second run: Try a specialist start that suits how you like to play. Gunsmith starts with a Class 1 weapon permit, firearms and ammunition. Chemist starts with lab equipment. Aquafarmer starts with tilapia and a recirculating tank system.

Challenge run: Rock Bottom. The developers suggest pairing it with the hardest difficulty if you want more pain, and two achievements need a win from this start.

Rent differs by start

Fence, Hydroponic Farmer and Aquafarmer list increased starting rent. We don't have the exact amounts yet, so check your first bill.

What players are saying

These come from the first days of forum discussion, so treat them as early opinions.

Chemist is often called the easiest strong start, because the Cartel provides equipment and protection. See the chemistry guide.
Water Merchant has fans for beginners, but some players feel it was weakened in 1.0. See the water guide.
Gunsmith gets the most complaints. Players report that key modules only come from a weekly seller at a markup, and that many gun parts can't be made.
Rock Bottom is winnable: one player bought the store on Day 89 on normal difficulty without the Loan Shark.

The risk that comes with each trade

The store page says each product line has its own way of ruining you. Weapons bring inspections, chemicals bring addiction, water brings liability and contraband brings raids. A customer poisoned by bad water will come back for you, so test what you sell.

New starts on the way

The developers have announced three more free scenarios after launch: Junker, Organ Trader and Street Food Vendor. We'll add them here when they arrive.