Probably Stolen Save File Location, Demo Save Transfer & Black Screen Fixes
Where Probably Stolen stores its Windows save (*.es3), whether demo saves carry over to 1.0, how to handle long sleep-screen black screens, and what happens to the demo and old mods after launch.
Launch price
US $17.99$19.99
On this page
Save file location (Windows)
On Windows the save sits in LocalLow under your user profile:
%USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\Questing Goose Studio\Probably Stolen
Fastest way there: press Win + R, type %appdata% and hit Enter. That opens AppData\Roaming; go up one level to AppData, then into LocalLow\Questing Goose Studio\Probably Stolen.
Back up first
If you plan to copy, replace or delete a save, duplicate the whole Probably Stolen folder first. The .es3 file is a binary save and cannot be repaired in a text editor once corrupted.
Save format and cloud sync
Saves use the.es3 extension and Unity's Easy Save 3 format.Official
The game supports Steam Cloud.Official
That means the same account can continue a run on another PC through Steam Cloud, while the local .es3 file remains on disk. If you play offline, watch for a Steam Cloud sync warning before quitting.
Do demo saves carry over to 1.0?
Demo saves are technically compatible with the 1.0 release and can still be loaded.OfficialThe developer's advice is still explicit: start a new game in 1.0Official to avoid potential bugs across versions.
| Route | Who it suits | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Carry over the demo save | Players already deep into a run who just want to keep going | Possible cross-version bugs; compatibility is not guaranteed |
| Start a fresh 1.0 save | Players who want the full opening, 9 professions and 4 difficulties | Replaying the early game |
Demo delisting and old mods
The free demo is delisted from Steam when the 1.0 release launches.Official Mods built for the demo do not work with 1.0.Official1.0 adds Steam Workshop, an official Mod API and mod localisation supportOfficial. If you installed demo-era mods, remove them before upgrading and resubscribe from the Workshop.
Sleep black screens and crashes
Daily sleep saves take noticeably longer once you have many items in the mid and late game.OfficialThe developer has optimised this by upgrading the Unity version and shrinking the .es3 save sizeOfficial.
Do not force-quit during the black screen
Alt+F4 while the sleep save is being written can easily corrupt the .es3 file.Official
If a black screen runs much longer than usual, wait before doing anything, then check in Task Manager whether the game process is still responding.
Other verified fixes and requirements:
- Ultrawide and other non-16:9 UI overlaps were fixed in a September patch.Official
- Minimum requirements: Windows 10 (64-bit), Intel Core i3 or equivalent, 8 GB RAM, GTX 650Ti or higher, DirectX 10, 1 GB available space.
Not published
The developer has not published how long a "normal" black screen lasts, how save size affects the wait, or a list of other crash causes. If the game keeps crashing, back up the save first, then use Steam's "Verify integrity of game files".
Read next
- Release time, price and everything in 1.0: Release Date, Price and the 1.0 Update
- Starting a fresh save? Learn the core loop: Beginner Guide: Daily Loop, Rent & Opening Tips
- Choosing a background: All 9 Starting Professions
- How runs end: Endings, Endgame Stats & Security Arrests
FAQ
Where is the Probably Stolen save file?
On Windows: %USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\Questing Goose Studio\Probably Stolen. The save files use the .es3 extension.
Do demo saves carry over to 1.0?
Yes. The developer confirms demo saves are compatible with 1.0, but strongly recommends starting a new game to avoid bugs across versions.
Is a long black screen when sleeping normal?
The developer says daily sleep saves take longer once you have many items in the mid and late game, and has optimised this by upgrading Unity and shrinking the .es3 file.
Can I Alt+F4 during the black screen?
No. The developer warns that force-quitting while the save is being written can corrupt the .es3 file.
Does the game support Steam Cloud?
Yes. Saves support Steam Cloud.
Do old demo mods still work in 1.0?
No. The demo is delisted when 1.0 launches, and mods built for the demo are not compatible with the full release. 1.0 ships with Workshop, a Mod API and mod localisation.
Launch price
US $17.99$19.99
Related guides
Probably Stolen Endings, Endgame Stats & Security Arrest Rules
How the buy-the-shop ending works in Probably Stolen, what the 1.0 endgame stats panel shows, why Sentinel Collapse Disorder is a first-run trap, and when the security officer decides between a fine and an arrest.
Probably Stolen Production Chains & Machine Upgrades: Aquaculture, Caviar, Water & Vending
Verified Probably Stolen production chains: Tilapia to eels, sturgeon and caviar, Aquascan purification to 98%, Bottle Printer upgrades, Vacuum Robot incineration, the day-14 Toolbox and 1.0 vending machines. The full chemistry recipe list is not published.
Probably Stolen Starting Professions: All 9 Backgrounds Explained
All nine Probably Stolen 1.0 starting professions — Apprentice, Water Merchant, Fence, Rock Bottom, Hydroponic Farmer, Gunsmith, Chemist, Rat Wrangler and Aquafarmer — with the official starting equipment, playstyle and risk for each. Starting money is not published.