Probably Stolen modules and mods are different systems. Learn machine modules, module bays, extractors and Workshop mods, and which guide you need.
Probably Stolen Modules vs Mods: What's the Difference?
Search for “Probably Stolen modules” and you get two completely different systems mixed together. One is the in-game machine module: a physical part you slot into a machine bay to change its performance, efficiency, or quality. The other is a Steam Workshop mod: an external download that changes the game.
They are not the same thing, and a guide for one will not help with the other. This page separates them.
The short version
| System | What it is | Where it lives | Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machine modules | In-game parts | Machine bay | One machine's stats |
| Workshop mods | External files | Steam Workshop | Game rules, UI, content |
Machine modules are part of the base game. Workshop mods are optional and subscription-based.
What machine modules are
A machine module is an item you place into a machine's module bay. The base game has three module types:
- Performance — improves speed or output.
- Efficiency — reduces power or input use.
- Quality — improves output quality.
Modules come in different sizes and values. A standard module has a base value of 70 Credits. A Corrupted Module is cheaper but carries penalties. The Neural Core Module is a high-end contraband part with extreme bonuses and a severe efficiency penalty.
The module bay is a grid. The standard bay is 7×5, or 35 cells. A new machine starts with only 26 cells open; the corners and centre cross are blocked. Expansion kits open the rest in stages.
Modules are not universal upgrades. Each machine applies module effects differently. A Quality module in a 3D Printer may be discounted to 25% effect, while the same module in a DNA Manipulator may run at 50%. The module list and stats page has the machine table.
What module bays and extractors are
The module bay is the slot grid inside a machine. You install modules into it. The bay's size limits how many modules a machine can hold.
The Module Bay Expansion Kit increases the bay's stage, opening more cells. It is sold by Dr. Jackson and a few other sources, and it can appear in Monday stock.
The Module Extractor removes modules from a machine. The Basic Extractor has limited uses; the Advanced Extractor is reusable. Without an extractor, you cannot freely move a module from one machine to another.
These are all in-game items. They are not Workshop downloads.
What Workshop mods are
A Workshop mod is a file package hosted on Steam. You subscribe, Steam downloads it, and the game or a loader enables it. Mods can change:
- The UI (Item Details, Reputation Pop).
- Inventory behaviour (Smart Inventory Arrange).
- Gameplay rules (Brewing Expansion, CorpPresence).
- Multiplayer (Probably Multiplayer).
- Language (translation packs).
Mods are optional. They are not required to use machine modules, and machine modules are not required to use mods.
Why the confusion happens
The word “module” is used for both:
- Machine modules in the base game.
- Mod modules in some modding frameworks, especially Mono mods.
Search engines also mix the queries. “Probably Stolen modules” can mean the machine system, while “Probably Stolen mods” means the Workshop. “Module extractor” and “module bay expansion kit” are in-game items. “Mod install” and “mod compatibility” are Workshop topics.
If your search includes extractor, bay, performance, efficiency, or quality, you want the machine system. If it includes Workshop, subscribe, load order, or crash, you want the mod system.
Which guide do you need?
| Your question | Guide |
|---|---|
| How do machine modules work? | Modules guide |
| What are the module stats? | Module list and stats |
| How do I expand a bay or extract a module? | Module bay expansion |
| How do I install a Workshop mod? | How to install mods |
| Which mods are best? | Best mods |
| Why does my mod crash? | Mod compatibility |
Can mods change machine modules?
Yes, a gameplay mod can add module types, change module values, or alter machine bays. That is a modded change, not the base-game system.
If you are comparing module stats, check whether the player is using a module mod. A modded Neural Core or a custom module can produce numbers that do not exist in vanilla.
For vanilla values, use the module list. For modded values, read the mod page.
Common mistakes
- Installing a Workshop mod thinking it is a machine module.
- Buying an expansion kit for a machine that is already at max stage.
- Using an extractor on a module you want to keep without checking its remaining uses.
- Assuming a module's bonus is the same on every machine.
- Mixing modded and vanilla module values in a comparison.
A module is a physical part with a bay size. A mod is a Workshop subscription. If the item is not in your inventory, it is not a machine module.
FAQ
Are modules and mods the same in Probably Stolen? No. Modules are in-game machine parts; mods are Steam Workshop downloads.
What is a module bay? The grid inside a machine where modules are installed.
What does a module extractor do? It removes modules from a machine. Basic extractors have limited uses; advanced extractors are reusable.
Are module mods official? No. Workshop mods are community-made unless stated otherwise.
Community source: in-game machine module system, Steam Workshop ↗, and the Steam Community guide hub ↗. Store reference: Probably Stolen ↗. Module data: community module guide ↗.
Related
More Probably Stolen Guides
How appraisal works in Probably Stolen: cybernetic hands, plasma cartridges, Ribwich, Immunivax and cigarette checks, with values and common fakes.
A practical Probably Stolen beginner guide: the first-hour loop, what to buy, how appraisal works, and how to keep rent paid without guessing.
The best starting perks in Probably Stolen, how negative perks buy positive ones, and starting builds for money, water, chemistry and hard mode.
Where to buy Probably Stolen chemical supplies, what the common and restricted packs contain, and how heavy metals, contamination and storage work.
A complete Probably Stolen chemistry guide: blender loss, heating plate temperatures, chem finisher contamination, purity tiers and machine module math.
Probably Stolen chemistry recipes with temperatures, yields, purity targets and machine notes for Dream Dust, Nightmare Dust, caffeine and Phanta.
How crime, suspicion, wanted bounties, security records, fixers, and raids work in Probably Stolen, plus how to keep contraband out of a search.
How Probably Stolen customers work: lower and upper level buyers, security, black market, haggling, special requests, and how to match stock to demand.