How to Identify Augs in Probably Stolen
Augs are customers controlled by a rogue AI implant. Check the face first (a chip near the temple or forehead, unusual pupils, a fixed too-wide grin), then the outfit against their faction, then their speech (formal or robotic phrasing). They usually ask for materials or medical supplies. The shotgun can only be equipped on a warning day; an Aug Scanner confirms with 100% accuracy.
On this page
When Augs start showing up
| Run | What happens |
|---|---|
| Normal start | The Mentor visits on Day 12 with a warning and the Augmented Identification Guide. In a recorded run the first Aug arrived on Day 13. |
| Aug Menace perk | Aug content starts on Day 1, kills pay 25% more, the threat never ends and too many escaped Augs ends the run. |
| Nightly Report | Confirms the day after if an Aug visited, and can warn that one is likely to come. |
The signs to check, in order
- 01
Face
Look for a visible chip (the guide says temple; one recorded Aug had a cross-shaped mark on the forehead), unusual pupils and a fixed, too-wide grin.
- 02
Outfit vs faction
Compare the clothes with the faction shown in the trade panel. A mismatch is a tell — and the label itself can lie: one Aug was shown as “Thief”.
- 03
Body language
Unnatural stillness or twitching.
- 04
Speech
Overly formal or robotic phrasing, such as “Requesting supplies. A host is awaiting augmentation.” or a slip like “This unit has— I mean, I need some.”
- 05
What they want
Augs need raw materials for implants and medical supplies to install them. Look hardest at customers buying Medical or materials.
One tell is not proof. Look for two or more before acting.
Tools that help
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| Aug Scanner | 200 base Credits, 2 × 3 slots. Confirms a suspected Aug with 100% accuracy. |
| Shotgun | Only equippable on a warning day. Hold click to aim, left click to shoot, right click to holster. |
| Threaten (Aug) | A 20% Bargain option. Always fails on normal customers and costs reputation — not a test. |
| Call Security | Do not use for Augs: they hacked Security’s comms and leave before officers arrive. Use it for Wanted criminals. |
Shooting an Aug
In a recorded release run, shooting a confirmed Aug brought a Security Officer and a 118-Credit reward. Shot Augs count toward the Aug Hunter achievement (10 across runs) and appear under “Augs Shot” in the run summary.
The Mentor’s note is blunt: shoot only if you are absolutely certain. The penalty for killing an ordinary customer has not been published — treat it as severe.
The Augmented ending
On runs where Aug presence can end the game — including any run with Aug Menace — letting Aug presence reach 100% gives the Augmented loss ending. Without that perk the threat is a recurring event rather than a clock.
Common questions
How do you identify augs in Probably Stolen?
Check for a visible chip, unusual pupils and a fixed grin, then an outfit that does not match their faction, twitching or stillness, and robotic or overly formal speech. An Aug Scanner confirms it.
Why can I not equip the shotgun?
The shotgun only unlocks on days with an Aug warning. On other days it shows “Cannot equip the shotgun right now”.
Should I call Security on an Aug?
No. The Mentor warns that Augs hacked Security’s comms and flee before officers arrive.
Sources & version notes
Firsthand release playthrough & in-game guide. Sources reviewed October 31, 2026. This guide does not claim an independent in-game test.
- AllThingsHow: how to identify Augs
Firsthand release run: Day 12–30 timeline, tells observed, shotgun and 118-Credit reward.
- Nico Wiki: starting perks
Aug Menace perk effects.