Probably Stolen Aquaculture: Unlock, Upkeep and Breeding

The developer's October 19 announcement describes a new Wild's Network upgrade: a retired merchant who sells the equipment to raise fish in tanks. Community references agree that the unlock route runs through Water Trading and then Aquaculture. Listed prices in those guides are base values that your run's modifiers can change.

In version 1.0, there is also an Aquafarmer starting scenario. The developer says it starts with a stock of tilapia and recirculating aquaculture systems. In the Demo, the upgrade route is how you get in.

According to the developer, you begin with a basic water circulation system, a stock of tilapia and a supply of fish food. That is enough to run one tank. Keep the circulation system powered from the start.

You can upgrade fish tanks later if you have the right materials. The announcement does not list those materials, so check the upgrade prompt in your own game.

Each fish has habitat requirements. The developer names water quality, filtration and the energy cell as the things that keep tanks circulating and fish healthy. Check all three before you end the day.

Verify the tank status before advancing the day. A tank left unattended is not dependable passive income. Small problems are cheaper to fix early than after fish are lost.

When conditions are met, fish may reproduce by laying and fertilising roe. The eggs hatch into swarms of fry, which grow into mature fish. That is the cycle the developer describes.

Do not assume every fish reproduces in captivity. One community reference distinguishes breeding tilapia from fish that need replacement stock. Start with tilapia so you can learn the full cycle.

There are different varieties of tilapia, and the developer says you can expand into more valuable species such as eels and sturgeons. Each species has its own habitat requirements. Learn the basics on tilapia before moving up.

The 1.0 description adds that water quality, fish food and environment affect what kind of fish you end up with. The official image on this page shows a Graft Tilapia strain card from the announcement. It uses the 1.0 interface, so the Demo screens may look different.

Use a knife to slaughter and butcher fish for their meat. The developer notes that certain fish provide unique resources beyond meat. You can use Surgery Tools on sturgeons to harvest caviar.

Plan harvesting around reproduction. Keeping enough adults to breed protects your next generation.

The developer describes aquaculture as slower-paced, requiring less maintenance and more beginner friendly than rat ranching. That makes it a sensible second production system after water. It also connects to skills you already use for water quality.

If you have found rats demanding, fish are a calmer alternative. Our rat guide covers the other animal system for comparison.

The Aquafarmer announcement includes animated images, each with a note that they show updated UI coming in the full release. Those menus are not in the Demo yet. Do not expect the Demo to match the announcement images exactly.

Some community videos were recorded right after the update, which makes them a closer match than older footage. Still, check the build number shown in each video.

Expand only after your first tank is stable. Each new tank adds water, filtration and power needs. Count those costs against what the fish will sell for.

Look at the whole chain: food, power, water treatment and time to maturity. Our money and rent guide shows how to judge profit after inputs. Keep the next rent payment covered before you buy another tank.

Tank health depends on water quality, so the testing habits from water trading apply here. Know how to read a water test and which treatment fixes which problem. See how to make water.

Filtration and power are ongoing costs. A water setup that already pays for itself is a good base for aquaculture.

The October 19 announcement invited players to raise fish of a specific species, size or quantity and share screenshots on the official Discord. The developer said the most impressive aquafarmer would receive a free game key at launch on October 28. It shows the kind of goals the developer expects aquafarmers to chase.

Check the official Discord for the challenge rules. We do not track the result.

How do I unlock aquaculture in the Demo? Buy the retired aquafarmer's Wild's Network upgrade. Community references place it after the water trading route.

What fish do I start with? A stock of tilapia, together with a basic water circulation system and fish food.

How do fish breed? When habitat conditions are met, fish lay and fertilise roe, which hatch into fry and grow into adults.

How do I get caviar? Use Surgery Tools on sturgeons, according to the developer.

Exact prices, growth times and yields were not independently verified for the current build. We do not publish a fixed daily income from fish. Your results will depend on upkeep, species and run modifiers.

We will update this guide after the 1.0 release on October 28, when the Aquafarmer start and the new interface can be tested.