Starting perks: choose a practical first custom build
For an early custom run, prioritize cash or loss prevention. Starting perks are not selectable on the very first run; an unavailable menu is not necessarily a bug.
Quick answer
For an early custom run, prioritize cash or loss prevention. Starting perks are not selectable on the very first run; an unavailable menu is not necessarily a bug.
On this page
Points and slots
The current perk reference allows three points and four slots, with negative perks returning points. Conflicting perks cannot be selected together. Choose scenario and difficulty first, then read the combined result; added cash and rent modifiers stack with the scenario.
Compare the beginner choices
| Perk | Cost | What it changes |
|---|---|---|
| Savings | 1 point | 150 more starting Credits |
| Vigilant | 2 points | Prevents night robbery |
| Model Citizen | 1 point | Security +30 initially; report/Aug rewards +50% |
| Short Sleeper | 1 point | Night outings do not cost tomorrow’s customer |
| Secret Admirer | 1 point | Occasional gifts rather than reliable trading income |
Choose for the planned route
Savings plus Vigilant uses the three-point allowance for working capital and stock protection. A scavenging plan can favor Short Sleeper instead; a reporting run can favor Model Citizen. These are editorial examples, not a universal tier list. Compare the chosen benefit against your actual opening problem rather than filling every slot.
Read the drawback before buying points
Bad Lease adds recurring rent; Maimed blocks scavenging; Known Snitch prevents wanted-list customers. A drawback that disables your intended income route is not free points. Do not choose Convict together with Model Citizen. Start the run only after reviewing the final perk list and opening resources.
More route-specific picks
| Perk | Cost or returned points | Decision-relevant effect |
|---|---|---|
| Agoraphobia | Returns 1 | After an outing, stay home two nights |
| Convict | Returns 1 | Security starts -30; wanted rewards reduced 25% |
| Diplomatic | 2 | Trade reputation gains +33% |
| Hoarder | 0 | Three debris piles occupy space; large debris needs tools |
| Intimidating | 2 | Crime evidence reduced 33% |
| Maimed | Returns 2 in Wikily; IGN reports 1 | No Dumping Ground trips |
| Sawyer’s Crew | 1 | Immediate Exchange; free ordinary janitorial, discounted vandalism cleanup |
| Short Sleeper | 1 | No next-day customer loss from outings |
| Sycophant | 1 | Upper Levels starts +15; gains +25%; buyer budget +10% |
| Vending Machine | IGN 1; Wikily 2 | Start with an after-hours sales machine |
| Wild’s Favorite | 1 | Wild upgrades -10%; insurance -50% |
| Working Pipes | 2 | Start with tap-water supply |
Resolve a cost conflict at selection
IGN’s recommended list and the current Wiki disagree on Maimed and Vending Machine point costs. Read the actual selection screen, not an assumed fixed build total. IGN describes access after a completed run, while the Wiki states only that the first run cannot select perks. If your custom menu remains unavailable, finish the run rather than installing an unlock workaround. Colorful Character expands four slots to seven in the compared references.
Sources & version scope
Sources reviewed November 01, 2026. Official patches establish the changes they describe; earlier community reports are not independently tested in 1.0 here.
- Wikily starting perk reference ↗
- Release walkthrough; observations, not our game test ↗
- IGN recommended starting perks; browser read ↗