A strong start in Market Chain 98 begins with a stable first store, not a rush to open more windows. A slow checkout, a customer queue or empty stock cuts directly into sales, so keep a reserve after every major purchase.
The official Steam page describes a business that starts in a small Brooklyn bodega before expanding through bank loans, logistics hubs and an IPO with the Portfolio. Each milestone works best when it addresses a specific bottleneck.
Remove the sales blockage first
Check the visible problem before spending. Steam lists checkout upgrades, stock capacity and customer queues among the early levers. Buy the upgrade that addresses the bottleneck in front of you, then give revenue time to stabilise.
- If customers are waiting, upgrade the checkout.
- If sales stop because goods have run out, increase stock.
- Keep capital after the purchase.
- Open a new market only when the current operation produces a consistent surplus.
Scattered purchases are difficult to support. One smooth-running store is more useful than several operations that cannot fund themselves. Displayed revenue is only part of the picture: check costs and debt as well.
Make each expense solve a problem
An expense should increase throughput, reduce a cost or unlock a prepared milestone. If it does none of those things, waiting is usually the sounder choice.
| Bottleneck | Priority | Mistake to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Customers waiting | Upgrade the checkout | Taking out a large loan without a target |
| Stock shortages | Increase capacity | Opening a market too early |
| Several operations | Prepare a hub | Treating it as a decorative purchase |
| Strong cycle | Prepare the IPO | Choosing Portfolio upgrades at random |
Windows and markets unlock with revenue, but that does not make every purchase urgent. Decide before clicking whether you are solving a queue, securing supply or reducing costs.
Borrow for one clear milestone
The bank provides cash quickly, but the Steam description notes that debt limits and interest rates can reduce margins. Take the smallest loan that reaches the purchase you have planned.
After buying it, let the business generate income before taking on more debt. A loan spread across several purchases can leave margins too thin. If you cannot connect the expense to higher sales or lower costs, wait.
Hubs connect operations. Steam attributes market discounts, lower operating costs and supply chain optimisation to them. Their return improves once several operations already depend on the network.
Reach the IPO with a weakness in mind
The IPO acts as a prestige system. It grants permanent points to invest in the Portfolio and speed up future cycles, but triggering the reset as soon as it appears may be premature.
Identify the weakness in your cycle first. Did stock slow down market openings? Did costs squeeze your gains? Read the in-game descriptions before spending your first Portfolio points.
- Confusing revenue with profit: monitor interest and costs.
- Borrowing without a target: fund one clearly chosen milestone.
- Neglecting stock: a shortage stops the sales loop.
- Opening too many markets: wait until the current operation funds itself.
- Prestiging blindly: choose a specific weakness to correct.
The official Steam page and the Steam demo page let you verify the game information. You can also explore our gaming features, video game news and latest publications for more progression guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Which upgrade should I buy first?
Upgrade the checkout if customers are waiting. Increase stock if sales stop because you are out of goods.
Should I take out a loan at the start?
No. Wait until it funds a specific milestone with a clear expected effect.
How much should I borrow?
Choose the smallest amount that lets you buy the targeted milestone. This limits the burden of interest.
When should I open a new market?
Open it when your current operation produces a consistent surplus after its costs.
What are logistics hubs for?
They connect operations, reduce operating costs and provide market discounts, according to Steam.
For updates and the demo, visit the official Steam page, the demo page, the official English page and the English demo page.
You can also read our article on Space Marine 2 Siege: Tactical, the most reliable class.
Verified sources
These links let you verify the key information used in this article.
- store.steampowered.com: Steam — official Market Chain 98 page: confirms MGR Studio as developer and publisher, the store-loans-hubs-IPO/Portfolio loop, Steam features and the French interface. Accessed on 2026-07-29.
- store.steampowered.com: Steam — official Market Chain 98 demo page: confirms the existence of a Steam demo associated with the game and access to it from the official page. Accessed on 2026-07-29.
