License System — Complete Guide to Unlocking All Licenses
How the license system works in ReStory: Chill Electronics Repairs — what licenses unlock, why money is fuel for licenses, which license must be won in the assembly competition, and the 4 license achievements.
Overview
Licenses are the real progression system in ReStory. Money is fuel for licenses: expensive certifications that unlock new device types, raise your income ceiling, and push the main story forward. Without the right license, a customer may hand you a device you simply cannot finish — the job sits in your workshop until you buy the license.How Licenses Work
- Licenses unlock device categories. The repair catalog expands as you purchase service licenses — early licenses cover phones and simple gadgets; later ones open handheld consoles, laptops, cameras and more.
- Licenses drive the story. Buying licenses unlocks story beats that stay locked until you own the certification.
- Licenses enable guaranteed parts. Owning a license lets you order brand-new, exact parts directly from manufacturers — no more gambling on secondhand marketplace units when an urgent order needs a specific component. (Not necessarily cheaper, but guaranteed.)
- One license cannot be bought. It must be won in the device assembly (repair master) competition that appears later in the campaign.
License Achievements
| Achievement | Condition |
|---|---|
| Official Partner | Acquire any license |
| Golden Partner | Acquire 5 licenses |
| Are you serious? This is Absurd | Acquire the most expensive license |
| Platinum Partner | Acquire every available license |
License Buying Priority
The exact license list, prices and unlock order are still being mapped (unverified) — but the confirmed buying logic is:
| Priority | License Type | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Your first license (any) | Unlocks the license system itself, new device types and the "Official Partner" achievement |
| 2nd | Phone & pager licenses | Phones (Pokia 3310, Autorolla Razor, Eggotchi) appear constantly in walk-ins and online orders — fastest income growth |
| 3rd | Console licenses | Consoles are higher-paying repairs; Tier-2-style handheld licenses unlock PSP-like devices per community reports |
| Later | Premium categories (laptops, cameras, robot dogs) | High pay but expensive licenses — buy after your income loop is stable |
| Competition | The un-buyable license | Win the assembly competition to finish your collection |
Common License Questions
Can I accept a device without its license?Yes — but you cannot finish the repair. The device stays in your workshop until you own the license. If you have the cash and the device is common, buying the license is almost always correct.
Are licenses cheaper than buying parts?No. A license guarantees you can order exact new parts — it doesn't make parts cheaper. Its value is unlocking device types and story progress.
How many licenses are there?Unconfirmed (unverified). Achievement milestones reference acquiring 1, 5, all, and "the most expensive" license — suggesting a modest but real roster.
What happens if I can't afford a license?Keep working other jobs. The license system is a money gate, not a time gate — nothing is locked forever.
Tips
- Buy licenses before luxury upgrades. Painting tools, reprogramming gear and decorative items can wait. An unlicensed customer device stalls your shop.
- Watch the marketplace for licensing hints. The Y2K browser lets you research devices before buying their licenses — check which categories appear in your order queue most often.
- Win the competition when it appears. The competition-only license is required for Platinum Partner and the completionist achievements — and winning also unlocks the assembly competition achievements.
Related Guides
- Device Database — which devices each license tier unlocks
- Money & Profit Guide — how to afford licenses faster
- Achievement Guide — all 4 license achievements in context