When you first launch Schedule 1, it might strike you as just another indie management sim—minimalist, abstract, maybe even deceptively simple. But within minutes, it’s clear this isn’t your average game. With over 130,000 players on Steam just weeks after release, Schedule 1 has quickly become a cult hit thanks to its immersive gameplay, gritty aesthetic, and shockingly deep mechanics.
Set in a crumbling city that’s both nostalgic and threatening, Schedule 1 puts you in the worn-out shoes of a low-level criminal trying to claw his way to the top. It’s a game of choices, risks, and consequences. And if you’re not thinking ahead? You’ll be in jail—or worse—before your first payday.
Narrative and Historical Setting of Schedule 1
The title Schedule 1 isn’t just for flavor. It’s a direct nod to the U.S. government’s classification for the most dangerous and prohibited narcotics, established during the Nixon era. And that’s exactly the atmosphere the game captures: the gritty, paranoid 1970s. Think rotary phones, wood-paneled vans, flickering motel signs—and a legal system that punishes everything it doesn’t understand.
The game kicks off with you fleeing a federal drug raid, forced to start over in the seedy outskirts of Hyland Point. Here, you’re not just fighting cops—you’re dodging rival gangs, unreliable clients, and your own rising notoriety.
Getting Started in Schedule 1
There’s no hand-holding here. No endless tutorials or lengthy onboarding. You’re thrown straight into the chaos as a Street Rat, armed with some seeds and a dingy motel room. Your first goal? Stay alive long enough to afford basic soil.
Every decision matters early on. Mismanage your light or water levels? Say goodbye to your yield. Forget to stash your cash? A raid could wipe out hours of progress. This isn’t a game that rewards impatience. Strategy and caution are your best friends.
Understanding the Street Rat Role
Being a Street Rat isn’t just your first rank—it’s a mindset. You’re broke, alone, and learning everything the hard way. Every sale, every mistake, every police chase teaches you how to survive.
As you level up, you inch closer to becoming a Kingpin, but the path is brutal. From dirty motel labs to gang-infested alleys, it’s a climb full of betrayal and blood.
The Level Progression System
Schedule 1 features a robust 11-level progression system. You begin at Street Rat, and with enough grit, climb through roles like Hoodlum, Pushman, and Enforcer, all the way to Kingpin.
Each level unlocks:
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New drug types
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Better farming tools
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Increased production capacity
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Higher-paying (but pickier) clients
But it’s not just about making cash. You’ll also need to dodge law enforcement, balance customer expectations, and invest wisely.
Manual Saving Is Crucial
Unlike modern games, Schedule 1 doesn’t auto-save. Forget to save? You could lose hours of progress.
Make saving part of your routine—especially:
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Before leaving your base
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After important deliveries
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After upgrading your lab
Your intercom is your lifeline. Use it religiously.
Saving Tools and Locations
Even the grimiest motels have an intercom. It’s usually near the entrance or by a light switch. Interact with it to save—no extra gear needed.
Best practice? Save when you enter. Save before you leave. Save after every win. Over-saving is better than redoing everything.
In-Game Smartphone: Your Control Center
Your smartphone is your HQ. Through it, you can:
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Accept and manage client orders
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Contact other dealers
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Read urgent messages
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Use the in-game map
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Track progress in your diary
Check it often—but not blindly. One misclick can ruin your day.
Clients and Orders: When to Say No
In real life, the customer is always right. In Schedule 1? Not so much.
If you’re low on supply, being watched, or just not ready—refuse the order. Better to lose a sale than get busted with product in your pockets.
You can also postpone delivery until the next day. The client won’t love it, but they won’t disappear either. And you’ll live to sell another day.
Mastering Time Management
In Hyland Point, time is everything. A poorly timed delivery can be fatal.
Plan your day around:
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Grow cycles
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Resupply runs
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Deliveries
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Safe routes
Work during daylight hours. After curfew, the city becomes a trap.
Cash vs. Debit: Financial Strategy
One of the smartest systems in Schedule 1 is the split between dirty cash and legit debit funds.
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Street sales earn cash, only usable for illegal trades or drop-offs
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To buy gear like soil, lights, or fertilizers, you need debit funds
You’ll need to learn to clean your money, often through ATMs or laundering methods in-game.
Using ATMs and Why They Matter
ATMs are scattered throughout the city and operate 24/7. Their two functions:
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Deposit cash to convert it into debit balance
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Withdraw emergency funds when needed
Tip: Always carry at least $100 in cash—just in case you need to pay someone off or escape trouble.
Smart Investments That Pay Off
Not everything you can buy is worth buying. Early on, focus your funds on:
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Higher-quality grow setups (LEDs, fertilizer)
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Profitable seed types
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Expanding your grow space
Avoid splurging early. If in doubt—save before purchasing.
Early Cultivation: Cannabis and Beyond
Cannabis is your lifeline at the start. Treat it right. Master it.
As you grow in the game, you’ll unlock:
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New genetics
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More potent and profitable strains
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Hydroponic systems for higher yields
Learn grow times, ideal lighting, and drying techniques. A great harvest makes all the difference.
Soil, Fertilizers, and Farming Gear
The quality of your crop depends on your setup. Here’s how fertilizers compare:
| Fertilizer | Yield | Product Quality | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Low | Low | Low |
| Organic | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Professional | High | High | High |
A better product = higher prices and happier clients.
Navigating the Black Market
Selling drugs isn’t just “sell and run.” You must:
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Choose smart locations
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Know your buyers
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Avoid cops and witnesses
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Plan escape routes
The streets are alive and dangerous. Be ready to walk away if things smell wrong.
Curfew Consequences
From 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Hyland Point is under curfew. If you’re caught outside:
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Cops get aggressive
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You get fined
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Carrying drugs = instant jail
Play it safe. Use this time to manage plants or save your game.
Police Encounters and How to Evade
Cops are everywhere. They can catch you:
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On the street
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Mid-sale
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At your front door
If you’re caught with product, expect:
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Seized goods
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Heavy fines
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Jail time
Learn patrol routes, use back alleys, and always have a backup plan.
Dealing with Rival Gangs
You’re not alone. Rival gangs control turf, demand favors, and sometimes attack outright.
For example: the Benzies will become your sworn enemies. Be ready to:
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Fight
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Negotiate
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Build alliances
Power means nothing without protection.
Uncle Nelson’s Shadowy Role
Uncle Nelson is the charismatic figure who introduces you to this world—but his past might be why you’re on the run. His connections, motives, and alliances are murky.
Trust him? Or cut him off? Your call.
Handling Losses and Setbacks
Got robbed? Arrested? Lost your grow?
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Retreat home and save
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Rebuild slowly
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Don’t bet everything on one crop
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Always stash emergency supplies
Schedule 1 hits hard—but always gives you a way to bounce back.
How to Level Up Faster
Here are four proven tactics:
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Focus on a few trustworthy clients
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Grow fewer but higher-quality batches
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Delay advertising until after level 3
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Complete daily missions from your phone
Consistency > speed. Play smart, not fast.
When to Hire Other Dealers
Once you’re past the early game, you can hire additional dealers to:
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Manage distant zones
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Increase revenue
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Limit your personal exposure
But beware: they can get caught. And if they talk, you take the fall.
Managing Notoriety and Suspicion
As you grow, so does your heat. Stay off the radar:
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Change bases often
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Avoid patterns in your sales
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Use disguises and new vehicles
A clean rep can be your greatest weapon.
Late Game: Expanding Beyond Hyland Point
Becoming a Kingpin isn’t the end—it’s a new beginning. Expand your empire by:
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Moving into new cities
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Building logistic networks
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Opening industrial labs
But expansion brings new rivals, new rules, and bigger betrayals.
Final Thoughts: The Empire Is Yours to Build
Schedule 1 on Steam is far more than an indie drug sim. It’s a dense, challenging, thought-provoking strategy game set in a world that’s both brutally realistic and deeply stylized.
With the right tactics, patience, and courage, you can rise from nothing to rule the city. But never forget: this game isn’t just about growing weed—it’s about knowing when to push forward… and when to disappear.
FAQ About Schedule 1
How do I save my game in Schedule 1?
Use the intercom at your base. There are no auto-saves.
What happens if I break curfew?
You’ll get fined, and if you’re carrying drugs, you risk arrest.
Can I lose everything if I die?
Yes. Without manual saves, death wipes all unsaved progress.
Is cash usable everywhere in the game?
No. It’s only for illegal trades. For shops, you need debit.
Can I expand my empire later in the game?
Absolutely. After becoming a Kingpin, new cities and operations open up.
Are there multiple endings?
Yes. Your choices shape different story paths and endings.