How to Play Schedule I

Master the streets of Hyland Point with our comprehensive guide to building your empire

Welcome to Schedule I

Schedule I gameplay showing urban environment

Build Your Criminal Empire

In Schedule I, you'll start as a small-time dealer and work your way up to become the kingpin of Hyland Point. Establish your territory, recruit loyal crew members, and expand your influence across the city's diverse districts. Every decision shapes your rise to power in this immersive crime simulation.

Schedule I combat and business management

Master Multiple Game Systems

Success in Schedule I requires mastery of combat, business management, and strategic planning. Defend your territory from rivals, manage your supply chain, and navigate complex relationships with law enforcement and other factions. The game rewards thoughtful strategy and adaptation to changing circumstances.

Key Features

Dynamic Economy

Navigate market forces that respond to your actions and world events

Territory Control

Claim and defend neighborhoods across the sprawling city of Hyland Point

Reputation System

Build relationships with various factions that impact gameplay opportunities

Risk Management

Balance expansion with security to avoid law enforcement attention

Guide Contents

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Schedule I, from your first steps in Hyland Point to advanced empire management strategies.

Getting Started in Schedule I

Welcome to Schedule I, an immersive crime simulation where you'll build a drug empire from scratch in the fictional west-coast city of Hyland Point. Unlike other crime games that start you with resources and connections, Schedule I begins with you as a small-time dealer with nothing but ambition. This guide will walk you through your first steps in the criminal underworld.

Your First Day in Hyland Point

When you first begin Schedule I, you'll find yourself in a small apartment in one of Hyland Point's rougher neighborhoods. With limited cash and no connections, your first goal is to establish yourself in the local scene.

The game starts with a brief tutorial that introduces you to the basic controls and UI elements. Pay close attention to these instructions, as they contain valuable information that will help you navigate the complex systems of Schedule I.

After completing the tutorial, you'll be free to explore Hyland Point. The city is divided into several districts, each with its own characteristics, opportunities, and dangers. Initially, you'll only have access to your starting district, with others becoming available as you progress.

Starting Resources

  • Cash: $500
  • Apartment: Basic studio in the Riverside district
  • Vehicle: None (public transportation available)
  • Weapons: None
  • Contacts: One low-level dealer (tutorial NPC)
  • Product: Small amount of low-quality product

PRO TIP: Don't spend all your starting cash at once. Reserve at least $200 for unexpected opportunities or emergencies.

Understanding the Game Interface

Main HUD Elements

  • Health Bar: Located in the top-left corner, this shows your current health status. If it depletes completely, you'll be "hospitalized" and lose a portion of your cash and inventory.
  • Cash Display: Shows your current liquid assets. This updates in real-time as you make transactions.
  • Heat Meter: Indicates your current level of police attention. Higher heat means more frequent police patrols and a greater chance of random stops or raids.
  • Reputation Indicators: Shows your standing with various factions in Hyland Point. This affects pricing, available missions, and how NPCs interact with you.
  • Mini-map: Displays your immediate surroundings, including points of interest, enemies, and police presence.

Menu Navigation

Press ESC to access the main menu, which includes:

  • Inventory: View and manage your current items, products, and equipment
  • Character: Check your skills, attributes, and progression
  • Map: Full city map with discovered locations and fast travel points
  • Business: Manage your properties, production facilities, and distribution network
  • Contacts: View your relationships with NPCs and factions
  • Journal: Track active and completed missions
  • Settings: Adjust game options and controls

Key Controls (Default)

Movement
  • W - Move forward
  • A - Move left
  • S - Move backward
  • D - Move right
  • Shift - Sprint
  • Ctrl - Crouch
  • Space - Jump
Combat
  • LMB - Attack/Shoot
  • RMB - Aim/Block
  • R - Reload
  • F - Melee attack
  • Q - Use consumable
  • 1-4 - Weapon selection
Interaction
  • E - Interact
  • Tab - Toggle inventory
  • M - Toggle map
  • C - Toggle character
  • B - Toggle business
Vehicles
  • F - Enter/exit vehicle
  • W - Accelerate
  • S - Brake/reverse
  • A/D - Steer
  • Space - Handbrake
  • Shift - Boost (if available)

Making Your First Connections

In Schedule I, your network of contacts is one of your most valuable assets. Building relationships with the right people will open up new opportunities, provide protection, and give you access to better products and equipment.

Where to Find Contacts

Early in the game, you can find potential contacts in:

  • Bars and Nightclubs: Great places to meet local dealers, fixers, and potential clients
  • Street Corners: Some NPCs hanging around certain areas may offer information or connections
  • Gyms: Good for meeting muscle-for-hire and protection contacts
  • Pawn Shops: Owners often have connections to the black market
  • Completing Missions: Many story missions introduce you to important NPCs

Building Relationships

Once you've identified a potential contact, you'll need to build trust:

  • Complete Favors: Many NPCs will ask for small favors before trusting you with bigger opportunities
  • Consistent Business: Regular transactions with the same dealer will improve your relationship
  • Respect Territory: Avoid selling in areas controlled by other dealers unless you have permission
  • Gift Giving: Some NPCs appreciate specific gifts that can improve your standing
  • Dialogue Choices: Your responses during conversations can significantly impact relationships

Key Early Contacts to Pursue

Marcus "The Chemist" Wilson

Location: Riverside Community College, Chemistry Department
Value: Can provide higher quality product and teach manufacturing skills
How to Meet: Complete the "Academic Pursuits" side mission available at the college

Sophia Reyes

Location: The Blue Note Jazz Club in Downtown
Value: Has connections to high-end clientele and can provide market information
How to Meet: Visit the club between 10 PM and 2 AM, purchase a VIP drink

Eddie "Fast Hands" Chen

Location: Dockside Gym in Harbor District
Value: Provides protection services and can teach combat skills
How to Meet: Join the gym ($200 membership fee) and participate in sparring

Officer Ray Daniels

Location: Donut shop across from Riverside Police Station
Value: Can provide police information and reduce heat levels
How to Meet: Requires high Charisma or completing the "Internal Affairs" mission

Your First Deals

The core gameplay loop of Schedule I revolves around buying, selling, and eventually producing various illegal substances. Understanding market dynamics is crucial for maximizing profits and minimizing risk.

Understanding the Market

The drug market in Schedule I is dynamic and responds to various factors:

  • Supply and Demand: Prices fluctuate based on availability and demand in each district
  • Quality Levels: Products come in different quality tiers, affecting price and customer satisfaction
  • Time of Day: Certain areas have higher demand during specific hours
  • Police Activity: Areas with high police presence are riskier but often have higher prices
  • Special Events: Concerts, festivals, and other events can temporarily increase demand

Making Safe Sales

When starting out, safety should be your priority:

  • Start Small: Make small transactions until you build a reputation
  • Know Your Territory: Avoid selling in areas controlled by gangs or with heavy police presence
  • Use Safe Locations: Alleyways, quiet parks, and certain businesses are safer for transactions
  • Watch for Undercover Cops: Use your Instinct skill (middle mouse button) to identify potential threats
  • Build a Client Base: Regular customers are safer than random street sales

Beginner's Sales Strategy

  1. Start by purchasing small amounts from your tutorial contact
  2. Sell in the Riverside District near the community college during evening hours (6-10 PM)
  3. Reinvest profits to purchase larger quantities, getting better bulk pricing
  4. As you build capital (around $2,000), start exploring neighboring districts for better prices
  5. Once you have $5,000, consider investing in a small stash house to reduce risk
  6. At $10,000, look into purchasing basic manufacturing equipment to increase margins

WARNING: Never carry all your product or cash at once. Store excess in your apartment or stash house to minimize losses if arrested or robbed.

Managing Heat and Staying Alive

In Schedule I, your actions generate "heat" – attention from law enforcement and rival organizations. Managing this heat is crucial for long-term success.

Understanding the Heat System

The Heat Meter in your HUD shows your current level of police attention:

  • Green (Low): Minimal police presence, routine patrols only
  • Yellow (Medium): Increased patrols, occasional random stops
  • Orange (High): Active investigation, frequent stops, possible surveillance
  • Red (Maximum): Active manhunt, roadblocks, raids on known properties

Heat is generated by:

  • Making sales in public areas
  • Violent actions (especially against civilians or police)
  • Being spotted by security cameras or witnesses during illegal activities
  • Failed transactions or deals gone wrong
  • Operating manufacturing facilities without proper precautions

Reducing Heat

Several methods can help reduce your heat level:

  • Lay Low: Heat naturally decreases over time if you avoid illegal activities
  • Change Appearance: Visit clothing stores to change your look
  • Police Bribes: Corrupt officers can reduce heat for a price
  • Legal Businesses: Operating legitimate front businesses helps reduce suspicion
  • Fixers: Specialized contacts can "make problems disappear" for a substantial fee
  • Safe Houses: Owning properties in different districts allows you to escape local heat

Survival Tips for Beginners

If Confronted by Police:
  • For minor offenses, paying a bribe is often cheaper than the consequences of arrest
  • If carrying illegal items, the "Drop Evidence" quick action (G key) can prevent charges
  • Running should be a last resort – it significantly increases heat if unsuccessful
  • Having a lawyer contact reduces fines and jail time if arrested
If Attacked by Rivals:
  • Early game: Running is usually your best option until you have proper weapons and skills
  • Use the environment for cover during combat
  • Civilian areas often have fewer rival gang members
  • Paying for protection can prevent many confrontations

First Week Goals

To set yourself up for success, aim to accomplish these goals during your first week in Hyland Point:

  1. Establish a Steady Income:

    Develop a routine of buying and selling that generates at least $1,000 per in-game day.

  2. Make Key Contacts:

    Connect with at least one supplier, one protection contact, and one information source.

  3. Secure a Better Living Situation:

    Upgrade your apartment or purchase a small property to use as a stash house.

  4. Acquire Basic Protection:

    Purchase at least one defensive weapon and body armor.

  5. Explore the City:

    Discover at least three districts of Hyland Point and identify profitable selling locations.

  6. Complete Tutorial Missions:

    Finish all available starter missions to unlock additional gameplay features.

Ready to Build Your Empire?

Now that you've learned the basics, it's time to put your knowledge to the test.

Get Schedule I Now