Schedule 1 is quickly becoming one of the most buzzed-about indie simulation games on Steam, offering a gritty and immersive experience where players rise through the ranks of the criminal underworld. Drawing inspiration from cult classics like Breaking Bad, this game lets you step into the shoes of a small-time hustler looking to build a drug empire in the fictional city of Hyland Point.
If you’re new to the game and wondering how to get started in Schedule 1, this beginner-friendly guide breaks it all down—from your first grow operation to expanding your underground empire. Let’s dive in.
Starting Out in Hyland Point
Your journey begins with nothing but a beat-up RV and a small plot to grow your first marijuana plants. The city of Hyland Point is gritty, dynamic, and full of opportunity—if you’re smart enough to survive its challenges.
At the start, your primary goal is to set up a basic grow operation. This means buying seeds, soil, and lights, then planting and maintaining your crops. Early on, it’s just you, your plants, and the hope of making your first few sales. Once your marijuana is harvested, you’ll need to package it and sell it to locals to earn some starting cash.
This phase is all about learning the core gameplay mechanics—growing, harvesting, packaging, and selling. It’s slow at first, but that’s the point: you’re just getting your hands dirty.
Building Your First Operation
Once you’ve made your first few sales, it’s time to think bigger. You can start upgrading your setup with better equipment like grow lights, ventilation systems, and hydroponic rigs. This will increase your yield and improve the quality of your product—two things that directly affect your reputation and profits.
The RV remains your base early on, but eventually, you’ll unlock access to bigger and more secure locations. Warehouses, apartments, and even hidden labs become available as you scale your operation. The more you expand, the more you’ll need to consider logistics, security, and management.
Your reputation grows with every successful deal, but so does your risk. Law enforcement becomes more aware of your actions, and competitors might not take kindly to your rising influence. Be prepared to deal with escalating threats as you scale your business.
Moving Into More Complex Substances
As you grow more confident and wealthy, Schedule 1 gives you the option to expand beyond marijuana. Eventually, you can start producing more high-stakes substances like methamphetamine and cocaine. This unlocks new gameplay mechanics and more significant profits—but also brings far more danger.
These advanced operations require better equipment, cleaner labs, and tighter security. You’ll also need to manage chemical resources and staff more carefully. It’s no longer a one-man operation; you’re building an empire.
Producing harder substances increases your profile in the criminal world, which can attract unwanted attention from both the police and rival organizations. Every choice you make at this point carries heavy consequences.
Navigating Hyland Point’s Challenges
Hyland Point isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a living, breathing world with dynamic systems. Police patrols vary by area and time of day, which means you’ll need to plan operations carefully to avoid busts. Rival dealers may try to undercut you or sabotage your business, adding a layer of strategy and tension to your rise.
Keeping a low profile becomes just as important as expanding your operations. You might have to bribe local officials, change up your distribution routes, or even take out competitors to stay ahead.
Customers, too, become more demanding. They’ll want higher quality products, faster delivery, and consistent supply. Failing to meet expectations can tank your reputation, which directly impacts your earnings and growth potential.
Tips for Getting Started in Schedule 1
Success in Schedule 1 doesn’t come easy, but with smart planning, you can quickly build momentum. Here are some key tips to help you hit the ground running:
Focus on One Product First
When you first start out, stick with marijuana. It’s simple to grow and sell, and it gives you a solid foundation to understand the mechanics of cultivation and distribution before taking on harder drugs.
Invest in Upgrades Early
Use your profits to buy better equipment. Upgraded grow lights, automated watering systems, and improved packaging tools not only increase efficiency but also improve product quality, which boosts your reputation and revenue.
Stay Mobile and Undetected
In the early game, law enforcement is a looming threat. Keep your operations small, mobile, and low-profile. Avoid drawing too much attention, and don’t sell too aggressively in one area for too long.
Watch the Streets
Hyland Point is a dangerous place. Always pay attention to patrol patterns and rival activity. Scouting and planning can help you avoid getting raided or ambushed, saving you from serious setbacks.
Expand Gradually
Don’t try to take over the city overnight. Schedule 1 is a game of strategy and timing. Grow slowly, build trust with customers, and make calculated moves as you gain more influence.
Final Thoughts
Schedule 1 isn’t just another simulation game—it’s a complex criminal empire simulator with layers of progression, strategy, and real-world tension. Knowing how to get started in Schedule 1 is key to surviving your first few hours in Hyland Point and setting the stage for empire-building success.
From humble beginnings in an RV to running a full-blown underground operation, the journey is full of highs and hazards. With the right moves, you can rise to the top—but only if you play smart, stay hidden, and keep your operation tight.
So fire up the game, stock up on supplies, and start planting your first seeds—both literally and figuratively. Hyland Point is waiting.
