Schedule 1 places the player in the role of a low-level dealer trying to rise through the criminal ranks in a fictional west-coast city called Hyland Point. Starting with nothing but a few contacts and a rough plan, the goal is to build a functioning drug empire by producing and distributing controlled substances. Each drug has its own crafting process, requiring players to learn how to manage time, resources, and risk. The deeper you go, the more complex the system becomes—special recipes unlock stronger variants, and customer demand shifts based on quality, price, and availability.
Hyland Point is an open urban space, where players can move freely on foot, by skateboard, or in vehicles to deliver product, scout new locations, or handle disputes. As the operation grows, players can recruit dealers, assign routes, and purchase properties to turn safehouses into labs or distribution hubs. The city is reactive—law enforcement presence changes based on your heat level, and rival factions attempt to sabotage or overtake your turf. Defensive measures become necessary, from simple concealment tactics to full-on confrontations using fists, blunt weapons, or firearms.
Scaling up means shifting focus from street-level deals to logistics and personnel. Players must manage production cycles, monitor inventory, and balance staff efficiency with loyalty. Automation becomes possible through supplier contracts and advanced equipment, but with greater growth comes greater visibility. The game supports cooperative multiplayer, allowing players to build and defend their empire together while dividing tasks like transportation, negotiation, and combat. Schedule 1 blends open-world movement, resource strategy, and active risk management into a system where success depends on coordination, adaptability, and a firm grip on the business.