Schedule I Beginner's Guide — Getting Started with Your Drug Empire

What is Schedule I?

Schedule I is an open-world drug empire simulation game. You start as a broke dealer in a motel room, and your goal is to build a criminal empire from scratch. Mix ingredients, recruit dealers, bribe cops, and expand your territory to become the most powerful drug lord in Hyland Point.

Starting Out

Your First Weed Batch

1. Buy seeds from the gas station supplier
2. Plant in your starting pot
3. Water daily and wait for harvest
4. Dry and package the product
5. Sell to your first customers

First Customers

Talk to NPCs around town. Your starting customer pool is small — build reputation by delivering on time and selling quality product. Each customer has preferred effects and a price range they'll pay.

Money Management

• Keep enough cash to restock supplies
• Don't spend all profits on upgrades immediately
• First goal: $1,000 saved before expanding

Core Mechanics

Mixing System

Every product can have effects added by mixing in ingredients. Effects increase the value of your product significantly.

Base Product	Starting Value
Weed	~$30–50/unit
Meth	~$70–120/unit
Cocaine	~$90–150/unit

Mixing in effects can double or triple the sell price.

Reputation

Reputation determines:

• Which customers approach you
• How much they're willing to pay
• Access to better suppliers and zones

Build rep by completing deliveries on time and keeping product quality high.

Police

Police attention increases when you operate openly. Early game:

• Deal in low-visibility areas
• Keep batch sizes small
• Don't carry product when wanted level is high

Progression Path

1. Days 1–5: Learn mixing basics, build customer base
2. Days 6–15: Hire first dealer, automate deliveries
3. Days 16–30: Expand to second property, add Meth production
4. Month 2+: Full automation, multiple territories, police on payroll

Common Beginner Mistakes

• Over-expanding too fast — hire one dealer at a time and train them
• Ignoring effects — unmixed product leaves huge money on the table
• Neglecting supplier relationships — unlock better ingredients early
• Getting caught with product — always stash before moving around

Related Guides

• Mixing Basics
• Weed Recipes
• Customer Preferences
• Making Money Fast