The Rival Cartel update in Schedule 1 brings a massive shift to how players build their underworld empire in Hyland Point. Instead of relying on straightforward level-based progression, the update introduces a more dynamic system that demands strategy, timing, and tactical decision-making.
To unlock new territories, players now face the challenge of taking down the Benzies family Cartel, gradually weakening their control on the city. This territorial control mechanic adds deeper immersion, making every expansion feel earned while pushing players to engage more actively with the evolving world of Schedule 1.
Here’s everything you need to know about expanding territory to grow your drug empire in Schedule 1.
Cartel Influence system in Schedule 1
The Rival Cartel update in Schedule 1 completely reimagines progression by replacing the old level-based unlocks with a Cartel influence system. Instead of simply hitting a character level and moving forward, you now need to strategically weaken Cartel control in each region before unlocking new areas.
Each part of Hyland Point comes with its own influence percentage, showing just how much power the rival Cartel holds. To reduce it, players must engage in activities that chip away at their dominance, whether that’s making deliveries, coming out victorious in ambushes, or other strategic moves like doing graffiti. Once the influence drops below the required threshold, the next territory becomes available for you to expand into.
This mechanic shifts Schedule 1 from being a straightforward simulation into a true strategic conquest experience. Every decision directly impacts the balance of power and makes progression feel earned while also immersing players in a constant battle for control.
How to reduce Cartel Influence
One of the most effective ways to push back the Benzies’ family in Schedule 1’s Rival Cartel update is by unlocking new customers. Every customer you bring on board directly reduces their control, essentially stealing market share and building your own dominance.
The smart play is to focus on high-value customers who provide steady income, rather than spreading yourself too thin. Building your network systematically strengthens your operation and cuts deeper into cartel influence.
Another major addition is the graffiti system, which lets you visually mark and claim territory. Spray paint cans can be picked up at the Gas Mart for $10 each, and the number you can buy depends on your character level. The more cans you have, the more ground you can cover.
Graffiti doesn’t just look cool; it lowers Cartel influence in the area, grants you XP, and establishes visible control across neighborhoods. If things ever get messy or you want a cleaner look, the graffiti cleaner is always an option to tidy up your turf.
Of course, no empire expands without resistance, and that’s where ambush encounters come into play. When cartel members attack your operations, coming out on top puts a notable dent in their regional influence. These fights scale with your growth, meaning the more powerful you get, the tougher the Cartel becomes.
The update also puts a strong emphasis on disrupting Cartel operations directly. Cutting off their deals, blocking customer meetings, and preventing resource theft all weaken their standing. Keeping an eye on their movement patterns, shutting down transactions before they happen, and securing dead drops quickly can make a real difference in the fight for territory.
Altogether, these systems transform Schedule 1 from a straightforward progression game into a full-on strategic conquest, where every action you take, whether it’s recruiting new customers, spraying graffiti, winning fights, or sabotaging deals, shapes the balance of power in Hyland Point. It’s not just about climbing levels anymore; it’s about proving who really controls the streets.
Region Progression in the Rival Cartel update
Before you can challenge the Benzies’ family, the first step is to establish your presence in Westville. This means unlocking a set of local customers and building enough influence to get noticed. You’ll need to reach at least Hoodlum I rank before things progress, and once you’ve gained multiple customers, the Cartel finally takes an interest in your growing operation. That’s when the real fight begins.
After solidifying your presence, you’ll eventually receive a message from Thomas Benzies himself, asking to meet at the Taco Ticklers parking lot. For returning players, this moment only triggers after resting, so don’t be surprised if you have to sleep first.
When the meeting happens, you’re faced with a major choice: accept the Cartel’s deal and work under their restrictions, or refuse and start an open war. While taking the deal may feel safer in the short term, refusing is the smarter long-term move. Walking away from their control is what gives you the freedom to expand without limits.
Once you’ve chosen the path of defiance, the real battle begins with actively reducing Cartel influence across every region. Every action counts here: graffiti campaigns in disputed areas, securing new customers, defending yourself in ambush encounters, and disrupting Cartel deals all chip away at their control. The key is to stay consistent, because the more influence you strip away, the closer you get to unlocking new areas of the map.
As soon as a region’s Cartel influence percentage falls below the required threshold, that territory becomes yours to expand into. The system makes every decision feel impactful, transforming what was once a simple grind for XP into a high-stakes territorial conquest where every move pushes you closer to controlling all of Hyland Point.
For more on Schedule 1, check out our guides on how to find the Stash and Dash Storage Unit, and the best customers for all dealers.
