The long-awaited Schedule 1 Rival Cartel update has officially gone live after weeks of testing, marking the biggest content drop the indie drug-dealing simulator has seen since its Steam debut. At the heart of the patch is the arrival of the Benzies family cartel, a fierce new faction that completely reshapes how players survive and strategize in the gritty streets of Hyland Point.
Alongside this major gameplay shift, the update also rolls out powerful new additions to help players expand their empire. From the hard-hitting pump shotgun to the sleek Hotbox luxury vehicle and the prestigious Hyland Manor property, the patch gives you fresh tools to climb the criminal ladder and outmaneuver rivals like never before.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new Rival Cartel update in Schedule 1.
Rival Cartel update in Schedule 1
The v0.4.0 update for Schedule 1 isn’t just a routine patch; it’s a full-blown evolution of the game’s core mechanics. Apart from the headline additions, the new cartel influence system completely changes how regions progress, while the addition of a strategic graffiti feature gives players fresh ways to assert dominance on the streets. On top of that, the introduction of automatic save backups ensures your hard-earned empire stays safe from unexpected technical setbacks.
Whether you’re a veteran kingpin returning to reestablish your dominance or a first-time player stepping into Hyland Point’s dangerous underworld, this update delivers the most immersive and high-stakes Schedule 1 experience yet. It’s bigger, tougher, and more rewarding than anything the game has offered before.
Benzies Family Rival Cartel
The Benzies family arrives in Hyland Point as a ruthless new rival cartel, bringing a level of challenge unlike anything players have faced before. Unlike typical NPC factions, the Benzies can’t be brushed aside or avoided—they’re gunning for the same territory, customers, and resources that fuel your empire.
You’ll first encounter them after unlocking multiple customers in Westville, signaling the beginning of a far more dangerous stage in your criminal journey. From cartel-player deals during truces to dead drop thefts, the Benzies introduce mechanics that demand sharper strategy and adaptability.
What makes them truly dangerous is their versatility. They’ll negotiate with you during temporary truces, strike suddenly with devastating ambushes, rob your dealers, and even steal your customer base by making direct sales. The addition of dead drop theft further transforms supply runs into high-stakes tactical plays, where location and timing are everything.
Conquering this storyline ultimately grants access to Hyland Manor, the most prestigious property in Schedule 1. More than just a safe house, it’s both a symbol of dominance and a powerful operational hub that will become your ultimate reward for surviving the brutal cartel warfare the Benzies bring to the table.
New weapons, vehicles, and properties
Schedule 1’s arsenal takes a major leap forward with the introduction of the pump shotgun, priced at $7,500, along with its custom shells. Designed for close-quarters dominance, this weapon packs devastating power that makes it indispensable during urban firefights, whether you’re clashing with rival gangs or fending off law enforcement raids.
Beyond raw firepower, the shotgun’s intimidation factor alone can defuse conflicts before they escalate, while its effectiveness in tight spaces makes it ideal for protecting safehouses or reclaiming contested turf.
On the luxury side, the Hotbox vehicle, a G-Wagon-inspired powerhouse modeled after the Mercedes G63, hits the streets for $30,000 with multiple color options. More than just transportation, it doubles as a mobile status symbol that commands instant respect across Hyland Point. Its rugged design handles high-speed pursuits and off-road escapes, while its spacious interior supports larger shipments to fuel your empire’s growth.
For those who conquer the Benzies’ family storyline, the ultimate prize awaits: Hyland Manor. This prestigious estate doesn’t just elevate your reputation; it provides powerful strategic advantages and serves as the headquarters for long-term domination in Schedule 1.
Graffiti, regional progress, and other changes
Territory control in Schedule 1 takes on a whole new dimension with the introduction of spray paint mechanics. Available at Gas Mart for just $10 each, spray cans are tied directly to your character’s progression, one can per rank achieved.
This isn’t just cosmetic flair; graffiti now plays a vital strategic role. By tagging contested areas, players can weaken cartel influence, gain valuable XP, and actively claim territory, turning expansion into a hands-on conquest rather than a passive unlock. On the flip side, graffiti cleaner allows you to wipe unwanted markings, adding another layer of control to how you manage and defend your turf.
The update also reshapes region progression through a fresh cartel influence system. Instead of simply hitting milestones, players must now lower rival influence to unlock new areas, achieved through activities like securing customers, disrupting cartel deals, winning ambushes, or strategic spray paint placement.
Multiplayer also gets a major boost, with real-time NPC dialogue visibility enhancing team coordination during deals, and automatic trade cancellation if a dealer is eliminated, bringing realism and consequences to every encounter. To top it off, an automatic save backup system safeguards your empire, ensuring no progress is lost when switching to new versions, a quality-of-life upgrade that keeps your criminal empire secure.
What’s next for Schedule 1?
Tyler, the developer behind Schedule 1 (TVGS), addressed the community with an apology for the update’s late arrival, admitting it dropped “about a month later” than intended. While the wait was longer than expected, the payoff is clear: the Rival Cartel update delivers a highly polished package with deep new mechanics and robust content.
Players won’t have to wait long to shape the game’s future either, as the next community vote goes live next week. Previous ballots saw the Cartel expansion triumph over the Police and Shrooms updates, but both features could make a return in upcoming rounds.
Looking ahead, Tyler has promised a more realistic approach to release scheduling, explaining he’ll only announce dates when he’s confident they can be met. This quality-first mindset ensures that updates maintain the same high standards set by v0.4.0. The Rival Cartel update is more than just fresh content; it marks a turning point for the indie sim, evolving it into a fully-fledged empire-building experience.
From dangerous cartel rivalries and tactical territory wars to expanded player choices, this patch gives both newcomers and veterans the chance to carve out their criminal legacy in Hyland Point’s cutthroat underworld.
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.
