The best way to start a new game in Schedule I is to strip your entire starting RV for parts before it explodes, then use a simple exploit to get a free skateboard from the Shred Shack. This one-two punch gives you a full set of growing equipment and the mobility to immediately start making money, skipping the painful early-game grind entirely. Forget the grow tents and penniless walking; this strategy sets you up for a powerful mid-game before your first day is even over.
How do you loot the RV before it explodes?
That RV you spawn in is a ticking time bomb, but it's also a treasure chest. As soon as you arrive in the first major town, the game expects you to get out, triggering a cutscene where it gets blown to smithereens. Don't fall for it. Before you even think about stepping outside or picking up the cash from the first dead drop, you need to systematically dismantle the interior.
By holding right-click, you can pick up every piece of equipment. Grab the pots, the grow racks, the lights, and especially the packaging station. This isn't just a minor boost; it's a massive head start. Having a full grow setup from minute one means you can start cultivating in the motel immediately, bypassing the need to buy and assemble flimsy, inefficient grow tents. You're essentially jumping straight to a Tier 2 setup without spending a dime. Once you've pocketed every last item, and only then, should you exit the vehicle to continue the story.
How do you get a free skateboard?
Mobility is everything in the early game, and a skateboard is the single best upgrade you can get. It dramatically cuts down travel time, letting you run deals and errands faster. But Jeff at the Shred Shack charges a ridiculous $1,500 for his top-tier board, a fortune when you're just starting out. Luckily, you don't have to pay for it.
Step 1: Get a Weapon
First, you need a tool for persuasion. Head over to the basketball court near the starting area. On the ground near the entrance, you'll find a baseball bat. Pick it up. This will be your key to several early-game hustles, including this one.
Step 2: Buy the Skateboard (Temporarily)
Walk into the Shred Shack, located in the northern part of the map. Talk to Jeff and purchase the most expensive skateboard you can. The pricier boards are faster, so it's worth grabbing the best one. The money will leave your wallet, but don't worry, it's just on loan.
Step 3: Reclaim Your Cash
This is the crucial step. As soon as the transaction is complete, hop over the counter. Equip your baseball bat and give Jeff a swift whack to knock him out. While he's taking a nap on the floor, you can interact with him to pickpocket your money right back. Just like that, you've acquired the best personal vehicle in the game for absolutely nothing. You can even take this a step further by buying his entire stock, knocking him out, and then selling the extra boards at the pawn shop for a tidy starting profit.
Schedule I in-game screenshot
What are the best ways to make quick money early on?
With your free equipment and transportation secured, your next priority is cash. While growing and dealing is the main gameplay loop, a few early-game exploits can fill your pockets much faster, giving you the capital to expand your operation from day one.
Smash and Grab ATMs
Your new baseball bat isn't just for rude shopkeepers. The city's ATMs and 'Cuke' vending machines are effectively piggy banks waiting to be cracked open. Walk up to any of them, give it a solid hit with the bat, and cash will spill out onto the ground. Scoop it up and move on before the police show up. It's a simple, effective way to score a few hundred dollars whenever you're running low.
Flip Police Equipment
This method is higher risk, but the reward is substantial. The police officers patrolling the central parts of the map almost always carry a 1911 pistol and a magazine. These are late-game items that sell for a high price at the pawn shop. If you can isolate a cop and beat them unconscious, you can loot their gear. Before engaging, check their pockets to confirm they have the gun. After you've knocked them out, take the weapon and sell it to Mick at the pawn shop. It's a fast way to turn a bit of aggression into serious seed money for your empire.
Schedule I in-game screenshot
Abuse the Casino Slots
For a truly game-breaking amount of cash, head to the casino. This building, located centrally on the map, opens at 4:00 PM. Inside, you'll find the slot machines. These aren't just for show; they are heavily weighted in the player's favor and have a positive expected value (EV), meaning they are guaranteed to make you money over time. Set the bet to the maximum ($100) and start spinning. While you'll lose some pulls, the chance of hitting the $10,000 jackpot is incredibly high. You can stand between two machines and spam the handles to grind out tens of thousands of dollars in minutes. This is likely an exploit that will be patched, but for now, it's the single most effective way to become rich overnight.
What other essential tips should beginners know?
Beyond the big-ticket exploits, a few basic mechanics can make your life significantly easier as you navigate the city and its dangers.
Master the Trash Grabber
One of the first items you should buy from the hardware store is the Trash Grabber. This tool lets you pick up multiple pieces of trash at once, which is vital for cleaning your properties and making side income. The trick is efficiency. Don't just dump your grabbed trash into a bin. Instead, find a corner and pile all your garbage there. Then, take out a single trash bag. When you hold it, a large circle appears on the ground. Position this circle over your entire trash pile to bag dozens of items in one go. Take that super-dense bag to a 'Trash for Cash' bin to get a much larger payout than you would by bagging items individually.
Schedule I in-game screenshot
Learn How to Avoid Police Patrols
Police presence is heaviest in the central area of the map, especially along the main bridge. At night, they become much more aggressive. The easiest way to avoid them is to simply not use the main roads in the center of town. Stick to the outskirts. Running along the waterfront, for example, allows you to bypass the bridge and the patrols entirely. This simple pathing adjustment will save you from countless searches, arrests, and confiscated goods.
When you are forced into a search, remember you can conceal items. During the search sequence, you can click and hold on items in your inventory to hide them. With practice, you can quickly hide multiple items as the searchlight passes over them, ensuring your most valuable contraband stays safe.
Your First Day, Perfected
By following these steps, you transform the opening hours of Schedule I from a struggle for scraps into a power play. You'll exit the starting sequence with a full set of grow gear, a top-speed skateboard, and a wallet full of cash from ATMs and the casino. This foundation allows you to immediately invest in better properties, hire employees, and scale your business, effectively skipping the most tedious parts of the early game and putting you on the fast track to becoming the city's next kingpin.