Schedule I: Operative Builds - Shadow & Steel Guide

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This guide covers the initial steps for setting up your operative build in Schedule I, focusing on the "Shadow & Steel" aspect. It details character creation, early quests, equipment acquisition, and the first steps in planting.

Walkthrough

1
Character Creation: Customize your appearance; this choice is permanent in-game but can be changed via game files. Future updates will include in-game barbershops and clothing stores.
2
Starting the Game: After the intro cutscene and character customization, you spawn near the bus station. Receive the "Getting Started" quest, open your phone ('Tab'), and read messages. Go to the payphone to meet "U.N." (Uncle Nelson), who instructs you to retrieve his stash near the skatepark. Collect $375 from the dead drop.
3
Renting a Motel Room: Speak to Donna, the motel manager, to start the "Rent a motel room" quest. You can pickpocket Donna to steal back the $75 needed for the room. Enter room 1 to complete the quest objective. Return to Uncle Nelson at the payphone.
4
Buying Equipment: Begin the "Gearing Up" questline. Go to the hardware store (marked by a yellow star on the map, or by following the road past your room). Deposit your cash at the ATM. Purchase a grow tent, soil bag, and watering can from Dan. It's recommended to also buy "Plant Trimmers", a "Packaging Station", and 10 "Baggies". Consider a trash grabber and a "Trash bag" for optional quests and space management. If you tell Dan you're a drug dealer, he may gift you "Speed Grow". Return to your motel room, place the grow tent, and add soil to the pot.
5
Planting your First Seeds: Talk to Uncle Nelson again to meet Albert Hoover. Check your phone for a message from Albert. To order seeds, select "I need to order a [dead drop]". Purchase "OG Kush" seeds. Albert will deliver them to a dead drop location within 30 in-game minutes (or 4 in-game hours for subsequent deliveries). Your debt is placed on a tab, payable at the dead drop behind the hardware store. Pick up the seed from the highlighted dead drop. Sow the seed in the grow tent by holding the seed and pressing "E". Water the plant using the watering can, which can be filled at the sink.

Tips

Character appearance can be changed in game files and will be customizable in future updates via shops.
Speed-runners can open the motel room door and take one step inside to complete the objective quickly.
Depositing cash at the ATM is safer as it prevents loss from fines or medical bills.
Dead drops are highlighted when they contain items.
Albert Hoover's deliveries are placed in dead drops; pay your tab at the dead drop behind the hardware store.
OG Kush is recommended for its ease of use in creating better products.

The initial reward is $375 from Uncle Nelson's stash, with the potential to steal back $75 for the motel room, providing an early cash boost.