Schedule I’s v0.4.0: Rival Cartel update released on August 27, 2025—not in the late-July window originally forecast. The update added the Benzies Family, cartel-influence progression, graffiti, new locations and gear, and automatic save backups.
When did the Rival Cartel update release?
Schedule I v0.4.0: Rival Cartel launched on August 27, 2025, according to the Steam release notice. The earlier community-vote announcement had forecast a late-July release, so “coming next month” is now outdated.
Developer Tyler said the release arrived about a month later than first intended. In the patch notes, Tyler cited underestimated implementation work, late additions including graffiti and the pump shotgun, moving house, and university exams. Tyler added: “In the future, I’m going to try my best to provide due dates only when I’m really confident that I’ll actually be able to make that deadline.”
Why was the Rival Cartel update chosen?
The update came from Schedule I’s first community vote. The developer’s announcement reported more than 440,000 submissions, with 64% voting for the Rival Cartel option. Those figures are from the developer’s vote announcement.
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What did the Benzies Family add?
The Benzies Family is a powerful cartel in Hyland Point and the update’s central rival. Its encounters bring direct pressure into the player’s operations. The patch notes list cartel deals while the player is truced, ambushes, dealer robberies, dead-drop theft, and deals involving cartel customers.
How do cartel influence and graffiti affect progression?
Regions now have cartel-influence levels, and players must reduce that influence to progress. The update’s graffiti system gives players a way to push back: creating graffiti reduces cartel influence and grants XP. Spray paint and graffiti cleaner were added alongside the system.
What else came with v0.4.0?
- Hyland Manor: A new property that becomes purchasable only after completing the Benzies Family storyline.
- Hotbox: A new vehicle.
- Combat gear: A pump shotgun and shotgun shells.
- Save protection: Automatic save backups, enabled by default. Players can turn them off under Settings > Other.
These additions and the progression changes are detailed in the v0.4.0 patch notes.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is Rival Cartel still the latest Schedule I update?
No. The Rival Cartel release was a major earlier update, not a current upcoming release. A Steam-derived release-history index records later Schedule I updates through August 14, 2026, including an August 1, 2026 pre-announcement for v0.4.6: Gamepad Support + Optimization. That dated index does not establish which build is live on October 8, 2026.
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