The video game Schedule 1 has garnered significant attention since its release, with players exploring its unique simulation mechanics. For those considering the game, a free demo version is available, allowing potential players to try the core experience without cost. This demo, often referred to as the "Free Sample," provides access to the game's multiplayer functionality, enabling cooperative play. This article details how to access and play the multiplayer mode within the Schedule 1 free sample, based exclusively on information from the provided source material.
The game Schedule 1 is available in two forms: a full paid version and a free demo version. The free demo is officially named "Free Sample." Both the full version and the free demo include multiplayer functionality, allowing players to collaborate with friends. The game is a simulator where players develop an empire, and cooperative play is designed to facilitate this process. As of the provided information, the game entered Early Access on March 24, 2025. The multiplayer feature is integrated into both the demo and the full game, meaning the core co-op experience is accessible to all players, regardless of whether they purchase the full title.
To play Schedule 1 in multiplayer mode, players must set up or join a lobby. The process for initiating a multiplayer session is straightforward. The host player needs to locate the 'Lobby' menu, which is situated in the top-right corner of the game's user interface. Once the lobby menu is open, the host can utilise Steam's integrated friend mechanics to send invitations to other players. This system means that multiplayer functionality is tied to a player's Steam account and friends list.
The multiplayer mode in Schedule 1 is designed for cooperative play, with a maximum of four players per lobby. This means a host can invite up to three friends to join their game session. This player cap is consistent across both the free demo and the full paid version of the game. Playing in a group is noted as a method that can help players progress more efficiently, such as making in-game money using faster methods.
The structure of multiplayer in Schedule 1 is host-centric. The player who creates the lobby, the host, retains primary control over the session. A key responsibility of the host is saving the game. Progress made by a player in a friend's multiplayer lobby does not carry over to that player's own single-player game. If a player joins a friend's game directly without having started a single-player campaign, they will not unlock anything in their own game, and no single-player save file will be created. This design ensures that the host's world and progress are the central focus of the multiplayer session.
Financial and inventory systems within the multiplayer mode have specific rules that players should understand. Earnings and money deposited in the bank during a multiplayer session are pooled collectively for all players in the lobby. However, cash carried in a player's personal pocket remains individual. Regarding items, they cannot be directly traded or shared between players' inventories. For an item to be accessible to another player, it must first be placed into a shared storage unit. Once an item is in storage, other players can then pick it up. This mechanic encourages collaborative resource management and placement of items in the shared environment.
The free demo, or "Free Sample," allows players to experience these multiplayer features without financial commitment. It serves as a promotional trial, enabling potential buyers to test the cooperative mechanics, understand the game's flow, and determine if the full version is worth purchasing. The availability of the demo alongside the full game ensures that players can make an informed decision before investing in the complete title.
In summary, the Schedule 1 free sample provides full access to the game's multiplayer co-op mode. Players can join friends in lobbies of up to four people, with the host managing the game save. Financial rewards are pooled, while personal cash is separate, and items must be placed in shared storage to be accessible to others. This structure is identical in both the demo and the full game, making the free sample a comprehensive trial of the cooperative experience.