Top 10 Games Like Schedule I - Ranked Crime and Underworld Sims

Loving the criminal empire grind in Schedule I? We ranked 10 games that scratch that same itch – from gritty drug sims to strategic cartel builders!

Schedule I took the world by storm when it first launched on Steam, and to this day, it continues to amass tens of thousands of active players daily. The fan community instantly loved it for its fun gameplay, delivering a unique blend of freedom, danger, and progression. Moreover, its developer, who consistently stays in touch with the fan base, is seen as a role model for other creators of similar content in the indie scene.

Game	Release	Genre	Developer
Drug Dealer Simulator 2	2024-06-20	Simulator & Adventure	Byterunners Game Studio
Cartel Tycoon	2021-03-18	Strategy & Simulator	Moon Moose
Empire Of Sin	2020-12-01	Strategy & Adventure	Romero Games Ltd.
Red Dead Redemption 2	2018-10-26	Adventure & Shooter	Rockstar Games
Crime Scene Cleaner	2024-08-14	Simulator & Indie	President Studio
Stardew Valley	2016-02-26	Role-playing (RPG) & Simulator	ConcernedApe
Internet Cafe Simulator 2	2022-01-07	Simulator & Strategy	Cheesecake Dev
Forager	2019-04-18	Puzzle & Role-playing (RPG)	HopFrog
Grand Theft Auto V	2015-04-14	Action, Adventure	Rockstar North
Thief Simulator 2	2023-10-04	Simulator	MrCiastku

But wait, is there similar content out there? Does this sandbox underworld gem even have any worthy rivals? It turns out it does, as the growing community around indie drug dealer sims craves an identical, or at least somewhat comparable, experience. So here we are, with your dream list of games similar to Schedule I!

Drug Dealer Simulator 2

Release date:	2024-06-20
Genre:	Simulator & Adventure
Developer:	Byterunners Game Studio

Play as young Eddie to flee to Isla Sombra and fulfill his life’s greatest dream – to become the king of the drug underworld!

Image credit: Byterunners Game Studio

In this open world crime simulator, you can experience a thrilling journey from zero to antihero! Like in Schedule I, you’ll produce drugs, develop a network of suppliers, acquire new clients, and hire employees. Although it’s a single-player title, its atmosphere and available activities are remarkably similar to those of Schedule I. Plus, you’ll always have to keep an eye on your surroundings to avoid falling into the hands of the DEA or local militia!

You may like it because
It’s a single-player business sim set in the Caribbean You can grow and develop your character into the most successful drug dealer You’ll produce drugs, hire employees, and maintain your reputation The open-world environment guarantees plenty of activities

Drug Dealer Simulator 2

Release date:	2021-03-18
Genre:	RTS
Developer:	Moon Moose

Travel to ’80s Latin America to establish your drug kingdom and become one of the most influential kingpins of the era!

Image credit: Moon Moose

Cartel Tycoon is an incredibly gripping cartel strategy game where everyone, from local gangs to the CIA, will threaten your business. But don’t worry, no matter what happens, your successor will inherit what’s left of your cartel and rebuild it. It’s an excellent recommendation for Schedule I fans craving a slightly more tactical approach to the familiar empire gameplay!

You may like it because
It features an atmospheric ’80s Latin America setting Multiple game modes await Your choices and actions matter Death is inevitable (but so is your future success!)

Cartel Tycoon

Release date:	2015-04-14
Genre:	Adventure
Developer:	Rockstar North

Although Schedule I and GTA Online may seem different at first glance, they share certain similarities when it comes to the features of crime simulator games.

Image credit: Rockstar North

Since GTA Online focuses on criminal activity, drug dealing is one of the game’s optional activities. Once you purchase an MC Business, you can move straight to your favorite drug crafting business, then sell your products and earn millions. In short, GTA is an ideal choice if you want to build a thriving criminal empire!

You may like it because
You can engage in criminal activity in the massive open world of Los Santos Purchasing MC Business lets you earn millions as a drug dealer You can pick from Cocaine Lockup, Meth Lab, or Weed Farm You can play it with others

GTA Online

Release date:	2020-12-01
Genre:	Role-playing (RPG) & Strategy
Developer:	Romero Games Ltd.

1920s Chicago was a golden age for those who wanted to engage in criminal activity, and now you can too!

Image credit: Romero Games Ltd.

While Empire of Sin doesn’t focus on the drug trade, it’s an excellent choice for players looking to try their hand at the illegal alcohol trade during Prohibition. Best of all, you can take on the role of fourteen real-life or inspired-by-real-life mafia bosses to build your own sin empire! Like in Schedule I, this process will require some management skills and multitasking, but that’s what we’re all looking for in this ranking, right?

You may like it because
You can build your own sin empire in 1920s Chicago There are 14 unique characters to choose from The illegal alcohol trade is a central feature of the game You decide what kind of boss you want to be

Empire of Sin

Release date:	2018-10-26
Genre:	Shooter & Role-playing (RPG)
Developer:	Rockstar Games

While RDR 2 may not be the perfect choice if you’re looking for drug empire builder games, it will certainly meet your expectations if you want to try various criminal activities.

Image credit: Rockstar Games

Like GTA Online, RDR 2 lets you engage in various criminal activities set in an immersive Western world. You can rob a bank, have fun with gambling, hunt, or sell acquired (often illegal) loot to fully enjoy everything the game has to offer. Furthermore, it features a rich morality system, so every action influences your reputation!

You may like it because
It’s an immersive, unforgettable story set in the late 1800s American West Your choices matter You can engage in a multitude of activities, including illegal ones It’s one of the games with the best world design

Red Dead Redemption 2

Release date:	2024-08-14
Genre:	Simulator & Indie
Developer:	President Studio

You need to save your daughter, so it’s time to take matters (and your mop) into your own hands and begin your career as a crime scene cleaner for the mafia.

Image credit: President Studio

CSC is a unique game – your job is to clean up crime scenes to pay for your daughter’s hospital stay. You must be clever, fast, precise, and determined to complete each job and earn cash. While it’s not a classic co-op drug sim like Schedule I, it definitely delivers a similar vibe!

You may like it because
You must prove yourself as a father and the mafia’s silent cleaner You’ll have the chance to enjoy a thorough cleanup after brutal mafia jobs Valuable loot awaits You must be careful to complete each mission before the cops arrive

Crime Scene Cleaner

Release date:	2023-10-04
Genre:	Simulator & Indie
Developer:	MrCiastku

Tired of producing and selling drugs in Schedule I? Here’s an alternative – become a professional thief!

Image credit: MrCiastku

Gather information on your target, equip yourself with the necessary gear, cover your tracks, and steal! Thief Simulator is a dream come true and plenty of fun for anyone who has ever wondered how exciting the life of a thief can be – now’s your turn to find out!

You may like it because
Every mission requires precision and accurate timing You can sell stolen goods Success requires careful preparation and target observation You can build a house and test its resistance to attacks from other thieves

Thief Simulator

Release date:	2016-02-26
Genre:	Role-playing (RPG) & Simulator
Developer:	ConcernedApe

It’s an alternative for players seeking similar gameplay mechanics to those of Schedule I, but set in a peaceful and cozy environment.

Image credit: ConcernedApe

While Stardew Valley doesn’t feature any illegal activity, it offers a similarly complex trading system, business development, a focus on profit, and the production of your own goods. Some quests even lead to morally grey conclusions, so players seeking a more relaxing alternative may find its gameplay exceptionally satisfying.

You may like it because
It’s a relaxing and charming game about restoring your farm to its former glory. It focuses on producing goods and trading them for profit There are secrets and shady plot threads to discover You can play it solo or in multiplayer

Stardew Valley

Release date:	2022-01-07
Genre:	Simulator & Strategy
Developer:	Cheesecake Dev

Running an internet cafe may sound innocent, but you’ll soon discover that success in this business requires unexpected solutions!

Image credit: Cheesecake Dev

Play as the owner of an internet cafe to pay off your brother’s debt. You’ll start modestly – with just one computer in a small, poorly furnished space. But soon, customer visits will bring in greater profits, allowing you to invest in better equipment, power generators, and even defenses against gangster attacks. Are you ready?

You may like it because
You can become the owner of a thriving internet cafe You’ll have to pay off your brother’s debt and protect your business Every bit of profit lets you invest in better equipment You can try your hand at illegal activities

Internet Cafe Simulator 2

Release date:	2019-04-18
Genre:	Puzzle & Role-playing (RPG)
Developer:	HopFrog

Like Stardew Valley, Forager offers a similarly comprehensive experience focusing on improving your base, gathering resources, and making a profit. Similar to Schedule I, but with no illegal activity involved!

Image credit: HopFrog

Forager is an adorable 2D open-world game where you can explore, gather resources, craft items, develop your base, grow plants, and care for animals. Furthermore, the game offers puzzles, secrets, and dungeon-riding! As you can see, it can be a fun alternative to Schedule I if you prefer a peaceful gameplay experience with up to 42 hours of engaging activities (in a completionist approach).

You may like it because
You can create and develop your base There are plenty of secrets to discover Crafting, gathering, and farming await You can build an empire using your business skills

Forager

What do you think of our ranking and suggested alternatives? We highly recommend playing these games, as each offers a unique experience that shares similar features with Schedule I, whether you prefer a more violent or peaceful approach. Have a favorite criminal sim game or empire-building tip you want to share? Let us know!