You're standing in the northwest corner of Hyland Point. The rain is probably coming down, or maybe it’s just that oppressive, grey atmosphere the game does so well. You've got a backpack full of product and a debt that's starting to make your screen blur with stress. You head toward that flickering neon sign. Dan's Hardware Schedule 1 isn't just a place to buy a shovel; it’s the heartbeat of your entire operation.
Honestly, if you don't understand how Dan's place works, you aren't going to last a week in this game. Most players treat it like a standard RPG shop. They walk in, look for a "buy" menu, and walk out. That is a massive mistake.
Why Dan's Hardware is the North Star of Hyland Point
In the world of Schedule 1, Dan Samwell runs a shop that is remarkably legit on the surface. Between 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM, he’s just a guy selling soil and bags. But the game mechanics tied to this specific coordinate on the map are what actually drive your progression.
The shop is located right next to Sauerkraut Supreme Pizza and directly across from Bud's Bar. If you're lost, just look for the red crates.
The Real Purpose of the Hardware Store
Most people think they go to Dan's just for supplies. Sure, you need the basics. You need soil for your growth cycles. You need bags for distribution. But the real "secret" is the alleyway.
Albert Hoover, your first primary supplier, uses the back of Dan's Hardware as his main stash point. There’s a metal hatch or a deposit box on the wall—depending on which patch you’re running—right next to a blue door. This is where the magic (and the misery) happens.
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If you owe Albert money, you don't go find Albert. He doesn't want to see your face until you're "Loyal." You go to that wall behind Dan's and you drop the cash.
Decoding the Dan Samwell Schedule
Dan isn't a static NPC who just stands behind a counter 24/7. He has a life, and if you're trying to time a supply run or a "sensitive" meeting, you need to know where he is.
7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
He is inside the shop. This is your window for legitimate business. You can buy equipment here that is essential for scaling your "botany" hobby.
8:25 PM to 9:30 PM
He heads over to Sauerkraut Supreme Pizza. Why? Probably because it's the only food in town that doesn't taste like cardboard. If you're looking for him and the shop is locked, check the pizza joint.
9:45 PM to 1:00 AM
You'll find him at Bud's Bar. This is a great time to navigate the alleyways around his shop because he's occupied.
1:15 AM Onward
He retires to the room above the hardware store.
Why does this matter? Because the game tracks visibility. If you're doing something sketchy behind the shop while Dan is actually in the shop, your risk profile goes up. Wait until he's at the bar. It’s safer.
The Debt Trap and Order Limits
Here is the thing about Dan's Hardware Schedule 1 interactions: the debt system is ruthless.
When you order a "dead drop" from Albert, he doesn't just give you the stuff for free. He gives it to you on credit. The moment that order is placed, your debt increases.
Now, here is the nuance most players miss. Your "Order Limit" is tied to your debt. If your limit is $500 and you owe $300, you can only order $200 worth of new supplies.
- The Change Trick: When you go to the stash behind Dan's, you can actually put all your money in. The game will automatically subtract only what you owe and leave the rest as change.
- Reputation Grinding: Paying your debt at the Dan's Hardware location isn't just about clearing the balance. It builds trust. Once you hit "Loyal" status, the order caps basically disappear.
What Happens if You Answer Dan Honestly?
There's a famous moment early in the game. You walk in, and Dan, being the "friendly" neighborhood shopkeeper, asks what line of business you're in.
You have choices. You can be vague. Or you can tell him you're a drug dealer.
Kinda hilarious, right? But it actually has consequences. If you're honest about your illicit activities, Dan doesn't call the cops immediately, but it changes the "vibe" of the shop. Some players report that prices for high-end equipment fluctuate based on how much Dan likes (or fears) you.
Actionable Strategy for New Players
If you're just starting out in Schedule 1, follow this protocol to make sure you don't get stuck in a debt loop:
- The Morning Run: Hit Dan's Hardware at 8:00 AM. Buy your soil and bags early so you aren't carrying them around when the heat is high later in the day.
- The 30-Minute Rule: Every seed you order adds 30 in-game minutes to the delivery time. Calculate your arrival at the back of Dan's Hardware based on this. Don't stand around in the alley waiting; you'll get spotted.
- Laundering is Life: Use the Laundromat or Taco Ticklers to clean your cash before paying Albert at the hardware store stash. While you can pay with dirty cash, some players suspect it affects the "heat" of the location over time.
- The North End Route: Always approach Dan's from the east, past the Shop Shop. Approaching from the west bridge is a bottleneck and the police love to set up there.
Basically, Dan's Hardware is your home base. Treat the schedule with respect, pay your debts behind the blue door, and keep your head down when Dan is heading to Bud's Bar.
The most effective way to master the early game is to synchronize your growth cycles with Dan's operating hours. Make sure you have enough clean cash to clear your debt at the back hatch before you attempt to purchase high-capacity equipment from Dan's front counter. This ensures your reputation with both the "legit" and "underground" sides of the economy stays high.