Schedule 1‘s the Cartel update has finally been released and we can say that it didn’t disappoint.
The update introduces the Benzies’ family cartel, which will prove to be a huge problem for our empire. There is no real upside to having them around so eventually you’ll have to deal with them one way or the other. The Benzies family quest also unlock Hayland Manor if you wish to purchase it later on.
The whole questline of unlocking the cartel begins when you get a message from a mysterious person, telling you to meet them at the parking lot in Taco Ticklers. He will give you two options: either you join them or become the cartel’s enemy. Below, we will discuss both scenarios and what you should do when presented with the options.
Agree or Refuse Thomas’ Deal
The short version is that making a deal with Thomas means a truce and an agreement. You’ll be working for him, sharing your profits with the family and your dealers will be safe.
On top of that you’ll need to meet a weekly product quota. On the other hand, going up against the cartal means dealers are in danger and you’ll lose money and resource. But even though the choice might seem simple knowing the consequences, there more to this.
Joining the Cartel
If you accept their offer and join the cartel, they reduce your sales profit by forcing you into selling in Northtown and Westville, areas they don’t own. They will also take half of your profit. If you don’t like their way of things, then the Cartel will declare you as their enemy.
Rejecting the Offer
If you reject their offer and don’t join the cartel, your life ain’t going to get easier, but harder. You will occasionally get messages from your dealers that they have been attacked or robbed by the cartel.
If the dealers manage to defend themselves, then it’s all good. However, if not, then all of your items, money will be taken by the cartel. This won’t stop until you join them and become their slave.
What to Do
Don’t join the cartal.
With that decicion there are a few things that you can do to lower the risk of your dealers getting robbed. Give fewer products to dealers and make sure to check on them way more often to minimize risk.
Each region will have customers, dealers, and suppliers. At the bottom of your screen, you will also notice a Cartel Influence meter. The higher it is, the more chances for robberies and attacks, and vice versa. Get more customers, and the bar should drop.
The questline after refusing Thomas will lead to you taking down the Cartel eventually. Moreover, this is how you’ll unlock the Hyland Manor. Refusing Thomas is the best decision in the long run becasue you won’t have to keep sharing your profits with the family.
There might be some temporary losses but keeping all the profits and eventually getting the Hyland Manor to expand our operation are worthy rewards.
That’s all for this Schedule 1 guide. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about The Benzies’ Family or the cartel.
