Schedule 1 players looking to get ahead of the curve can access new updates before they officially drop by switching over to the game's beta branch on Steam. Here's everything you need to know to make the swap and protect your progress while doing it.
How to Play on the Schedule 1 Beta Branch
Switching to the beta branch in Schedule 1 is handled entirely through Steam's built-in properties panel. The process is straightforward and takes only a few steps.
- Open your Steam library and right-click on Schedule 1.
- Select Properties from the dropdown menu.
- Navigate to the Betas tab inside the Properties window.
- Use the dropdown menu to select the available beta branch build.
- Close the window and allow Steam to download the beta update.
Once the download completes, the game will launch on the beta branch automatically, giving you access to content and fixes that haven't yet reached the main release channel.
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Beta branch builds are pre-release versions of the game. They may contain bugs, instability, or incomplete features that haven't been fully tested. Proceed with that in mind before switching over.
Back Up Your Save File First
Before jumping into a beta build, backing up your Schedule 1 save file is strongly recommended. Beta branches can occasionally introduce issues that affect save data, and losing progress is a real risk if something goes wrong.
To back up your save:
- Open File Explorer and navigate to your Schedule 1 save directory.
- Copy the save folder to a separate location on your drive, such as your desktop or a dedicated backup folder.
- Keep that backup untouched until you're confident the beta build is stable.
What most players miss is that switching back to the main branch after playing a beta build can sometimes cause compatibility issues with saves created on the newer version. Keeping a clean backup before you ever launch the beta gives you a reliable restore point.
Why It's Worth Doing
The key here is timing. Schedule 1 has been receiving regular updates from solo developer Tyler (MrOtherGuy), and the beta branch typically carries those changes days or even longer before they reach the stable release. For players eager to try new mechanics, bug fixes, or content additions early, the beta branch is the fastest legitimate path to get there.
You'll want to check the Schedule 1 community pages or official channels for patch notes tied to beta builds, since those notes often detail exactly what's been changed or added ahead of the full rollout.
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If you want to switch back to the standard release at any point, simply return to the Betas tab in Steam properties and select None from the dropdown to revert to the main branch.The beta branch option is available to all Schedule 1 owners on Steam at no additional cost, making it an accessible option for anyone willing to accept a bit of extra instability in exchange for early access to new content.
Source: Pcgamer
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Schedule 1 beta branch free to access?
Yes, the beta branch is available to anyone who already owns Schedule 1 on Steam. There is no additional purchase or subscription required to opt in.
Will switching to the beta branch delete my save file?
Switching branches does not automatically delete your save, but beta builds can sometimes cause save compatibility issues. Always back up your save file before switching to avoid any risk of losing progress.
Can I switch back to the main branch after trying the beta?
Yes. You can return to the standard release at any time by going back into the Betas tab in Steam properties and selecting None from the branch dropdown menu.
