# Schedule 1 Gameplay Configuration (/docs/schedule-1/gameplay-config)



import { Callout } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/callout';
import { Step, Steps } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/steps';

Beyond the basic server-config fields (name, port, max players), the DedicatedServerMod exposes a `gameplay` block that overrides the game's default rules. This is where you tune the *feel* of your server — chiller co-op vs. brutal authentic vs. PvP-grindy.

<Callout type="info">
  Available fields change between DedicatedServerMod releases. Always cross-reference with [docs.s1servers.com/configuration/gameplay](https://docs.s1servers.com/) for the canonical current list — fields below are representative of recent versions.
</Callout>

***

Where to edit [#where-to-edit]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Stop your Schedule 1 server from the XGS panel **Dashboard**.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Open **File Manager** → the DedicatedServerMod config file.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Edit the `gameplay` block (see field reference below).
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Save the file and start the server.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

Sample gameplay block [#sample-gameplay-block]

```json
{
  "gameplay": {
    "policeAggression": 1.0,
    "policeResponseTime": 1.0,
    "heatDecayMultiplier": 1.0,
    "npcDensity": 1.0,
    "dealerActivityMultiplier": 1.0,
    "economyMultiplier": 1.0,
    "rivalCartelActivity": 1.0,
    "timeScale": 1.0,
    "sleepRequired": true,
    "deathPenalty": "lose_inventory",
    "respawnTime": 30,
    "buildingDecay": false,
    "raidCooldownHours": 24
  }
}
```

All multipliers default to `1.0` (vanilla). Values `< 1.0` reduce the effect; values `> 1.0` amplify it.

***

Field reference [#field-reference]

Police & heat [#police--heat]

| Field                 | What it controls                                                         | Recommended for                 |
| --------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------- |
| `policeAggression`    | How quickly cops engage when heat triggers (0.5 = lenient, 2.0 = brutal) | 0.5-0.8 for chill co-op         |
| `policeResponseTime`  | Seconds before a patrol arrives after heat spikes                        | Higher = more time to escape    |
| `heatDecayMultiplier` | How fast heat cools off when laying low                                  | 1.5+ for less paranoid gameplay |

NPCs & dealers [#npcs--dealers]

| Field                      | What it controls                                                              |
| -------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `npcDensity`               | Number of NPCs in the world (raise for busier streets, lower for performance) |
| `dealerActivityMultiplier` | How frequently your dealers complete deals while you're afk                   |
| `rivalCartelActivity`      | How aggressively rival cartels muscle in on your turf                         |

Economy [#economy]

| Field               | What it controls                                                                |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `economyMultiplier` | Cash earned from all sources (1.5 = 50% bonus, useful for short co-op sessions) |
| `buildingDecay`     | If `true`, unused properties degrade over time                                  |
| `raidCooldownHours` | Hours between consecutive rival raids on the same property                      |

Time & death [#time--death]

| Field           | What it controls                                        |
| --------------- | ------------------------------------------------------- |
| `timeScale`     | How fast the day/night cycle runs (0.5 = 2x longer day) |
| `sleepRequired` | If `true`, players must sleep to skip night             |
| `deathPenalty`  | `"none"`, `"lose_inventory"`, or `"lose_cash"`          |
| `respawnTime`   | Seconds before respawn after death                      |

***

Common presets [#common-presets]

Chill co-op (low friction, social) [#chill-co-op-low-friction-social]

```json
{
  "policeAggression": 0.5,
  "heatDecayMultiplier": 1.5,
  "rivalCartelActivity": 0.7,
  "economyMultiplier": 1.5,
  "buildingDecay": false,
  "deathPenalty": "none"
}
```

Great for friend groups who want the empire-building loop without the hardcore PvE pressure.

Vanilla-but-bigger (default rules, scaled for MultiplayerPlus) [#vanilla-but-bigger-default-rules-scaled-for-multiplayerplus]

```json
{
  "policeAggression": 1.0,
  "npcDensity": 1.3,
  "dealerActivityMultiplier": 1.0,
  "economyMultiplier": 1.0
}
```

Raises NPC density a bit to keep Hyland Point feeling populated with 10-20 players running around.

Hardcore / brutal [#hardcore--brutal]

```json
{
  "policeAggression": 1.8,
  "policeResponseTime": 0.5,
  "heatDecayMultiplier": 0.6,
  "rivalCartelActivity": 1.5,
  "economyMultiplier": 0.7,
  "buildingDecay": true,
  "deathPenalty": "lose_inventory",
  "respawnTime": 60
}
```

Real-world consequences, slow money, hostile NPCs. Best for small servers with experienced players.

***

Apply changes mid-session [#apply-changes-mid-session]

Most gameplay fields **require a server restart** to take effect. A few (NPC density tweaks, time scale) can hot-reload via the `reload` command — try it first, then restart if the change doesn't apply:

1. XGS panel → **Console** tab
2. Run `reload`
3. If the field didn't update, **Restart** the server from the Dashboard

See [Commands Reference](/docs/schedule-1/commands-reference) for `reload` details.

***

Saving a preset [#saving-a-preset]

If you tune a config you like and want to revert later:

1. **File Manager** → right-click the config file → **Copy** → name it `config.preset-chill.json`
2. Edit the live config freely
3. To restore: rename the live one to `config.tmp.json`, rename the preset to the active filename, restart

The XGS panel's **Backups** feature also snapshots the whole config + save state — see [Backup and Restore](/docs/schedule-1/backup-restore).

***

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Server Config Reference →](/docs/schedule-1/server-config)
* [Commands Reference →](/docs/schedule-1/commands-reference)
* [Backup and Restore →](/docs/schedule-1/backup-restore)
* [MultiplayerPlus →](/docs/schedule-1/multiplayerplus)