Handlers are arguably the most overpowered employees in Schedule I, especially when you start using them for automation. From simple tasks like packaging to full-blown chemistry logistics, Handlers can become the backbone of your empire—if you know how to use them right.
📋 Step 1: Setup & Wages
Just like any employee:
- Pull out your clipboard.
- Interact with the Handler using E.
- Assign them a bed by clicking a vacant one.
- Drop $200/day into their briefcase. If you forget, they’ll stop working.
🔄 Step 2: Handler Basics – Simple Setup
Let’s say you want your Handler to pack product:
- Use the clipboard and assign them to a packing station.
- Make sure the packing station has:
- Packaging supplies (jars or bags)
- Product to package
🧠 Handlers only start packing after all needed supplies are available at the station.
- Now set up Routes (Handler’s movement logic):
- Add a route: Take product from Storage A → Deliver to Packing Station
- Add another: Take bags/jars from Storage B → Deliver to Packing Station
- Use the clipboard on the packing station to set the destination for the packaged product (e.g., a nearby shelf).
Once paid, the Handler will start automating the process—grabbing supplies, packaging, and storing.
🧪 Step 3: Advanced Handler Setup – Chemistry Automation
Here’s where Handlers get next-level.
⚠️ Important:
For chemistry stations, make sure each one has at least one of each ingredient type to start. Otherwise, Handlers might dump in only one type and break your workflow.
📦 Full Example Workflow
Let’s say you have:
- 🔬 3 Chemists
- 🧪 Multiple Chemistry Stations
- 🧴 Mixing & Packing Stations
Now we automate everything with two Handlers:
🧍♂️ Handler 1 – Supply Runner (No Station Assigned)
- Don’t assign them to any station.
- Assign routes like so:
- Grab Ingredient A → Deliver to Chemistry Station 1
- Grab Ingredient B → Deliver to Chemistry Station 2
- Grab Ingredient C → Deliver to Chemistry Station 3
- Take finished product from Chem Station Shelf → Deliver to Mixing Station
This Handler is your logistics expert, moving materials across your lab setup.
🧍♀️ Handler 2 – Packing Specialist (Assigned to Packing Station)
- Assign to the Packaging Station.
- Routes:
- Grab mixed product from Mixing Station output shelf → Deliver to Packaging
- Grab bags/jars → Deliver to Packaging
- Move packaged product → Final Storage A
- Optional: Transfer from Storage A → Storage B for overflow
This setup allows you to scale massively without lifting a finger.
🔁 Bonus Tips
- Multiple Storage Units: Use multiple shelves to avoid overflow and prevent production bottlenecks.
- Chemist Assignment: Don’t forget to assign chemists to mixing stations—Handlers can only deliver, not mix.
- Pre-fill Chemistry Stations: Always seed them with one of each ingredient so Handlers don’t dump one type only.
🧪 Final Thoughts
With the right setup, Handlers can turn your base into a fully automated empire. Their routing system gives you endless possibilities—from plant-to-packaging workflows to advanced chemistry chains.
