What Do You Actually Do?
Players take the role of call-center workers operating under a demanding boss. The public description centers on conversations with fictional callers, using scam scenarios to obtain money, accessing remote computers for information and reaching a quota before the workday ends.
This is a high-level explanation of the current Early Access systems. The developer has not published a complete tutorial or scam catalog.
The Basic Gameplay Loop
The exact order, duration and scoring rules of a full workday are not fully documented in the official materials.
- Start or continue a run in the call center.
- Speak to fictional AI-controlled characters in real time.
- Use available information and remote computer tools while working a scam scenario.
- Earn enough during the workday to meet the quota.
- Survive disruptions and advance into more chaotic workdays.
A system-by-system breakdown is available in the gameplay overview .
Talking to AI Characters
The game uses AI for real-time dialogue and responses from fictional in-game characters. According to the Steam disclosure, those characters can react dynamically to player conversations and actions. Steam also identifies OpenRouter as the third-party service used for AI content generation.
The limits of those conversations, moderation behavior and current service configuration are not fully documented. Official launch notes also acknowledge fixes for voice downloads, speech startup crashes and some AI access errors.
A First-Run Route Without a Fixed Script
Begin by checking the current scenario instructions and the day's target. During a call, use the fictional caller's responses and any information available through the in-game computer rather than expecting one answer to work every time. After the call, compare your progress with the displayed quota and adapt to any workplace interruption. This is editorial orientation based on the published systems, not a guaranteed winning sequence.
Update 0.1.73 changed several named scenarios and removed Password Recovery from selection. A pre-update tutorial may therefore show steps that no longer match the current Early Access build.
For a concise preparation checklist, use the First Shift Guide .
For the specific changes, read Current Scam Scenarios .
Daily Quotas
Each workday is built around a money quota. Reaching it is part of progressing through a run, while failing it is tied to the threat of being fired by the boss. Exact quota amounts, scaling rules and penalties are not confirmed yet.
Computers and Hacking
Remote access to fictional victims' computers is a confirmed mechanic used to find information. The current Steam feature list also names an in-game paint app, screen recorder and camera. How every tool is unlocked or combined is not fully documented.
See what each documented feature does in Desktop Tools .
Threats and Interruptions
Scambaiters can interfere with the call center and computer viruses are a confirmed danger. Police raids, air strikes and other workplace disasters are also listed as events players may need to survive. Their exact triggers, timing and counterplay are not confirmed yet.
Progression
Progression is run-based, with later workdays described as more chaotic and the available collection of scam scenarios expanding as a run advances. No complete upgrade table, skill tree, economy or progression formula has been published.
Solo vs Co-op
Single-player and online co-op are both confirmed. The Steam feature list also says players can use public lobbies, and official Hotfix 2 notes define the current lobby range as 1–8 players. The exact division of tasks between co-op players is not fully documented.
The game is also described as heavily moddable, including Steam Workshop support and custom personalities created with JSON and WAV files. Full authoring documentation is not available yet.
See what is confirmed about solo play, online co-op and public lobbies in the multiplayer guide .
What Still Needs Gameplay Verification?
- The complete list of scam scenarios and how each one works.
- Exact quota values, rewards, penalties and day length.
- A complete skill tree or progression map.
- Detailed host permissions and matchmaking behavior beyond the published lobby filters.
- Upgrade values, unlock rules and balance changes during Early Access.
- A complete public modding guide or tool specification.
Short answers to other Early Access questions are collected in the FAQ .