Yes, Roadside Research supports crossplay, but only partially.
Partially — Roadside Research supports limited crossplay, so only some platforms play together. Cross-progression is not supported, so your saves stay tied to the platform you play on.
Roadside Research is available on the following platforms:
| PC (Steam) | PC (MS Store) | Xbox Series | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC (Steam) | No | No | |
| PC (Microsoft Store) | No | Yes | |
| Xbox Series X/S | No | Yes |
| Feature | Supported | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Crossplay | Partial | Only some platforms play together — see the matrix above. |
| Cross-Progression | No | Saves and unlocks stay tied to each platform. |
| Split Screen / Couch Co-op | No | Online multiplayer only — no shared-screen play. |
No — Roadside Research does not support cross-progression. Saves and unlocks stay tied to the platform where you earned them.
No — Roadside Research does not offer split screen or couch co-op. To play together, each player needs their own system running the game.
No, Roadside Research does not support local split-screen co-op. All multiplayer is online-only via Steam or Xbox Live, with each of the 4 players needing their own device and copy of the game (or Xbox Game Pass subscription).
Roadside Research supports 1-4 players in online co-op where you collectively manage a gas station as undercover aliens. All tasks are collaborative: refueling cars, restocking shelves, cleaning bathrooms, serving food, and secretly using alien technology (Brain Washer, Replicator, Prober) to research humans for the invasion. As you conduct alien experiments, a Suspicion Meter rises - if it gets too high, government agents investigate and you risk losing research, reputation, and failing the invasion prep. Voice chat is not built-in; players use Discord, Steam voice, or Xbox Party Chat.
Yes, Roadside Research is fully playable solo where you manage the entire gas station and alien research operation alone. Solo play is more challenging since you must handle all tasks (refueling, restocking, cleaning, alien experiments) without teammates to delegate to. The game balances difficulty based on player count, but solo players will need excellent time management to keep the station profitable and the Suspicion Meter low.
Roadside Research launched in Early Access on February 12, 2026, priced at $12.99 USD/EUR on Steam. The game is also available day-one on Xbox Game Pass for both console (Xbox Series X/S) and PC, allowing subscribers to play without purchasing. Early Access will last approximately 12 months with regular updates every few months adding new alien tech, multiplayer interactions, gas station expansions, NPCs, and behaviors. The developers plan to increase the price as major systems are added.
Roadside Research combines gas station simulation with alien invasion prep and dark comedy. You maintain a legitimate business (refuel cars, sell snacks, manage inventory) while secretly gathering data on humanity using alien technology hidden beneath the station. The Suspicion Meter creates tension - conduct too much alien research and government agents arrive to investigate, potentially ruining your cover and the invasion. The game features extensive customization with 25+ placeable items and even lets you choose how many toes your alien has (1-4 per foot, a community request!).
Roadside Research supports 1-4 players in online co-op. You can play solo or team up with 1-3 friends to manage the gas station and alien research together.
Yes, within the Xbox ecosystem: Xbox Series X|S consoles and the Xbox / Game Pass PC version can play co-op together. The Steam version is separate and cannot cross-play with Xbox players.
Yes! Roadside Research is available day-one on Xbox Game Pass for both console (Xbox Series X/S) and PC starting February 12, 2026.
Roadside Research costs $12.99 USD/EUR on Steam Early Access (February 12, 2026). It's also available on Xbox Game Pass at no additional cost for subscribers.
Approximately 12 months. The developers plan regular smaller updates frequently with large systems-wide updates every 3-4 months based on community feedback.
Yes! Roadside Research features extensive alien customization including choosing how many toes your alien has per foot (1-4 toes), a feature added based on community requests during testing.
Roadside Research shares gas station management mechanics with Supermarket Simulator but adds the unique twist of being undercover aliens conducting secret research while avoiding government detection. The Suspicion Meter and alien tech systems differentiate it significantly.
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