Is Roadside Research Crossplay?

Yes, Roadside Research supports crossplay, but only partially.

Partial Crossplay Support
Community Verified
SandboxCo-op

Quick Answer: Does Roadside Research have Crossplay & Cross-Progression?

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.

Note: Crossplay works within the Xbox ecosystem: Xbox Series X|S consoles and the Xbox / Game Pass PC version share online co-op. The Steam version runs on separate servers and cannot join Xbox crossplay sessions.
Last verified: July 8, 2026

How to Play Cross-Platform

  1. Launch Roadside Research on Xbox Series X|S or the Xbox / Game Pass PC app (same ecosystem = crossplay).
  2. Select 'Co-op' mode from the main menu.
  3. Create or join a session with up to 4 players total.
  4. Invite friends from your Xbox friends list — Xbox console and Xbox PC players can team up.
  5. Note: the Steam version is separate and cannot join Xbox crossplay sessions.

Platform Compatibility

Roadside Research is available on the following platforms:

PCXbox Series X/S

Which platforms can play Roadside Research together?

PC (Steam)PC (MS Store)Xbox Series
PC (Steam)NoNo
PC (Microsoft Store)NoYes
Xbox Series X/SNoYes
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.

Does Roadside Research Have Cross-Progression?

No — Roadside Research does not support cross-progression. Saves and unlocks stay tied to the platform where you earned them.

Does Roadside Research Have Split Screen / Couch Co-op?

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).

Technical Details

How Roadside Research Co-Op Works

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.

Can You Play Roadside Research Solo?

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 Early Access & Game Pass Availability

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.

What Makes Roadside Research Unique?

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!).

Frequently Asked Questions

How many players can play Roadside Research together?

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.

Does Roadside Research have crossplay?

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.

Is Roadside Research on Xbox Game Pass?

Yes! Roadside Research is available day-one on Xbox Game Pass for both console (Xbox Series X/S) and PC starting February 12, 2026.

How much does Roadside Research cost?

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.

How long will Roadside Research be in Early Access?

Approximately 12 months. The developers plan regular smaller updates frequently with large systems-wide updates every 3-4 months based on community feedback.

Can you customize your alien character?

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.

Is Roadside Research like Supermarket Simulator?

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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