Is Roadside Research Crossplay?
No, Roadside Research is not fully crossplay across all platforms, and that’s the first thing players should know before buying. The game supports 1–4 player online co-op, but the player pools are divided in a way that can quietly ruin a “let’s all play together this weekend” plan if everyone buys it in different places.
Right now, there are three main “lanes” to think about:
- Steam on PC
- Xbox Series X/S (console)
- Xbox Game Pass on PC
Steam players are in their own world, matched only with other Steam users. Xbox players, on the other hand, have cross-platform multiplayer inside the Xbox ecosystem: Xbox Series X/S and Xbox on PC can connect, with online co-op and cross-platform multiplayer listed as core features.
That sounds great at first glance, but there’s a catch: Xbox PC and Steam do not talk to each other, so “PC vs PC” can still be split by storefront.
A lot of groups end up with a situation like this: one friend plays via Game Pass on PC, another buys the game on Steam during a sale, someone else is on Xbox Series X/S. Suddenly, only two of them can actually queue together.
It’s not a dealbreaker for everyone, but for a co-op management sim where the fun comes from shared chaos refueling cars, restocking shelves, quietly abducting data from humans it can feel like a missed opportunity.
How Crossplay Actually Works in Roadside Research
Roadside Research only offers limited crossplay, mainly within the Xbox ecosystem. Xbox officially lists “Xbox cross-platform multiplayer” and “Xbox cross-platform co-op,” which means players on Xbox Series X/S and Xbox PC (through the Xbox app/Game Pass) can run the same gas station together.
However:
- Steam players cannot join Xbox console sessions.
- Steam players also cannot join Xbox PC/Game Pass lobbies.
- There is no indication of broader, “everyone with a copy can play together” crossplay at this time.
An easy way to think about it:
- Xbox console | Xbox PC: yes, crossplay works
- Steam | Xbox anything: no, separate pools
For a co-op sim that leans into shared tasks restocking, cleaning, juggling the Suspicion Meter being on the same platform (or at least the same ecosystem) matters as much as any build or strategy.
Platforms and Multiplayer Basics
Roadside Research is available on:
- PC (Steam)
- Xbox Series X/S
- Xbox PC via Game Pass and Xbox cloud gaming
These versions all support 1–4 player online co-op but no local split-screen. Each player needs their own device and their own copy or subscription, whether that’s Steam or Game Pass.
At its core, the game is a co-op gas station simulator with a twist: players are undercover aliens trying to run a believable roadside station while secretly using alien tech to gather data from humans. Typical sessions are a mix of:
- Refueling cars and keeping shelves stocked
- Cleaning up messes and handling checkout
- Sneaking in alien experiments without pushing the Suspicion Meter too high
Some early adopters describe sessions where two players obsess over keeping the shop spotless while another is in the basement tinkering with alien devices, watching that suspicion bar creep up a bit too fast. It’s the kind of game where one distracted teammate can turn a smooth run into full-on government investigation.
Cross-Progression, Game Pass, and Practical Tips
There is no broad, advertised cross-progression between Steam and Xbox; saves and progression stay inside their own platform family. That means a long-running alien research campaign on Steam will not carry over to Xbox Series X/S or Xbox PC, and vice versa.
Roadside Research launched in Early Access in early 2026 at a relatively low price point, with day-one access on Xbox Game Pass for both console and PC. For many players, that makes Game Pass the easiest “try it with friends” route, as long as everyone uses the same ecosystem.
A few practical, player-friendly checks before starting a co-op run:
- Confirm where each friend is buying or launching the game (Steam vs Xbox PC vs Xbox console).
- If most of the group already uses Game Pass, staying inside that ecosystem avoids crossplay issues.
- Expect online-only co-op; there’s no local split-screen option, so each player needs their own device and connection.
For those looking for clear, recent information rather than thin or repetitive content, the key takeaway is simple: Roadside Research supports online co-op on multiple platforms, but true, open crossplay is limited to the Xbox environment, and Steam remains a separate island.
Roadside Research Trailer
Disclaimer:
The information above is based on currently available details about Roadside Research’s crossplay and platform support. Features, availability, and compatibility may change with future updates or patches. Readers should verify the latest information in-game or from official publisher channels before making purchase or multiplayer decisions.
