Multiplayer and Co-op

Overview

Multiplayer in Outbound supports up to four players in online co-op. All players share the same camper van and work together to gather, build, craft, and explore. The game is fully playable solo, with co-op available as an optional layer on top of the single-player experience. Multiplayer was included in the alpha build and is available in the free Steam demo.

Session Structure

One player hosts the game, and up to three friends join the host's world. Sessions are drop-in/drop-out: friends join and leave at any time without interrupting the host's progress. The world state, van configuration, and progress persist with the host's save file. Joining players do not bring their own vans; everyone shares the host's vehicle.

Invitation System

Players join co-op sessions through invitation codes or direct friend invites. The system is designed to be straightforward: the host generates a code, shares it, and friends enter it to connect. There is no matchmaking with strangers; co-op is intended for playing with people you know.

Shared Van and Inventories

The shared camper van is the foundation of co-op design. When one player adds a workstation or rearranges the interior, the changes appear immediately for everyone. All players access the same van storage. One player drives while others can move freely inside the van: working at workstations, tending the rooftop garden, riding on the roof watching the scenery, or exploring on foot nearby.

Player inventories are separate from the shared van storage. Each player has their own personal inventory for items they have gathered on foot. Depositing items into the van's shared storage makes them available to all players.

Cooperative Activities

• Multiple players can work on the van's layout simultaneously.

• Players can split up on foot to cover more ground, then regroup at the van with their finds.

• Discover landmarks and Signal Towers as a group or divide exploration duties.

• Fishing, beekeeping, kite flying, and other mini-games can be played together.

• One player can gather resources while another builds, maximizing efficiency.

• NPC delivery tasks can be completed cooperatively, with one person driving and others collecting along the route.

Platform Support

Cross-platform co-op between different platforms has not been officially confirmed as of March 2026.

Tips for Co-op Play

• Designate roles in your group: one driver, one builder, one gatherer, one explorer. Specialization makes co-op more efficient and fun.

• Use the van's shared storage to pool resources. Deposit everything you gather before going on long hikes.

• Communicate about energy consumption. Adding more workstations drains the battery faster, so coordinate builds.

• If the host's van battery dies, everyone's production stops. Keep an eye on the Bio Burner fuel level as a group.

• The dog companion follows the host player by default. Use it to carry extra supplies during group expeditions.