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Co-op

👥 Outbound Co-op Guide

Shared van mechanics, 4-player role division, save system, bandwidth requirements, and multiplayer tips for up to 4 players.

Updated: May 12, 2026 · 7 min read
Two Outbound players riding together in the front seats of a camper van

📋 Table of Contents

⚙️ Technical Setup

  • Max players4 (1 host + 3 guests)
  • NetworkSteam P2P — no dedicated server required
  • VisibilityPublic / Friends only / Invite only
  • Host bandwidth10 Mbps upload recommended for 4-player smooth play
  • PlatformsPC (Steam), Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation, Switch — cross-play details TBC
💡 Host tip: The host's machine runs the simulation. If you have the best PC in your group, you should host.
Outbound character appearance screen with clothing options beside the van

🚐 Shared Van Mechanics

One van, shared everything

All players share the same van, inventory, and energy system. Only one player can drive at a time; others can use interior modules while the van is moving.

Personal backpacks are private

Items in your personal backpack are not visible to other players. Only items placed in storage boxes are shared. Transfer resources to storage before logging off.

Driving handoff

Only one player drives at a time. To transfer driving rights, the van must be fully stopped. The current driver exits the seat, then another player enters.

Alternative: each player drives their own van

Players can also each have their own van and travel together as a convoy. Resources and blueprints remain separate in this mode.

💾 Save System — Critical

⚠️ Guest progress is NOT auto-saved

Guest players must manually execute Save Progress before leaving the session. If you close the game without saving, all personal progress (blueprints, map, recipes) from that session is lost. The shared van stays in the host's save.

What saves whereHost saveGuest save
Shared van + storage✓ Auto—
Van upgrades & modules✓ Auto—
Guest blueprints—Manual save required
Guest map progress—Manual save required
Guest recipes—Manual save required

🎯 Recommended 4-Player Roles

🔍

Scout

Explores on foot with the dog companion. Marks POIs, collects resources, and triggers fetch commands. Covers 80–150m radius around the van.

Best with: Expedition Pack dog backpack, Berry Jam Toast (+25% move speed)
⚒️

Engineer

Manages all crafting stations, researches blueprints, and handles van upgrades. Stays near the van and keeps the production queue running.

Best with: Mushroom Risotto (+30% craft speed), Ore Smelter priority
🌱

Farmer

Manages crops, cooking, food stockpile, and dog happiness. Keeps the team fed with active buffs at all times.

Best with: Cooking Station access, Herb Rack, Garden Beds ×2
🚗

Driver / Coordinator

Drives the van, monitors energy levels, coordinates movement between POIs, and manages session logistics (invites, saves).

Best with: Map open, energy dashboard visible, Van Breakfast buff active

🔧 4-Player Van Setup

4-player sessions need more sleeping bunks, storage, and food production. Full Chassis (24 slots) is strongly recommended.

Extra moduleWhy
+1 Sleeping Bunk (total 2)All 4 players need rest; 2 bunks = 2 sleep simultaneously
+1 Large Storage4× resource gathering fills storage fast
+1 Cooking StationParallel cooking to keep 4 players buffed
+1 Large Garden Bed4× food consumption requires more crop output
+1 Battery Bank upgradeMore modules = more power draw; target 600+ EU
💡 Chassis tip: Full Chassis (24 slots) requires Mountain Engine. Plan your upgrade path: Starter → Extended (12) → Elongated (18) → Full (24).

💡 Multiplayer Tips

Guests: save before leaving. Open the menu and select Save Progress every time before closing the game. Make it a habit.
Put resources in storage boxes, not personal backpacks. Items in your backpack disappear from the shared world when you log off.
Assign the Engineer role early. Without someone dedicated to crafting, the van upgrade path stalls while everyone is out exploring.
Cook Honey Cake before any long session. The +20% buff duration extension applies to all subsequent buffs — cook it first, then cook everything else.
Scout + dog is the most efficient resource loop. The Scout uses Fetch commands while the Engineer processes materials. This parallel workflow is the core co-op efficiency gain.
Park near water when crafting. Deploy the Water Wheel for free 35–90 EU/hr. Running all stations while driving wastes battery and slows travel.
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