What is Roadside Research?
Roadside Research is a cooperative gas station simulator, developed by Cybernetic Walrus and published by Oro Interactive, with a twist. Instead of playing as the usual human gas station attendant, you’re a crew of aliens sent to Earth undercover to restock shelves and prepare for an invasion.
As you manage the gas station, filling tanks and selling snacks, Government Agents will occasionally catch wind of an odd operation along the highway. They’ll investigate, and players will use alien technology to remain undetected or, in the worst-case scenario, to fight back.
Roadside Research Screenshots & Trailers
Where to Play & Systems
You can currently buy and play Roadside Research on the following platforms:
Key Features & Gameplay Overview
- Co-op Gameplay: Play solo or with up to four players cooperatively, with everyone helping to run the gas station successfully and prep for the invasion.
- Alien Technology: Use alien technology to scan, steal, and test the customers of the gas station without raising the suspicion meter and alerting the government.
- Customization: When the gas station isn’t popping off, spend time upgrading and customizing the gas station with unique decorations, shelving units, and products.
Roadside Research Mechanics
Simulation Gameplay
First and foremost, Roadside Research is a gas station simulator experience. As such, players will spend most of their gameplay managing the service station, filling tanks of gas and diesel, selling snacks, and cleaning bathrooms.
Alien Invasion
Underneath the iconic roadside gas station, the alien crew is quietly preparing for an alien invasion. Using technology such as a Brain Washer, Replicator, and Prover, players must learn more about the humans to ensure the mothership can invade successfully.
Suspicion Meter
Of course, probing humans comes with unwanted attention from government officials. As the Suspicion Meter increases, due to alien research activities, agents will arrive to investigate. If the meter increases too much, it’s possible to lose research, reputation, and fail the invasion prep completely.
Guides & Walkthroughs
Your Questions, Answered
The Basics of Roadside Research
- Roadside Research: How to Clean
- Roadside Research: How to Empty the Trash Bin
- Roadside Research: How to Take Pictures
- Roadside Research: How to Refill Gas
- Roadside Research: How to Lower Suspicion
- Roadside Research: System Requirements – Can You Run the Co-op Simulator?
News, Updates, & Patch Notes
- Roadside Research Patch 1 – Full Notes
- Roadside Research Early Access Lands Next Week
- Roadside Research Early Access Roadmap Lays Out Invasion Plans For 2026
Beginner Tips & Common Mistakes
- Please, for the love of the mothership, do not stand in front of passing vehicles. Even at the gas pump, those cars will fly through at 90 miles per hour, and they don’t care if a little blue or green alien is in the way. They’ll run you down.
- Play with friends! Roadside Research was very clearly designed with cooperative play in mind. Playing solo has proven hectic, and I’m often struggling to keep up with the myriad of tasks when alone; from stocking shelves to cleaning goop to refilling gas tanks, it’s a lot to handle for one person.
- Don’t waste money on purchasing decorative items or upgrades initially. Instead, prioritize equipment that allows you to farm alien research points, like the camera, for instance.
Advanced Strategies
We’ll have advanced strategies and tips for Roadside Research once we have more hands-on time with the game!
- Coming Soon!
FAQ
- Q: What can I play Roadside Research on?
- A: The game launches in Early Access on PC and Xbox Series X/S.
- Q: When does Roadside Research come out?
- A: The game officially launches on February 12 in Early Access.
- Q: How many people can play Roadside Research?
- A: You can play the entire game cooperatively with up to four players.
- Q: Is Roadside Research coming to Xbox Game Pass?
- A: Yes, the simulator will be available on Game Pass Day One.