Outbound is a cozy open-world camper van adventure that supports online co-op for up to four players total. The catch is that multiplayer doesn't open immediately. You need to clear a short tutorial sequence before the host option becomes available. Once that's done, getting friends into your session takes under two minutes. Here's everything you need to know about hosting, joining, and what happens to your progress when you play together.
What do you need before co-op unlocks?
Multiplayer in Outbound is gated behind the opening tutorial on the host's save file. You cannot generate a lobby code or send invites until the host has completed the intro sequence and opened the first barrier on the road. That barrier is a red-and-white gate that gets repaired using a Wrench I, which you craft from three scrap metal pieces at the van's workbench.
Outbound multiplayer session screen
Here's what every player needs before anyone can connect:
- Each player must own Outbound on a compatible platform.
- The host must finish the tutorial steps on the save they plan to share.
- A stable internet connection is required for every player in the session.
- Crossplay between Steam and Epic Games Store works through the code system. Crossplay between Steam/Epic and Xbox (including PC Game Pass) is not supported.
If you're on PC Game Pass and your friends are on Steam or Epic, you won't be able to connect. The Xbox build and the PC storefronts run separate multiplayer systems.
How to finish the tutorial and unlock multiplayer
The entire opening sequence takes only a few minutes. Follow these steps on the host's save:
- Drive along the starting path to the first camping area and pull over to set up camp.
- Grab wood from the nearby supply chest and light the campfire.
- Interact with the terminal in front of the large pylon to download the Basic Tools blueprints, which include the Wrench I.
- Pick up the scrap metal pieces near the streetlight, then open the workbench at the back of the van.
- Craft the Wrench I using three scrap metal and complete the crafting mini-game.
- Walk to the red-and-white barrier and use the wrench on it. A pop-up confirms that co-op is now available.
Once that gate is open, multiplayer stays unlocked for the rest of that save. Any new friend can drop in later using the same process.
How to host a multiplayer session
On Steam and Epic Games Store, the lobby runs on a copy-and-paste code rather than a platform friend list. Here's the hosting process:
- Load into your save file.
- Press Esc to open the pause menu, then click the Multiplayer option below Screenshot Mode. Alternatively, press Tab to open the in-game menu and select the red multiplayer tab on the far right.
- Click Host Session and wait for the session to become ready.
- Copy the generated code and share it with up to three friends through any chat app.
- Wait for friends to join.
On PlayStation 5, Xbox Series consoles, and Nintendo Switch 2, the process uses direct platform invitations instead. Open the multiplayer tab, choose Host Session, then select Invite to pick friends from your platform's friends list.
Epic Games Store players must be signed into Epic Online Services so the game can verify ownership and display a username. Steam players do not need an Epic account to host or join.
How to join a friend's session
Joining is straightforward on PC. You need the code from the host before you start:
- Open Outbound from the main menu.
- Select Join Friend.
- Paste the code your friend sent you.
- Connect to the session.
You do not need to load an existing save first. The Join Friend option sits on the main menu, and entering the code there is the only way it works. Entering a code from inside an existing save will not connect you to another player's session.
What's worth knowing before you start a co-op session?
A few practical notes that save confusion later. All downloaded blueprints and upgrades unlocked during a session are tied to the host's save. Tools and furniture unlocked on that save are shared for everyone during the session, meaning guests can craft anything the host has already unlocked. The van's storage panel is accessible to all players, so coordinating who carries what matters for efficient resource use. If you want a guide on how to deposit materials into your van correctly, that's worth reading before your first co-op run.
For the full collection of tips covering everything from van setup to crafting, the Outbound guides hub has you covered.