Pick a host before planning the expedition
These answers separate developer-announced co-op plans from editorial preparation advice. They do not invent invitation menus or save paths.
How many players can play together?
The main game is announced for solo play or online co-op with up to four players. The group can explore and work on a shared Cloud Cruiser. This describes the main game, not a promise that every demo build supports multiplayer. Source
Who hosts the session?
The developer describes Early Access as player-hosted client-server co-op. One player runs the host session; the others join it. The exact invitation menus and join steps must follow the released build. Source
Can we keep playing the same session when the host is offline?
A player-hosted session needs its host to be running. Schedule shared sessions with that player available. Do not assume automatic host migration, an always-on world or an offline continuation feature unless your build explicitly provides it. Source
Are dedicated servers confirmed?
Not in the developer reply checked here. The team said it was open to investigating player-run dedicated servers but could not promise them. Player hosting does not itself mean a headless dedicated-server download is available. Source
Who keeps the save, and can we transfer it?
Before investing in a shared world, agree who will host and keep backups using the released game’s supported save tools. We have not verified a final save path, transfer procedure, client inventory persistence or demo-to-EA migration. Steam Cloud being listed does not establish those details. Source
Can Steam and Epic players join each other?
The publisher lists both PC storefronts, but that alone does not confirm cross-store co-op. Check the launch announcement and your build’s invitation options before buying copies on different stores for a shared session. Source
What should we try if joining fails?
Editorial first checks: ensure everyone uses a compatible game version, restart the host session and game clients, check the exact error message and review game firewall prompts. We do not prescribe guessed port ranges or a fixed upload-speed requirement. Capture the error and build number before reporting a recurring failure.
Suggested crew duties
Rotate piloting, salvage, repair/resupply and route notes. These are suggested collaboration duties, not fixed character classes or a skill tree.