GET YOUR BEARINGS
Plan your next Roadside Research session
Our guide breaks down Roadside Research’s core systems so you can keep the station humming while staying hidden. By examining each mechanic, you’ll see how routine service and alien research intertwine, and how cooperative play can smooth the toughest moments.
01 / THE GUIDE
Balancing Service and Research
Track how many customers you serve versus how many covert scans you perform each day. Compare the resulting cash flow with suspicion meter changes to find a sustainable ratio.
- Observe which items sell fastest to prioritize restocking those first.
- Use the night period to review collected data before deciding on upgrades.
02 / THE GUIDE
Optimizing Upgrade Allocation
Create a simple spreadsheet listing station upgrades and tech upgrades side by side. Note the cost, benefit, and impact on customer volume or data quality, then prioritize the highest return.
- Spread out research actions throughout the day to avoid sudden spikes.
- Combine research with routine tasks to mask suspicious activity.
03 / THE GUIDE
Co‑op Role Division
Assign one player to handle cash transactions while another focuses on research. Play a few rounds and note any reduction in suspicion spikes compared to a single‑player approach.
- Invest in station upgrades early to boost income flow.
- Prioritize tech upgrades once you have a steady cash stream.
04 / THE GUIDE
Night‑Time Planning
Use the closing hours to review collected data and set upgrade goals for the next day. Observing patterns here can prevent rushed decisions during busy daylight periods.
- Assign specific roles to each player to avoid overlapping tasks.
- Communicate when performing research to keep the suspicion meter in check.
05 / THE GUIDE
Controller Comfort Test
Switch between DualShock and DualSense controllers during a session. Record which layout feels more intuitive for menu navigation and note any impact on task efficiency.
- Enable Steam Cloud to safeguard your upgrade progress.
- Test both controller types to see which feels more comfortable for the co‑op experience.
