Roadside Research

Simulation· Shop Keeper· Relaxing· Management

Early access since Feb 2026

Roadside Research is a 1 to 4 player co-op gas station simulator. Except you’re aliens. And undercover. Do very human things like restocking shelves while preparing for the invasion. Just don’t get caught.

85% positive · 4,886 reviews

Not yet

In early access, content still planned

High confidence

Content Planned

Not yet

In early access, content still planned

High confidence

Content Planned

Where to buy

Steam Updated 12 Oct 2026 $10.49 $14.99 −30%

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Evaluation

Roadside Research is an Early Access co-op alien gas station simulator that launched on February 12, 2026. Cybernetic Walrus has maintained an active update cadence throughout Early Access, shipping three major named updates: the Automation Update on March 19, 2026; the "More Alien, More Sim" Update on May 19, 2026; and the Abduction Update on August 18, 2026. Following that, a feature patch arrived on September 2, 2026 and a hotfix as recently as September 23, 2026, just one week before this assessment. The developer has made concrete, explicit commitments to future content. The Abduction Update introduced "Invasion Stage 1 of 4," and a post from August 19, 2026 directly states that "the other 3 Invasion Stages will be added with the coming updates." This four-stage Invasion arc is a core progression system built into the game's design, with only the first stage currently available. The developer has also referenced crossplay as a feature still being developed. The studio is clearly active, commercially healthy (over 730,000 copies sold as of May 2026 with 85% positive reviews), and communicating regularly. No 1.0 release date has been announced, and the game is far from the conclusion of its planned content arc by the developer's own description.

Evidence

Developer states 'the other 3 Invasion Stages will be added with the coming updates,' confirming three named content milestones are still to come after Stage 1 shipped with the Abduction Update.

news post · Aug 19, 2026 source content planned

high

Abduction Update (4th major update) ships Invasion Stage 1 of 4, abductions, F.A.R.T., and other features.

news post · Aug 18, 2026 source content shipped

high

Media

Details

Developer

Cybernetic Walrus

Publisher

Oro Interactive

Achievements

—

Platform

Windows

Controller

full support

Steam Deck

Playable

Players

Single-player · Multiplayer · Co-op

Shop Keeper Simulation Relaxing Management Immersive Sim Resource Management Inventory Management Building Economy Trading Life Sim First-Person Character Customization Comedy Funny

About this game

Aliens have landed on Earth… to run a gas station. Play solo or up to 4 players and do human tasks to blend in. People depend on you, it’s your job to make sure that the shelves have the correct items, refuel customers passing by, and provide food for travelers. But most importantly, you must conduct your research.

Stay Undetected

Your mission is simple. Gather all data you can from humans without their knowledge. Scan, steal, and test various methods on customers while they stop by the gas station. Be careful not to raise the “suspicion meter” too high, as that will trigger the visit of government officials.

Be Normal, Be Human

During the day, take care of the gas station as an ordinary employee. Restock the shelves, order wares for the shop, refuel passersby, and exchange goods for cash. At night you will be able to gather your thoughts, and plan for the next day.

Upgrade and Customize

Balance between two missions, upgrading the gas station to attract more customers and upgrading your alien tech to process data and gather information more efficiently. To blend in, draw a very normal human expression on your state-of-the-art disguise.

During closing hours, you can also upgrade the station, inside and outside to make sure everything is going according to plan.

Features

Chaotic solo or co-op fun: Gather friends or play alone to manage the gas station while pursuing your alien mission.
Dual Upgrade Path: Manage upgrades for your gas station and for your alien technology at the same time
Satisfying Simulation: Clean, cook, and stock your workplace with all necessary supplies and items to make sure every customer leaves satisfied.
Alien Deception: Make sure to stay disguised and don’t get caught by human government officials. If you are too suspicious, they will turn you into goo.