Answer: To host a coop game in Astroneer, launch the game, select “Host Game” from the main menu, choose your save file or create a new one, adjust privacy settings (public or friends-only), and invite players. Ensure all players are on the same platform for crossplay compatibility. Hosting requires a stable internet connection and updated game versions.
What Are the System Requirements for Hosting an Astroneer Coop Session?
Hosting requires a minimum of 4GB RAM, 2GB VRAM, and 2GHz CPU for smooth performance. Internet speeds of 5Mbps+ reduce latency. Players must have Astroneer version 1.25.128+ and matching platforms (Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, or Switch). Dedicated servers need 8GB RAM and 3GHz processors for 4+ players.
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB |
| Internet Speed | 5Mbps | 10Mbps |
| Players Supported | 2-3 | 4-8 |
Why Can’t Players Join My Astroneer Coop Game?
Common issues include mismatched game versions, closed NAT Types, or firewall restrictions. Verify all players have installed the latest update. Forward ports 7777 (UDP) and 27015 (TCP) on your router. Disable VPNs and whitelist Astroneer in antivirus software. Crossplay requires Xbox Live accounts for non-Xbox platforms.
If players still can’t connect, check your platform’s network status. Xbox Live or PlayStation Network outages often disrupt sessions. For PC users, verify file integrity through Steam or Windows Store. Console players should clear cache via system settings. Astroneer’s peer-to-peer hosting means the host’s upload speed directly impacts join success rates—test speeds using tools like Speedtest.net before starting.
How to Set Up a Private Lobby for Friends in Astroneer?
Select “Host Game” > “Custom” > set lobby to “Friends Only.” Share your platform-specific invite code (Xbox/PSN ID, Steam Friend Code) with players. On PC, use Shift+Tab to send Steam invites. Console players navigate the Friends tab to join. Ensure NAT Type is Open to prevent connection errors.
How to Optimize Performance for Large Coop Sessions?
Reduce terrain deformation effects in Settings > Graphics. Limit player count to 4 for stability. Hosts should close background apps and allocate 6GB+ RAM to Astroneer. Use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi. Disable in-game voice chat if using Discord. Dedicated servers handle 8+ players better than peer-to-peer hosting.
For intensive bases with multiple modules, designate specific zones for resource processing to minimize rendering strain. Disable shadows and lower texture quality to Medium. Players exploring far from the host should regroup periodically to prevent chunk-loading lag. Monitor performance using in-game metrics (F11 on PC) and adjust settings dynamically. Consider upgrading to SSD storage for faster save/load operations during extended sessions.
“Hosting in Astroneer demands balancing technical prep and gameplay strategy. I recommend dedicating one player to handle base modules while others gather resources—this minimizes lag from scattered terrain edits. Always test your connection with a 2-player session before scaling up. Remember: the host’s PC or console acts as the server, so hardware limitations directly impact everyone’s experience.”
– Senior Game Developer at System Era Softworks
FAQs
- Q: Does the host need the strongest PC in the group?
- A: Yes—hosts handle all physics calculations, making CPU/GPU specs critical for performance.
- Q: Can I transfer host privileges mid-game?
- A: No. Save the game, have the new host reload the file, and re-invite players.
- Q: Are there region restrictions?
- A: No, but players on distant servers may experience latency over 200ms.