All crewmates must be running the exact same game patch to connect. Saves created or loaded under Patch 1.0.4 cannot be opened by older game builds. Verify in Steam that all players are updated to v1.0.4 before initiating co-op sessions.
NETWORKING Hosting & Joining Lobbies
Starting a multiplayer world:
- Host Session Setup
From the main menu, select "Multiplayer" → "Host Game". Choose a save slot, set your lobby name, and select lobby privacy (Public, Friends Only, or Password Protected).
- Steam Direct Invites
The host can open the Steam Overlay (Shift + Tab) and invite up to 15 Steam friends directly into the active session.
- Lobby Browser
Players can also browse active global lobbies. Note that public lobbies can sometimes suffer from random players reorganizing conveyor belts, so passwords are recommended for large factories.
PROGRESSION Shared Upgrade Matrix
In original release builds, each player had to individually grind credits for personal tool upgrades. Developer DragDrop Games eliminated this bottleneck in Patch 1.0.3:
- Unified Upgrade Tree: All connected crewmates use the host world's upgrade matrix.
- Collective Purchases: When any astronaut buys an upgrade at the terminal, that unlock is instantly applied to all 16 crew members.
- Save Import Retention: When players import their characters into a friend's world, the game retains whichever level was higher between the host's save and the joining character.
NETCODE v1.0.4 Ground Synchronization Fix
One of the biggest launch complaints involved terrain synchronization: client players would sweep a sector, only to see the dust reappear minutes later because the host had not validated the packets.
CONSTRUCTION Collaborative Factory Building
Building automated production lines with friends:
- Shared Belt Snapping: In v1.0.4, any crewmate can place splitters and mergers onto conveyor belts laid down by other players.
- Vehicle Access: Garages are open to all players. Anyone can drive, refuel, and park cleaning rovers, though courteous teams assign individual rovers to specific crewmates.
- Simultaneous Construction: Multiple astronauts can snap foundations and run power cabling simultaneously without desyncing the placement grid.
SECURITY Host Anti-Griefing Tools
If playing in open public lobbies, the host retains full disciplinary authority:
- Press ESC and navigate to the "Your Crew" panel.
- All 16 connected astronauts are listed with their Steam ID and ping.
- The host can select any player to Kick (disconnects them) or Ban (permanently blocks them from ever rejoining that world save).
- Bans can be reversed from the same menu if issued accidentally.
PLATFORMS Consoles, PS5, Xbox & Crossplay Status
Many players search for Moon Sweepers on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, or Nintendo Switch:
FAQ Multiplayer Inquiries
How many players can join a Moon Sweepers co-op lobby?
Moon Sweepers supports up to 16 players in a single online multiplayer session. Lobbies can be hosted publicly or password-protected for private friend groups via Steam invites.
Are upgrades and research shared among crewmates?
Yes! As of Patch v1.0.3, the whole crew uses the host upgrade matrix. Any player who purchases an upgrade unlocks it for everyone in the session, and older saves retain the highest tier previously bought.
Does Moon Sweepers support crossplay or console versions?
No. Moon Sweepers is currently available exclusively on Windows PC via Steam (and verified playable on Steam Deck with Proton). There is no console release on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, or Nintendo Switch, so crossplay is not applicable.
How does the host manage disruptive players or griefers?
In the ESC menu under "Your Crew", the host can view all connected astronauts. The host can instantly kick or permanently ban disruptive players. Banned players cannot rejoin that save file unless unbanned by the host.