Joining friends in Voidtrain requires the host to leave the prologue tutorial room, open the pause menu, and enable multiplayer visibility under the Session settings. Once visibility is turned on, players can connect through direct platform invites or the in-game server browser.
Voidtrain supports up to 4-player online co-op across both Steam and the Epic Games Store. Because multiplayer uses direct peer connections and saves progress solely to the host system, setting up the lobby correctly is essential.
Step 1: Unlock Multiplayer in the Void
Multiplayer cannot be accessed from the very first room of a brand-new save.
- Start or load your game in single-player.
- Complete the initial introductory tutorial inside the starting structure (interacting with the fuse box and controls).
- Step through the doorway and enter the Void, where your character begins floating alongside the starter trolley.
- Once you have entered the Void, press Escape to bring up the Pause Menu. The Session tab is now unlocked and accessible.
Step 2: Configure Host Session Settings
The host controls server visibility and determines who can view or enter the world.
- Open the Pause Menu and select the Session tab.
- Locate the option labeled "Is it an open server?".
- Set this setting to either "Only for friends" or "Yes". Selecting "Only for friends" restricts lobby visibility to contacts on your friends list. Selecting "Yes" makes your session public to anyone searching the server browser.
- Remain in the active game world while your teammates connect, as closing the game immediately terminates the session.
| Host Setting | Option Values | Lobby Visibility |
|---|---|---|
| Is it an open server? | No | Single-player only; nobody can join or find the game. |
| Is it an open server? | Only for friends | Visible only to approved platform friends in browser and invites. |
| Is it an open server? | Yes | Publicly discoverable by any player using the Find Game browser. |
Step 3: Connect via Direct Invite or Server Browser
Players can join a configured session using two different methods.
Method A: Platform Overlay Invites (Most Reliable)
- While in-game, the host opens the platform overlay using Shift + Tab on Steam or Shift + F3 on the Epic Games Store.
- Right-click the friend's username in the friends list.
- Select "Invite to Game."
- The invited player accepts the notification through their own platform overlay to load directly onto the host's train.
Method B: In-Game Server Browser
- The joining player launches Voidtrain and stays on the Main Menu.
- Click "Find Game" (or "Join").
- Use the filter toggle to select "Only friends" if joining a private friends lobby.
- Locate the host's session in the list, select it, and click join. If the lobby does not appear immediately, refresh the list while ensuring the host is currently in-world.
Crossplay Between Steam and Epic Games Store
Voidtrain supports cross-platform play between Steam and the Epic Games Store on PC.
To enable crossplay between different storefronts, open the in-game settings menu and navigate to the account linking section. Follow the prompts to link your Steam and Epic Games accounts. Once linked, players across both platforms can discover sessions and join using the in-game browser or account system.
Troubleshooting Connection and Join Failures
Because Voidtrain relies on direct peer-to-peer connections between players, certain client-side states or network adapters can disrupt multiplayer.
The Session Setting is Stuck on "No"
If clicking "Is it an open server?" makes an audio click but refuses to switch away from "No," the online account synchronization has stalled. Developer troubleshooting confirms that if your Steam account was previously linked to the Epic Games Store, you must unlink and relink the accounts inside the in-game settings. After relinking, restart the game and the toggle will function normally.
Accepting Invites Bounces You to the Main Menu
If an invite fails and sends the joining player back to the title screen:
- Confirm Steam status: Ensure the host and joining players are set to "Online" on Steam. Setting your profile status to "Invisible" or "Offline" can block session routing.
- Check Steam Friends list: If the in-game browser fails, have the joining player right-click the host directly in the Steam desktop client and select "Join Game."
Direct Connection and Network Blockers
Developer guidance highlights several common local network conflicts:
- Antivirus and Firewall: Add Voidtrain, Steam, and the SteamApps folder as exceptions in your antivirus and Windows Defender Firewall.
- Virtual Adapters: Close or uninstall third-party virtual network software, such as Hamachi or VMware virtual network adapters, which interfere with direct peer connections.
- Synchronize Clock: Make sure the Windows system date and time are synchronized automatically on both the host and client computers.
- File Verification: In your Steam Library, right-click Voidtrain, open Properties, select Installed Files, and click "Verify integrity of game files."
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Voidtrain support dedicated servers?
No. Voidtrain does not feature dedicated servers. All multiplayer sessions rely on direct peer-to-peer hosting, and world progression is saved locally on the host's machine.
How many players can join a co-op game?
Voidtrain supports up to 4 players in online co-op on PC.
Can friends play on the train when the host is offline?
No. Because campaign progress and train builds are stored on the host's device, the host must launch the save and remain in the game for guest players to access the train.
