- Ostranauts multiplayer mod: No official multiplayer mod exists yet, but robust modding tools are available on Thunderstore
- Crew simulation: The game features deep NPC crew management that mimics co-op style interactions
- Mod managers: Use r2modman or GaleModManager to install and maintain Ostranauts mods safely
- BepInEx required: This is the core modloader needed to run any additional modifications
- Hiring strategy: Befriend NPCs before negotiating contracts to cut salary and death pay significantly
Ostranauts Modding Ecosystem & Multiplayer Status
Ostranauts is a highly detailed spaceship simulation where you manage every system, wire, and crew member. While the community has explored the idea of an Ostranauts multiplayer mod to experience the game cooperatively, the current modding ecosystem focuses on quality-of-life improvements, modding frameworks, and UI enhancements. The Thunderstore mod database serves as the central hub for all available modifications.
Video Highlights:
- Learn how to hire and manage NPC crew members effectively
- Discover negotiation tactics to reduce salary and death pay
- Understand roster scheduling for continuous ship operations
- Master zone restrictions to keep crew members in designated areas
The modding scene is still growing, with ten packages currently listed on the Thunderstore Ostranauts database. These range from essential modloaders to utility mods that enhance the single-player experience.
As of 2026, there is no functional multiplayer or co-op mod available for Ostranauts. The game's complex simulation architecture makes network synchronization extremely challenging. Players looking for a shared experience should focus on the deep NPC crew management system, which provides a cooperative feel through AI companions.
Available Mods on Thunderstore
The Ostranauts modding community has produced a focused set of tools and enhancements. Below is a breakdown of every mod currently available on the Thunderstore database.
| Mod Name | Author | Category | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| r2modman | ebkr | Tool | Mod manager for easy installation and profile management |
| BepInExPack Ostranauts | BepInEx | Library | Core modloader, preconfigured and required for most mods |
| GaleModManager | Kesomannen | Tool | Lightweight alternative mod manager for Thunderstore |
| CharacterSidebar | CraxyMaxy | Misc | Right-side panel showing active character traits and skills |
| FFU Console | FFU_Group | Misc | Extended console commands for debugging and customization |
| LiberatedTemperature | Gweneg | Misc | Adds Fahrenheit and Rankine temperature unit options |
| LaunchControl | bitMods | Library | C# modding toolkit with shared systems and utilities |
| MemoryBoosterTurboMax | RobynEnterprise | Misc | Memory optimization tool for improved performance |
| MonoModLoader | Robyn | Library | Loads .mm.dll patches through BepInEx |
| Tommy | Robyn | Library | Single-file TOML reader and writer for C# modding |
Always install BepInExPack Ostranauts first. Without this core modloader, no other mod will function. Use either r2modman or GaleModManager to automate dependency resolution and avoid manual file placement errors.
Quality of Life Mods
- CharacterSidebar: Track skills and conditions in real-time
- LiberatedTemperature: Switch between Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Rankine
- Reduces UI friction during long sessions
Modding Frameworks
- LaunchControl: Accelerates custom mod development
- MonoModLoader: Enables runtime patching
- Tommy: Configuration file management
Performance Tools
- MemoryBoosterTurboMax: Optimizes RAM usage
- r2modman: Clean profile isolation
- Prevents mod conflicts during updates
How to Install Ostranauts Mods
Setting up mods for Ostranauts requires a mod manager and the BepInEx framework. Follow this step-by-step process to get your game modded safely.
Download a Mod Manager
Install either r2modman by ebkr or GaleModManager by Kesomannen from the Thunderstore website. Both managers handle downloads, updates, and profile management automatically.
Select Ostranauts Profile
Open your mod manager and create a new profile specifically for Ostranauts. This keeps your mod configurations isolated from other Thunderstore-supported games.
Install BepInEx Pack
Search for BepInExPack Ostranauts and install it first. This is the foundational modloader that all other mods depend on to function properly within the Unity engine.
Add Desired Mods
Browse the available mods and click install. The mod manager will automatically resolve any dependencies. Popular starting choices include CharacterSidebar and LiberatedTemperature.
Launch Through Mod Manager
Always launch Ostranauts through your mod manager rather than Steam directly. This ensures all mods are loaded correctly and your profile settings are applied.
Before installing any mods, back up your save files. Mods that alter game logic can corrupt existing saves. Create a clean profile for testing new mods before applying them to your main playthrough.
Simulating Multiplayer: NPC Crew Management
Since an Ostranauts multiplayer mod is not yet available, the closest experience to cooperative play is the game's robust NPC crew system. Hiring, scheduling, and directing crew members creates a management layer that mimics coordinating with other players.
Hiring the Right Crew
Each NPC in Ostranauts has randomly generated skills, some visible and others hidden. When evaluating potential hires, prioritize candidates with skills relevant to ship maintenance.
| Skill | Priority | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Ship Breaker | High | Salvaging parts and components from derelict vessels |
| Mechanical Engineering | High | Repairing walls, floors, conduits, and ship systems |
| Zero-G Ops | Medium | Safe movement in vacuum and low-gravity environments |
| Persuasion | Low | Useful for negotiations but not ship-critical |
| Masonry | Low | Niche construction skill, rarely essential |
When you first hire a crew member, select them and check the conversation options. Their skills will be listed in the reply panel. This lets you verify hidden skills before committing to a long-term contract. If they lack useful skills, fire them immediately and move to the next candidate.
Negotiation Strategy
The key to affordable crew contracts is building relationships before negotiating terms. NPCs who view you as a friend will accept significantly lower salaries and death pay compared to those who see you as an acquaintance.
| Relationship Level | Salary Impact | Death Pay Impact | Negotiation Success |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unfriendly | N/A | N/A | Will not negotiate |
| Acquaintance | Standard rates | Standard rates | Low success chance |
| Friend | Moderate discount | Moderate discount | High success chance |
| Befriended | Significant discount | Up to 50% reduction | Near-guaranteed success |
Befriend an NPC before hiring them. Once befriended, you can reduce death pay from 65,000 to 35,000 credits and lower their daily salary. The time invested in conversation pays off massively over long contracts.
Crew Roster and Ship Zone Management
Effective crew management requires careful scheduling and spatial organization. Each crew member needs a defined work schedule, sleep rotation, and restricted movement zones to operate efficiently.
Roster Scheduling
Set up overlapping shift schedules so that at least one crew member is always rested and ready. Allocate two hours of free time before each crew member's bedtime to ensure adequate rest cycles.
| Time Block | Activity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00 - 23:00 | Work shift | Ship repairs, maintenance, and operations |
| 23:00 - 01:00 | Free time | Buffer period before sleep for mental recovery |
| 01:00 - 08:00 | Sleep cycle | Rest in shared bunk, staggered with other crew |
Zone Restrictions
Use the zone system to control crew movement. Create forbidden zones with red shading to prevent crew members from entering dangerous areas or leaving the ship through specific airlocks. Only the captain can pass through forbidden zones.
Crew members can become trapped and die if zones are configured incorrectly. After setting up restrictions, switch to each crew member's perspective and verify they can reach essential areas like bunks, food storage, and work stations. Only use zone restrictions when absolutely necessary.
Crew Management Setup Checklist:
- Hire crew members with Ship Breaker or Mechanical Engineering skills
- Befriend NPCs before negotiating contract terms
- Configure roster with staggered sleep schedules
- Set disembark airlock permissions to prevent unauthorized departures
- Deselect Restore Parts if you want crew focused on ship repairs only
- Test zone restrictions by switching to each crew member's view
Maximizing Crew Utility for Multiplayer-Style Gameplay
While waiting for a potential Ostranauts multiplayer mod, you can extract maximum value from your NPC crew by using them as mobile storage, repair teams, and task automation agents.
Repair Prioritization
Set your crew to autotask mode and configure their roster to prioritize wall, conduit, and floor repairs. Remove the Restore Parts option from their roster if you want them focused exclusively on ship maintenance rather than collecting loose components.
Mobile Inventory
Crew members function as movable storage containers. Fill their backpacks with essential supplies and equipment. This is especially useful during salvage operations where you need to transport large quantities of materials between your ship and derelict vessels.
Crew Switch Warning
Do not use the crew switch button while crew members are in different scenes (e.g., one on the ship, one at a station). This causes characters to become invisible, ships to disappear, and game-breaking glitches. Instead, select crew members from the main screen panel. If all characters are on the same playing field (e.g., all at a station), switching works normally.
| Crew Task | Method | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Ship repairs | Enable autotask, set repair priority in roster | High - automatic continuous maintenance |
| Part salvage | Enable Restore Parts in roster | Medium - crew collects nearby loose components |
| Item transport | Manually fill inventory, command return to ship | High - eliminates back-and-forth trips |
| Station errands | Command crew to return to ship after tasks | Medium - requires manual oversight |
FAQ
Q: Is there an Ostranauts multiplayer mod available?
As of 2026, no functional multiplayer or co-op mod exists for Ostranauts. The game's complex simulation systems make synchronization extremely difficult. The closest alternative is the deep NPC crew management system, which allows you to direct AI companions for repairs, salvage, and station operations.
Q: Where can I find Ostranauts mods?
All available Ostranauts mods are hosted on the Thunderstore mod database at thunderstore.io/c/ostranauts/. Currently, ten packages are available, including mod managers (r2modman, GaleModManager), the BepInEx modloader, and quality-of-life mods like CharacterSidebar and LiberatedTemperature.
Q: How do I reduce crew hiring costs in Ostranauts?
Build a friendship with the NPC before negotiating their contract. Befriended NPCs accept significantly lower salaries and death pay. For example, death pay can drop from 65,000 to 35,000 credits. You can also adjust the sign-on bonus and daily salary during negotiations, but these changes are more likely to succeed with a higher relationship level.
Q: What is the crew switch bug and how do I avoid it?
Using the crew switch button when crew members are in different scenes (one on the ship, one at a station) causes invisible characters, missing ships, and broken interactions. To avoid this, always select crew members from the main screen panel instead of using the switch button. The bug does not occur when all characters share the same location.