Bus Simulator 21's cooperative multiplayer mode

Yes, Bus Simulator 21 does have a cooperative multiplayer mode, playable up to 4 players online. One player hosts the bus company, and the others join him to manage the routes, buy buses and ride together.

If you'd like to give it a try, here's how:

From the main menu :

• Check your Multiplayer to join a game, or create your own via Company Settings,
• Go to Settings server.

For more details, scroll down.

Release date and platforms

Bus Simulator 21 is released on September 7, 2021 on PC, PS4 and Xbox One.

Regarding the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S native versions have been available since May 2023 with the update Next Stop. The game is now sold under the name “Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop”. The cooperative mode was at the heart of the project from the outset, with a dedicated pre-release trailer.

This is the trailer :

Explanatory video in French by Alucare, ideal complement to the page. View video (you can use YouTube's automatic translation)

How to play Bus Simulator 21 multiplayer?

Launching a multiplayer game on Bus Simulator 21 takes less than two minutes. Note how to do it:

Join a game :

• From the main menu, click on Multiplayer.
  • Open the Server Browser to find a public area,
• Or check your friends list to reach us directly,
  • Next, select the section and join the lobby.

Host a party:

• Swipe your card and enter Settings of the company,
• Access to Server parameters,
• Then choose the visibility: Audience, Hidden Where Private.
• Manage your lobby to invite your friends

What you need to know : Progress is saved only on the host computer. LAN mode is available and offers significantly better stability than an online connection.

Once in play, you can join a friend's bus to drive in convoys, or climb aboard as a ticket inspector to check passenger tickets.

What to do when multiplayer lags or is unstable?

Bus Simulator 21's multiplayer functions in peer-to-peer Stability therefore depends entirely on the host.

Here's how to limit lag.

• The host must be the player with the best PC and the best connection.
• Go for LAN when playing with close friends.
• The drive may seem jerky on the non-host side. This is a known limitation of peer-to-peer, not a bug in your configuration.
• If the connection is poor, reducing the number of players from 4 to 2 or 3 significantly improves the experience.

What's on offer in multiplayer mode?

The cooperative multiplayer mode can accommodate up to 4 players. Together, they can run a public transport company, whether in the fictional American metropolis of Angel Shores or the European city of Seaside Valley.

In concrete terms, the plan routes, buys new buses and driven on lines in real time.

The day/night cycle makes it possible to create schedules and optimize them together. The fleet includes city buses, articulated buses, electric buses and a double-decker bus, all officially licensed by recognized manufacturers.

When the multiplayer mode was announced in May 2021, Astragon already emphasized the importance of community feedback on the cooperative mode, which has been enhanced compared to Bus Simulator 18.

FAQs

Is cross-play possible on Bus Simulator 21?

Partially.

✅ On PC, cross-play works between Steam, the Epic Games Store, and the Microsoft Store, regardless of which account you use.

✅ PlayStation consoles are compatible with each other (PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5), as are Xbox consoles (Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S).

❌ However, cross-play between PC and console is not possible, nor is it possible between PlayStation and Xbox.

Is progress shared between players on Bus Simulator 21?

Nope. All progress (money, fleet, routes) is saved only on the host's game. The other players continue with their own saves unchanged.

Is there a split-screen mode on Bus Simulator 21?

Nope, Bus Simulator 21 does not offer splitscreen. Multiplayer is exclusively online.

Bus Simulator 21 game update

Here's what you need to know about this update to Bus Simulator 21.

Information on Bus Simulator Next Stop

The update Bus Simulator Next Stop is now available on all platforms. It gives you access to gameplay enhancements such as the career mode, which combines the sandbox mode with the economic campaign system.

You can download the official map extension to explore new bus stops in a nature reserve. However, it's important to take care when driving, because deer are dangerous.

Features and updates for Bus Simulator Next Stop

• Update career mode ;
• Gameplay smoother ;
• Official extension of the card offered ;
• Free upgrade for PS5 and Xbox Series versions for those who already have the game.

Who created this game?

Meet the game's creators Bus Simulator 21 :

• Astragon Entertainment ;
• Stillalive Studios.

Astragon Entertainment

Astragon Entertainment (founded on July 25, 2000 in Hagen/Germany and based in Düsseldorf/Germany since 2019)) is the publisher of Bus Simulator 21. It is one of Germany's leading independent game publishers.

The company's diversified product portfolio includes technical simulation games such as :

• Construction Simulator ;
• Bus Simulator.

They also have many other exciting games such as :

• Police Simulator: Patrol Officers ;
• Drone Swarm (a space strategy game).

The distribution of licensed products and distribution systems such as the following complete their range:

• Farming Simulator ;
• Transport Fever 2 ;
• SnowRunner.

The games Astragon are available worldwide on many different platforms, including consoles, smartphones, tablets and PCs.

If you'd like to find out more about this German video game publisher, please go to official website of the company: https://www.astragon.com

Stillalive Studios

Stillalive Studios is an award-winning game development team dedicated to creating dynamic and unique games. The company has worked with Astragon on the development of Bus Simulator 21.

The company was incorporated in early 2010 in Innsbruck (Austria) and today has a membership of just a few dozen.

This is an experienced and enthusiastic team of game developers embracing both gameplay and technological challenges, working with both Unity and Unreal.

For more information, visit their official website : https://stillalive-studios.com/

In short, Bus Simulator 21 (now sold as Next Stop) has been offering a complete cooperative experience since its launch in 2021. For other ideas for multiplayer video games, check out our selection of :

• Best co-op games on PC
• or our Top 25 simulation games for PS5.

Don't hesitate to leave a comment if you have any further questions!