Goat Simulator 3 Is A Strangely Fitting Online Co-Op Experience

Multiplayer is one of gaming’s biggest joys but for co-op specifically, only a few games have ever grabbed me. Odd exceptions like Sackboy: A Big Adventure and Luigi’s Mansion 2 aside, I generally prefer an offline solo campaign, inevitably fighting god 60 hours into my latest RPG. Someone’s gotta do it, right? It’s an honest life but a lonely one, too.

Some experiences are best shared with friends and, as I realised with Goat Simulator 3, that’s especially true when the game doesn’t take itself too seriously. Going hands-on with a 40 minute demo during Gamescom 2022, I didn’t really know what to expect. I played the original Goat Simulator, laughed a few times, yet I was never that invested beyond those initial few sessions.

Still impressed at its success, though, considering the game started as an April Fools joke. Being limited to local co-op didn’t help either and by taking this concept online, Goat Simulator 3 could be so much more. Before you ask, no, Goat Simulator 2 doesn’t exist. So powerful is this sequel that Coffee Stain North skipped it entirely.

Roaming San Angora island as Pilgor, Goat Simulator 3 retains that simple sandbox premise which made the original popular, with several changes from its predecessor. For solo players, it’s packing a campaign with a clear start and finish but no story, though I didn’t get much time exploring this. Our ultimate goal remains the same; maximum chaos. As Pilgor, you can explore to your heart’s content.  You can hijack cars and perform sick tricks off a ramp, pick up a jetpack, or even grab a fireworks launcher and send random NPCs far away.

There are some optional objectives that are giving me some good laughs. Growing plants with what can only be described as steroid water to create a never-ending beanstalk is pretty funny. You don’t need to ruin the day of random citizens but terrorising San Angora’s citizens and watching them ragdoll? Sure. Am I a bad person for that? Absolutely. I'm enjoying the carnage but when playing alone, I start doubting if Goat Simulator 3 can maintain this feeling. 

Things quickly turn around once co-op starts. Allowing four-player online parties, Goat Simulator 3’s potential quickly becomes apparent. For one, you can customise your goats individually, and if I may be so bold, mine looks incredible rocking the tea set attire. Once we’ve all assembled, we can pick between seven multiplayer mini-games. You don’t have a set location for these, mini-games can be started anywhere, making this both flexible and chaotic. Choosing “Floor is Lava” match in an open field with rising lava doesn’t last very long, an unfortunate consequence of poor location planning. But if you find somewhere with climbable buildings, we can keep this going.

We tried two mini-games during this demo, starting out with Prop Golf. Using nothing but our goat’s headbutting ability, it’s a race to get our prop towards the flag as soon as possible, an event which fell victim to poor location planning, thanks to a nearby stream. King of the Hill was next, seeing Goat vs Goat battles as we fight to stay in a circle atop a building, awarding points for whoever can hold out the longest. I wish I could’ve tried them all. Car Derby with exploding vehicles might be entertaining in the right location, though we didn’t have time. 

By leaning more heavily into co-op gameplay, Coffee Stain has found a great way to build upon the original game’s foundations. Goat Simulator 3 leans nicely into its sillier aspects by refusing to take itself seriously, making a refreshing change from recent releases with its lighthearted shenanigans. This won’t win over anyone who disliked Goat Simulator but if you find the right crowd, it’s got potential.