How to Play Goat Simulator? Mastering Mayhem, One Lick at a Time
Playing Goat Simulator is essentially about embracing the absurd and creating chaos with a virtually indestructible goat. There’s no right or wrong way; your goal is simply to explore the world, cause destruction, and discover the game’s many secrets.
Introduction: A Baa-rmstorming Good Time
Goat Simulator isn’t your typical simulation game. Forget realistic farming or meticulous city planning; here, you’re a goat with a preternatural knack for destruction and a physics engine that revels in the ridiculous. It’s a sandbox experience that encourages players to experiment, discover, and generally wreak havoc in a variety of outlandish ways. From licking unsuspecting pedestrians to headbutting gas stations into oblivion, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination (and the game’s programming).
The Core Objective: Chaos and Collection
While Goat Simulator doesn’t have a conventional narrative or win condition, the core gameplay loop revolves around these elements:
- Exploring the Environment: Each map is packed with interactive elements, hidden areas, and secrets waiting to be uncovered.
- Causing Destruction: This is perhaps the most important element. Rack up points by destroying objects, performing stunts, and generally creating chaos.
- Completing Challenges: Many maps offer specific challenges, such as achieving a certain score, performing a specific stunt, or finding hidden collectibles.
- Unlocking New Goats and Customizations: As you play, you’ll unlock new goat variants, each with unique abilities and quirks, as well as cosmetic customizations.
Getting Started: Controls and Basic Actions
Before you can unleash your inner goat, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the basic controls:
| Action | Key/Button |
|---|---|
| Movement | WASD/Left Stick |
| Jump | Spacebar/X (PS) / A (Xbox) |
| Headbutt | Q/Square (PS) / X (Xbox) |
| Lick | E/Triangle (PS) / Y (Xbox) |
| Ragdoll | Shift/R1 (PS) / RB (Xbox) |
| Special Ability | R/L1 (PS) / LB (Xbox) |
These are the foundational actions you’ll use to navigate the world and interact with objects. Mastering the art of the lick is particularly important, as it allows you to grab onto objects and drag them around, creating even more chaos.
Advanced Techniques: Mastering the Baa-sic Physics
While the controls are simple, mastering Goat Simulator requires a degree of understanding of the game’s physics.
- Exploiting Glitches: Goat Simulator is known for its glitches, and many players embrace them as part of the fun. Use them to your advantage to reach new heights and perform even crazier stunts.
- Combining Actions: Experiment with combining different actions, such as jumping and headbutting, to achieve maximum impact.
- Using Environmental Objects: Leverage the environment to your advantage. For example, use trampolines to launch yourself into the air or use fans to propel yourself across the map.
- Modding (PC Only): The PC version of Goat Simulator supports modding, allowing you to add new goats, maps, and gameplay features.
Common Mistakes to Avoid (Or Embrace)
While there’s no wrong way to play Goat Simulator, here are some common “mistakes” that you might want to avoid (or embrace, depending on your playstyle):
- Taking it too seriously: Goat Simulator is meant to be a silly and chaotic experience. Don’t get bogged down in trying to achieve perfection.
- Ignoring the environment: The environment is full of secrets and opportunities for mayhem. Take the time to explore and experiment.
- Not trying new things: The game rewards experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try new stunts, combinations, and glitches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions players have about Goat Simulator:
What platforms is Goat Simulator available on?
Goat Simulator is available on a wide range of platforms, including PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android. Availability may vary depending on the specific Goat Simulator edition.
How do I unlock new goats?
New goats are typically unlocked by completing specific challenges, finding hidden items, or achieving certain milestones within the game. Explore the maps and experiment to discover how to unlock each goat. Each goat has unique abilities that can dramatically change gameplay.
What are mutations and how do I get them?
Mutations are gameplay modifiers that can alter the way your goat behaves or interacts with the world. They are usually unlocked by completing challenges or exploring hidden areas.
Is there a multiplayer mode in Goat Simulator?
Yes, some versions of Goat Simulator feature a multiplayer mode, allowing you to play with friends and cause chaos together. The number of players and specific multiplayer features vary depending on the version of the game.
How do I perform the “Raked in the Moolah” achievement/trophy?
The “Raked in the Moolah” achievement/trophy requires you to collect all the money piles in a specific map. This usually involves thorough exploration and a keen eye for detail.
Can I customize my goat?
Yes, Goat Simulator allows you to customize your goat with various accessories and modifications. These can be unlocked through gameplay or purchased with in-game currency (if the specific version supports it). Customization options are largely cosmetic.
What are the benefits of licking things?
Licking things is fundamental to Goat Simulator gameplay. It allows you to attach your goat to objects, drag them around, and use them to create even more chaos. You can also use your tongue to climb walls and reach new areas.
Is Goat Simulator a “realistic” simulation game?
Absolutely not! Goat Simulator is designed to be a humorous and unrealistic parody of simulation games. The physics are exaggerated, and the gameplay is focused on chaos and destruction.
How do I find the “Angel Goat” or “Devil Goat”?
These special goat variants are typically hidden in specific locations within the maps. Finding them often requires completing a series of challenges or interacting with hidden objects. Search online for specific guides.
What are the “Goathenge” and how do I interact with it?
Goathenge is a reference to Stonehenge and is a notable landmark in some Goat Simulator maps. Interacting with it may trigger special events or unlock secret content. Experiment with different actions near Goathenge.
Can I play Goat Simulator on my mobile device?
Yes, Goat Simulator is available on both iOS and Android devices. The mobile version is a fully-featured port of the original game, offering the same chaotic gameplay experience.
Are there any secrets or Easter eggs in Goat Simulator?
Yes, Goat Simulator is packed with secrets, Easter eggs, and hidden references. Exploring the maps thoroughly is the best way to discover them all. Many Easter eggs are related to other video games or popular culture. Good luck and have fun baa-ing your way through!