Since its launch, Goat Simulator 3 has delivered chaos and hilarity in equal measure. With its open-world sandbox, absurd missions, and unpredictable physics, it’s no wonder players are diving into the game with friends through online multiplayer. However, despite its fun-packed premise, many users have encountered issues when attempting to connect with others online. If you’re one of those frustrated fans wondering why the online multiplayer in Goat Simulator 3 isn’t working, this guide will walk you through the most common causes and fixes to get you back to headbutting goats together in no time.
TL;DR Summary
If Goat Simulator 3 online multiplayer isn’t working, it could be due to server issues, NAT type conflicts, outdated game versions, or network problems. Try restarting the game and console/PC, checking your internet connection, updating files, and verifying that crossplay is enabled. If all else fails, reinstalling the game or contacting the developers may solve the issue. Continue reading for detailed step-by-step solutions.
1. Check Server Status
The very first thing to check when multiplayer isn’t working is whether Goat Simulator 3‘s servers are down or undergoing maintenance. Like most online games, server issues can temporarily prevent users from connecting online.
- Check the official Goat Simulator 3 Twitter channel or Discord community for announcements.
- Visit websites like Downdetector to see if other players are experiencing similar issues.
If the servers are down, there’s nothing to do but wait for the developers to resolve the issue.
2. Restart the Game and Your Device
This might sound basic, but restarting the game or the entire system can often fix minor glitches that affect network connectivity. A fresh reboot may restore online features that failed to initialize properly during launch.
- Close Goat Simulator 3 completely.
- Shut down your PC or console, then wait 30 seconds before turning it back on.
- Open the game again and attempt to join an online game.
3. Ensure You Have a Stable Internet Connection
Multiplayer games rely heavily on a steady internet connection. Lag or disconnection issues frequently stem from unstable or slow connections, which can cause problems when syncing with online lobbies.
Take the following steps to rule out internet issues:
- Reset your router or modem.
- Connect via Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi for greater stability.
- Use a speed test tool to confirm your download/upload speeds are sufficient (at least 5 Mbps recommended).
4. Matchmaking and Privacy Settings
Sometimes, the game’s matchmaking options or your console’s privacy settings may prevent you from joining or hosting multiplayer sessions. Ensure these settings are configured correctly:
- On consoles: Go to account settings and allow multiplayer and communication privileges
- Within Goat Simulator 3: Set your party to “Open” or “Friends Only” depending on who you’re playing with
Also, all players should ensure they’re on the same game version and have crossplay enabled (if playing between different platforms).
5. Update The Game to the Latest Version
Running an out-of-date version of Goat Simulator 3 can break online functionality, especially if recent patches included multiplayer fixes or synchronization improvements.
Check for the latest updates:
- On PC (Epic Games or Steam): Click on the game and check for updates
- On consoles: Highlight the game > Press Options/Menu > Check for update
Install any available updates and reboot the game afterward.
6. NAT Type Compatibility
Your Network Address Translation (NAT) type may affect your ability to connect with other players. NAT settings control how your console or PC connects to others online, and incompatible types can restrict connections.
Types of NAT:
- Open NAT: Best for online gaming
- Moderate NAT: Acceptable
- Strict NAT: Problematic – may block multiplayer
You can check your NAT type in your network settings. If it’s set to Strict, consider forwarding the following ports used by Goat Simulator 3:
- TCP: 80, 443
- UDP: 3478, 3479, 3659
7. Clear Cache and Temporary Files
Corrupted temporary files can create unexpected game behavior. Clearing the cache might restore multiplayer functionality.
To do this:
- On PC: Delete temporary files via Disk Cleanup or manually in Windows’ temp folder (type %temp% in the Start menu)
- On consoles: Restart the system and unplug it for a minute before turning it back on
8. Reinstall Goat Simulator 3
If none of the above solutions work, the game installation may be corrupted. A full reinstall can fix persistent issues including multiplayer bugs.
Before uninstalling, make sure your save data is backed up to the cloud (on consoles) or copied from the save folder (on PC).
9. Contact Support
If you’re still stuck and can’t connect to online multiplayer, contact the game’s official support team. Be sure to provide:
- Your platform (PC, Xbox, PlayStation)
- A detailed explanation of your issue
- Any error messages encountered
Sometimes, gameplay bugs are specific to account issues or local circumstances and need developer-side solutions.
FAQs: Fixing Goat Simulator 3 Online Multiplayer
Why can’t I join my friend’s session in Goat Simulator 3?
This may be caused by version mismatches, NAT type conflicts, or privacy settings. Double-check that both devices have the same game version and that your NAT types are compatible.
Is multiplayer cross-platform in Goat Simulator 3?
Yes, Goat Simulator 3 supports cross-platform multiplayer, but all players must enable the feature in the settings and be signed into a supported account (like Epic or console Network IDs).
How do I enable crossplay in Goat Simulator 3?
Go to the Settings menu and navigate to Gameplay or Online options. From there, toggle Crossplay to ‘On’. All players must enable this option to play together across platforms.
What ports need to be open for Goat Simulator 3 multiplayer?
You can open the following ports on your router for best connectivity:
TCP: 80, 443
UDP: 3478, 3479, 3659
Will reinstalling the game delete my progress?
Not if your save data is backed up. On consoles, cloud saves generally keep your data secure. On PC, locate and backup your Goat Simulator 3 save folder before uninstalling.
By following the methods above, most players will be able to resolve their online connectivity problems in Goat Simulator 3 and return to creating mayhem with friends. Whether you’re launching from rooftops or just trying to sync a lobby, a few careful adjustments can get you back on track.