Goat Simulator 3, like its predecessor, is an action game played in a third-person perspective where the goal, controlling the goat player character, is to wreak havoc and perform stunts in the game's urban environment.[10][11][12] A mechanic of the previous game where the playable goat can hitch themselves to items and objects found in the world by licking them is retained in this game.[13][12][11] The developers claim that its open world is 18 times larger than that of the first game.[11][12] Additionally, sections exist where different gameplay styles are explored, such as a parody of Wolfenstein 3D with first-person shooter mechanics.[14][15][16] A story mode, new to the series, also appears in Goat Simulator 3.[16][11] Also new to the series is the introduction to the wardrobe, which allows the player to customize their character further than ever. Some of these clothing items are purely for looks, whereas others have special abilities. [17][18]
A four-player cooperative online multiplayer mode was also added with the ability to play 7 competitive PvP minigames at any time and anywhere during gameplay in the online multiplayer mode and include games such as the floor is lava, Prop Hunt, and an association football-like mini-game titled Hoofball.[19]
The game is well known for its hidden secrets that reference other games and pop culture, such as: Star Wars, Fallout 3, Silent Hill, and Skyrim.[20]
Players are also given their own customizable hub world known as the Goat Castle that is upgraded by completing goals and achievements in the other worlds.[21][22]
