Getting Started

Overview

Welcome to Goat Simulator 3, the chaotic open-world goat-rampage simulator by Coffee Stain North. You play as a goat in the fictional island of San Angora, where your only goal is to cause as much mischief, destruction, and mayhem as possible. Unlike traditional games, there is no health bar, no game over, and no fail state – you are an immortal goat. The core loop is completing "Goatal Missions" (goals scattered around the map) to earn points and Bling, unlocking new goats, costumes, abilities, and events.

This guide is tailored for brand-new players, covering your first hour, controls on every platform, UI basics, and a day-one checklist so you can go from confused goat to master of disaster.

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Character Creation

When you start a new game, you’ll be prompted to select your goat. There is no deep customization – you can choose from a handful of pre-made goat breeds (e.g., basic Goat, Tall Goat, Horned Goat, etc.). You can also pick a name (optional). Later, as you progress, you can unlock more goat breeds and costumes (hats, glasses, body suits) using Bling earned in-game. For your first run, just pick the goat that looks coolest – all have the same stats.

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Controls (All Platforms)

Below are the default controls. You can remap them in the options menu if needed.

Tips:

• Licking lets you grab objects (including NPCs) with your tongue and fling them. It’s essential for many goals.


• Headbutting can break fragile objects and knock over furniture.


• Kicking sends items or enemies flying with force.


• Use Jump + Headbutt to perform a powerful ground-pound.


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UI Overview



Here’s what the screen shows:

1. Score Counter (top-right): Displays your current score (points). Points are earned from destruction, tricks, and completing goals.
2. Mini-map (top-left): Shows your position and nearby goal markers. Blue markers indicate active goals; yellow markers show available side activities.
3. Goal Tracker (bottom-left): Lists your current active objectives (up to 3). Press the interact button to toggle tracking on/off for any goal from the map.
4. Bling Counter (top-right, below score): Shows your Bling currency, used to purchase cosmetics, items, and abilities from the Shop.
5. Quick Wheel (hold the assigned button): Allows you to equip items (e.g., jetpack, umbrella, pizza) that you’ve unlocked. Rotate with the right stick or mouse, then release to select.
6. Tutorial Pop-ups (center): First-time actions will trigger brief explanations. Read them – they teach you how to interact with the world.

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First Hour Walkthrough





Step 1: Wake Up and Explore



• You start in a small barn/livestock pen area. Immediately move around, jump, lick things, and kick barrels to get a feel for controls.


• Look for a signpost with a list of “Goatal Missions” – this is your first objective. Interact with it (press E/Y/△/X) to read the available goals.


• First Goal: “Lick 5 objects” – Lick anything (crates, hay bales, NPCs). Licked objects will stick to your tongue; press kick to launch them.




Step 2: Complete the Tutorial Goals



• The game automatically highlights three simple tutorial goals:

1. Kick something (any object)
2. Headbutt 3 things
3. Lick 5 objects

• Completing these earns you your first Bling and unlocks the ability to access the Couch Co-op Hub (a physical location on the map). Ignore that for now.




Step 3: Find the Main Quest – The Goat Tower



• Open your map (Tab on PC, Touchpad on PS, View on Xbox, Minus on Switch). You’ll see a large icon near the center of the island: the Goat Tower. This is the main story line.


• Navigate there by following the road or just running cross-country (goats can climb most surfaces).


• Once at the Goat Tower, you’ll meet the mysterious “Goat God” and receive the Tower of Goat quest. This involves completing eight Goatal Missions (one per floor) to raise the tower.




Step 4: Unlock Fast Travel



• After completing a few goals (around 3-5), you’ll unlock the Goat Application – a smartphone icon on your screen. Press the assigned button (typically R3/Right Stick click) to open it.


• The Goat App allows you to view all goals, see your progress, and fast travel to any previously visited location. Use it constantly to save time.




Step 5: Collect Bling and Buy Something



• Aim to accumulate 100 Bling early. The easiest way is to find a busy area (like the town square), cause a commotion (kick cars, headbutt NPCs), and collect the coins that pop out of destroyed objects.


• Once you have 100 Bling, open the Shop (from the Goat App) and buy a simple hat or the Mega Jump upgrade (highly recommended). Mega Jump lets you reach higher ledges.


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What to Do First (Priority List)



1. Complete the three tutorial goals – they unlock the co-op hub and give you Bling.
2. Locate the Goat Tower – start the main quest to get structured objectives.
3. Unlock the Goat Application (fast travel) – this is a game-changer.
4. Earn 100 Bling and buy Mega Jump or Super Sprint from the Shop (under Abilities).
5. Explore the island – each major area (farm, town, beach, forest) has unique goals and collectibles. Just running around and breaking things will earn you points.
6. Do the first few Goatal Missions – they teach you advanced mechanics like licking NPCs, using items, and completing races.

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What to Avoid (Newbie Pitfalls)




• Don’t ignore the Goat App – Many beginners try to find everything manually. Use the app to track goals and fast travel.


• Don’t waste Bling on cosmetic items early – Save your first 100 Bling for abilities (Mega Jump or Super Sprint). Cosmetics are purely visual and won’t help you progress.


• Don’t try to fight NPCs – They respawn infinitely and attacking them will gradually lower your score? Actually, no penalty – but it wastes time. Focus on objectives.


• Don’t get stuck in water – Goats can swim, but some goals require being on land. If you fall into the ocean, just swim to shore.


• Don’t ignore the “Lick” mechanic – Many goals require you to grab and fling specific objects. Practice licking precision.

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Early Resource Priorities

Pro tip: Smash streetlights, mailboxes, and trash cans. They are everywhere and drop coins consistently.

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Common Beginner Mistakes

• Not reading tutorial pop-ups – They disappear quickly, but you can replay them from the pause menu (Help section). The game doesn’t hold your hand beyond these, so pay attention.


• Trying to complete every goal you see – Don’t; you can only track three at a time. Stick to one or two until done, then move on.


• Neglecting the mini-map – It shows nearby goals and points of interest. If you don’t see a goal marker, you’re probably in the wrong area.


• Not using the Quick Wheel – You can equip items like the umbrella (glider) or pizza (health? no health, but funny). They can help you reach weird places.


• Getting frustrated with physics – Accept that the game runs on janky physics. That’s part of the charm. If you get stuck, wiggle out or fast travel.


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Day-One Checklist




• [ ] Select a goat and name it.


• [ ] Complete all three tutorial goals (lick, kick, headbutt).


• [ ] Interact with the signpost to unlock the Goat App.


• [ ] Use the Goat App to track the Goat Tower quest.


• [ ] Travel to the Goat Tower and begin the first floor.


• [ ] Smash 10+ objects to collect your first 150 Bling.


• [ ] Buy Mega Jump from the Shop.


• [ ] Complete at least one Goatal Mission (e.g., “Headbutt 5 NPCs” or “Kick 10 barrels”).


• [ ] Unlock fast travel by discovering a few map icons.


• [ ] Equip an item from the Quick Wheel (e.g., umbrella) and play with it.


• [ ] End your first session by exploring one new area (e.g., the beach or the forest).

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Final Words

Remember: There’s no wrong way to play Goat Simulator 3. If you get stuck on a goal, laugh at the absurdity and try something else. The game rewards creativity and persistence. Use this guide as your starting ramp – now go forth and be the most destructive goat San Angora has ever seen!