Get Ready for Goat Farming: New Livestock in FS25
In Farming Simulator 22, we generated excitement by introducing bees to boost yields with the help of pollination. For Farming Simulator 25, we took a step back to reconsider the animal pens. Which animals were we missing? Worms? Bears? Dragons?
Unfortunately, those didn’t make the final cut, nor did Pink River Dolphins, Echidnas, or Leprechauns. But after reviewing both your feedback and our own wish list, we thought, “Alright, we goat this, GIANTS Software!” So, we seized the opportunity and created something truly goatally awesome: Water buffalos!
But let’s not beat around the bush, you’re already familiar with the water buffalo. If not, be sure to check out the Water Buffalo Preview for more info.
Alongside this powerful animal from Southeast Asia, we wanted to offer livestock owners another exciting option. That’s right, farmers, we goat your back!
The Road to Goat: FS25’s Journey to New Livestock
Getting goats just right is no easy task, and the most challenging aspects were their legs and those unique rectangular pupils. At one point, we nearly created a Dahu by mistake, a mythical creature! You can ask Katie for the full story. Wait, who’s Katie? You’ll find out soon enough.
One wrong adjustment on the sliders, and suddenly we had a creature with uneven legs—a fantasy beast! Once we got the legs sorted and sent the Dahu back to its mythical realm (or did we?), our team of 2D and 3D artists worked tirelessly on perfecting the pupils. All so these magnificent animals could do what they do best – stare.
Next, our artists and programmers worked on creating anatomically accurate goats at various stages of development, from newborns to adults, so you can fully enjoy one of the most highly anticipated farm animals! But before we introduce you to the adorable baby goats, here are some fun facts about real-life goats.
Goats? Great! Here’s Why They’re Incredible
- Goats are exceptional climbers, known for their agility in scaling cliffs and even trees. Think you’re good at bouldering? Goats take it to another level!
- Their rectangular pupils give them nearly 360-degree panoramic vision, making it easier for them to spot predators and navigate tricky terrain.
- These animals are also curious and smart, they’ve been known to figure out how to open gates and manipulate objects, so it’s wise to keep an eye on them.
- Highly social, goats form strong bonds within their herds and with humans or other animals.
- Interestingly, each goat has a unique voice. Just check out those screaming goat videos, mother goats can identify their kids by the sound of their bleat!
The Best Goats? Baby Goats! Here’s Why
From Farm to Table: Goat Cheese and New Products in FS25
Goat milk may not be for everyone, but for those who enjoy it, they’re absolutely hooked. Its distinctive, slightly tangy flavor sets it apart from the sweeter, milder taste of cow’s milk, making it a unique and sought-after product that’s also highly profitable to produce!
While raising goats is rewarding on its own, new production options let you take it a step further by turning their milk into delicious goat cheese! Trust us, it’s worth it—you goat to try it!
Curious about trying goat cheese in real life? Pair it with fruits, nuts, honey, or herbs like thyme, rosemary, and basil. It’s incredibly versatile, just like regular cheese, and can be used in everything from salads and stuffed peppers to pasta and pizza.
The Man Who Stares at Goats: A Behind-the-Scenes Interview
What inspired the decision to add goats to the game?
Goats have been a highly requested feature from our players, especially in regions where they play a significant role in farming. They also integrate well with our production chains and the new products players can create, making them an exciting addition for everyone.
What unique behaviors will goats display compared to other livestock?
Our Character & Animation team has worked hard to bring the goats to life with detailed animations. Goats are naturally lively, and with our improved animation system, we felt FS25 wouldn’t be complete without them. You’ll especially enjoy watching the baby goats (kids) bounce around, just as you’d expect real young goats to do.
How did you research real goat behavior to design their in-game actions?
We’re fortunate to have team members with real-life farming experience, which helps us bring authenticity to the game. That includes goats, as we already had a sense of what would feel real. However, we also studied a lot of videos showing goats in different settings and discussed their behaviors to ensure the virtual goats felt lifelike. Coordination between our artists, animators, and programmers was key.
What challenges did you face when creating goats?
Goats are energetic, playful animals, and capturing their realistic movements was a challenge. The biggest hurdle was animating them properly to reflect their lively nature. I think our team did a great job, and their addition really enhances the vibrancy of the farms.
Why do you think goats are impressive farm animals?
Goats are known for their distinct personalities, they’re playful, curious, and intelligent, always exploring their surroundings. While this makes them a bit of a challenge to manage, their resourcefulness, ability to adapt to different environments, and the valuable products like milk they provide make them impressive livestock.
