Big Hops, the extraordinarily charming indie platformer that captured hearts upon its release earlier this year, has just received a game-changing update that allows players to hop around with up to seven of their best amphibious friends. The beloved title, which earned widespread critical acclaim for its delightful gameplay and adorable aesthetic, is now offering an 8-player cooperative experience that promises to amplify everything players loved about the original adventure.

In a gaming landscape often dominated by intense competition, gritty narratives, and overwhelming complexity, Big Hops stands as a refreshing breath of fresh air. The game invites players into a world free from the anxieties of modern life, replacing stress with pure, unadulterated joy. Rather than focusing on dark themes or challenging moral dilemmas, Big Hops delivers exactly what its name promises: an exhilarating experience centered on tongue-grappling mechanics, spectacular air-diving sequences, and the thrill of being launched from cannons across breathtaking landscapes including towering mountains, sweeping deserts, and treacherous oceans.

The Evolution of Indie Platformers

The indie platformer genre has experienced a remarkable renaissance in recent years, with titles like Celeste, Hollow Knight, and Ori and the Blind Forest setting new standards for what independent developers can achieve. Big Hops joins this prestigious lineage while carving out its own unique identity through its emphasis on momentum-based movement and its irresistibly cute frog protagonist. The addition of multiplayer functionality represents a significant evolution for the genre, as cooperative platforming experiences remain relatively rare compared to their single-player counterparts.

Developer Chris Wade, operating under the banner of Luckshot Games, has demonstrated a commitment to delivering a complete cooperative experience rather than a watered-down version of the single-player campaign. According to a recent Steam update, “Up to 8 players can play together through the whole game. There are no concessions here, no single-player only content, no half baked version of the game you know and love. It’s all there to play together.” This philosophy of maintaining quality across both modes speaks to the developer’s dedication to the player community.

Platform Availability and Technical Considerations

While the announcement has generated tremendous excitement among fans, there is one notable limitation that has disappointed some players. The co-op mode, dubbed “Big Hops Together,” will initially be available exclusively on Steam, leaving PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 players to continue their adventures solo. When asked about this platform disparity, director Chris Wade explained to Kotaku that the decision stems from practical development considerations, stating it’s “easier to focus” on a single platform during the initial rollout.

This approach is common among smaller independent studios, which often lack the resources to simultaneously develop and test multiplayer functionality across multiple platforms. The technical challenges of implementing netcode, synchronizing player movements, and ensuring stable connections can vary significantly between different gaming ecosystems. By concentrating efforts on Steam first, Luckshot Games can refine the cooperative experience before potentially expanding to console platforms in the future.

Launch Details and How to Access the Beta

Big Hops Together is currently available in open beta on Steam, giving eager players the opportunity to experience multiplayer mayhem before the official launch. The full cooperative mode is scheduled to release on August 9, 2025, promising a polished and complete multiplayer experience. Players who already own the game can access the beta immediately by launching Big Hops through the public ‘Together’ branch in their Steam library. For those who haven’t yet experienced the joy of bouncing through colorful worlds as an adorable amphibian, now presents the perfect opportunity to join the community before the multiplayer update goes live.

The addition of 8-player co-op opens up exciting new possibilities for gameplay, including the ability to tongue-swing from other players, creating elaborate chain reactions and collaborative maneuvers that would be impossible in single-player mode. This social dimension transforms Big Hops from a personal journey into a shared adventure, potentially attracting streaming communities and content creators who thrive on chaotic multiplayer experiences.