Sheepherds! Extends Playtest: Cozy Canine Co-op Meets Smart Design

Why Sheepherds! Stands Out in the Co-op Crowd

When Ultimo Disco announced they were extending the playtest for Sheepherds! after a successful run during the Wholesome Games and Tiny Teams showcases, I perked up. In a sea of frantic, competitive co-op titles, Sheepherds! leans fully into something far less common: a pure, unhurried, and genuinely cozy multiplayer experience. That alone caught my attention, but the developer’s new updates and design choices suggest there’s real depth-and real heart-behind those fluffy sheep and wagging tails.

• Playtest extended to August 25th following community demand and event buzz
• Two new maps and the fresh “Transhumance” mode add welcome gameplay variety
• Emphasis on teamwork, accessibility, and genuine player interaction over chaos
• Customization and breed unlocks tap into real canine appeal for dog lovers

Breaking Down the “August Playtest” Extension

Let’s be real: most “cozy” games aren’t actually all that cooperative-they’re single-player experiences with a pastel veneer. Sheepherds! throws that formula out the window. The playtest’s 5,000+ players, a solid number for a relatively unknown indie, shows there’s hunger for a game that encourages groups to laugh and strategize, not just scramble for high scores.

The most interesting addition is the new Transhumance mechanic. Unlike typical “corralling” minigames where you just chase AI, here you’re guiding sheep along fixed, forward-moving routes—think of it like an adorable, sheep-filled version of Frogger but with the camera guiding you forward. It’s simple, but surprisingly strategic, especially with friends coordinating bark commands in real time. These nuances make the game feel more cleverly designed than other “wholesome” party games that sometimes rely too heavily on vibe over substance.

The Real Magic: Simplicity and Togetherness

Sheepherds! doesn’t try to outdo Overcooked or PlateUp! with overcomplicated systems. Instead, it goes all-in on approachability and group play. Whether you’re a parent looking for something to play with kids, or a group of friends just hanging out online, Sheepherds! doesn’t punish you for not “optimizing”—but there’s enough depth with bonus flocking challenges for those who love to min-max. I think that’s an important balance missing from a lot of other modern party games.

What really impresses me is how Ultimo Disco built player expression into the DNA of Sheepherds! The ability to unlock not just new dog breeds (pugs and corgis, naturally) but silly costumes and customizations means players can actually show off some personality. Unlockable “treats” acting as in-game currency for cosmetics feels fun—nothing is pay-to-win here, just classic, satisfying progression.

What This Means for Co-op Gaming (And Why It’s Refreshing)

The indie co-op space is crowded, and honestly, a lot of it feels derivative—cheap clones of Fall Guys mania or frantic couch chaos. Sheepherds! instead finds inspiration in actual teamwork and player communication. Even the AI sheep have believable behaviors, responding to your position and barks, which gives each round a nice bit of chaos without ever boiling over into frustration.

I’ve seen a handful of “herding” or animal-focused games flop in recent years because they aimed for visual charm but skimped on gameplay. Sheepherds! already looks more considered, from the way the maps are laid out (water hazards, flower mechanics that change sheep color—yes, really!) to the local/online split-screen options. It doesn’t try to do everything, but what it does, it does well. That kind of focus is rare, especially from a small team—Ultimo Disco has just five devs, though with some Mi-Clos Studio pedigree, and you can tell they’re putting love into the details.

Looking Ahead: Can Sheepherds! Sustain the Buzz?

The extended playtest is a smart move—it shows Ultimo Disco values community feedback, and with over 5,000 players already in, there’s early momentum. The question is whether Sheepherds! can attract a wide-enough audience post-launch in a genre where attention spans are short and content churn is high. What’s promising, though, is its accessible core loop and clear player focus, which could translate to strong word of mouth. If they continue with this “small-scope, big-heart” strategy rather than chasing features just to pad out Steam pages, Sheepherds! might just escape the indie “wholesome” graveyard.

TL;DR

Sheepherds! isn’t out to break the multiplayer mold, but that’s actually its strength. With a fresh playtest extension, new content, and a focus on friendly co-op (not chaos), Ultimo Disco’s canine party game could become your next go-to for gaming nights—especially if you’re tired of high-stress, samey party games. One to watch as it heads toward release.