Big Hops Adds Free 8-Player Co-Op Mode for August 9 Launch

Key points

• Big Hops, a 2026 3D platformer by Luckshot Games, is receiving a free multiplayer update on August 9.
• The new mode supports up to eight players in online co-op, covering the entire game with all base mechanics intact.
• Director Chris Wade stated that adding multiplayer required rewriting core systems like player movement, UI, saving, and scene loading because the game was not designed for it initially.
• The update is launching exclusively on Steam to focus development resources and facilitate easier playtesting, with other platforms potentially following later.
• A beta version of the co-op mode is currently accessible via the 'Together' branch on Steam.

Background

Big Hops launched earlier in 2026 and has been praised as one of the year's best games, featuring tongue-swinging mechanics and high-quality visuals. This update expands the game's scope significantly, moving from a single-player experience to a chaotic multiplayer environment.

Why it matters

This update demonstrates the technical challenge of retrofitting multiplayer into a single-player game, highlighting the effort required to maintain game integrity while adding new features. It also shows the developer's strategy to prioritize one platform for stability and testing.

What to watch

The official launch of the co-op mode is scheduled for August 9. Players can currently test the feature via the Steam beta branch. Future updates may bring the multiplayer mode to other platforms, though no specific timeline has been announced.