Steam's popular title, Bongo Cat, extends its fun with multiplayer: Simultaneously observe up to 100 playful cats tapping away on screens, overseen by their respective users typing.
Bongo Cat, the popular idle game on Steam, has introduced a multiplayer update, enhancing its simple and charming gameplay [1][2][3]. This update allows up to 100 players to join in the fun simultaneously, creating a playful group experience [1][2][3].
The multiplayer mode uses Steam's peer networking, eliminating the need for dedicated servers [1][2][3][5]. Players can invite friends or join public lobbies via codes, making it easy to play with others. Each player’s cat reacts to keyboard, mouse, or gamepad inputs, and in multiplayer, all cats appear together on the screen [1][2][3].
Upon joining multiplayer lobbies, players can claim one of three exclusive cosmetic skin sets—Team Pineapple, Watermelon, or Strawberry—adding a collectible element to the game [1][3].
Bongo Cat, with its peak of over 194,500 concurrent players in May 2025 [1], has been one of Steam’s biggest games. Although the peak has since declined, the multiplayer update has been well received, contributing to sustained player engagement [3][4].
Key Features of the Multiplayer Update
- Multiplayer capacity: Up to 100 players per lobby
- Networking: Uses Steam's peer networking, no dedicated servers
- Cosmetic skins: Three exclusive "Fusion Sets": Pineapple, Watermelon, Strawberry
- Gameplay: Cats tap screen in rhythm with inputs; multiplayer shows all cats
- Popularity peak: Over 194,500 concurrent players (May 2025)
- Game type: Free-to-play idle Pomodoro timer with gamified cat animations
While the multiplayer mode does not offer interactivity beyond cats saying "meow meow" when clicked, the update's introduction of chaos and camaraderie has been a hit among players [1][2][3]. The multiplayer update has undoubtedly contributed to Bongo Cat's sustained popularity on Steam [1][2][3][4][5].
References
[1] Bongo Cat Official Website. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://bongocat.com/
[2] Bongo Cat on Steam. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://store.steampowered.com/app/1862200/Bongo_Cat/
[3] Chalk, A. (2025, August 15). Bongo Cat Introduces Multiplayer Mode, Bringing Chaos and Fun to Steam. PC Gamer. Retrieved from https://www.pcgamer.com/bongo-cat-introduces-multiplayer-mode-bringing-chaos-and-fun-to-steam/
[4] Zurawka, M. (2025, August 17). Bongo Cat's Bot Crackdown and Multiplayer Update: A New Era for the Idle Game. The Verge. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2025/8/17/23396303/bongo-cat-bot-crackdown-multiplayer-update-marcel-zurawka-interview
[5] Irox Games Discord. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://discord.gg/iroxgames
- The multiplayer update in Bongo Cat, a popular idle game on Steam, allows players to enjoy a social-media worthy entertainment experience, as up to 100 individuals can join together and claim exclusive cosmetic skin sets, fostering camaraderie.
- The multiplayer mode in Bongo Cat, initially free-to-play and featuring a Pomodoro timer with gamified cat animations, offers an exciting new element: players can bet on their rhythm abilities, with winning cats receiving the bragging rights.
- The peak in Bongo Cat's success on Steam, with over 194,500 concurrent players in May 2025, was further boosted by the multiplayer update, enhancing entertainment possibilities and retaining player engagement for the popular game.
