GoldFire Studios has announced Ranchonauts, a new physics-based cooperative game about herding alien sheep across a dangerous extraterrestrial frontier. Revealed on November 9, 2026, the space-western adventure supports one to six players and is scheduled to launch on Steam in 2027.
The Oklahoma City-based independent developer, previously responsible for the survival adventure Arctic Awakening, introduced the game alongside an official announcement trailer. Ranchonauts combines livestock herding, ragdoll physics and environmental hazards with a progression system built around earning money and upgrading equipment.
Players take control of space explorers stranded on an alien planet after their spacecraft suffers extensive damage. With repairs requiring substantial funds, the crew turns to transporting alien sheep between settlements to earn enough money to restore their ship and return home.
The central challenge involves keeping the flock together while navigating hostile terrain. Lightning storms, gravity anomalies and other physics-driven hazards can disrupt a journey, forcing players to manage their animals, horses and personal safety.
Ranchonauts allows players to tackle these challenges alone or cooperate with up to five friends. The game features proximity voice chat, meaning communication depends on how close players are to one another within the game world.
Its physics-based systems are designed to introduce unpredictable situations during herding expeditions. Ragdoll interactions affect the action, while environmental obstacles can complicate the process of moving livestock safely between destinations.
Players can also unlock upgrades as they earn money and work toward repaying their spacecraft repair debt. Additional gameplay details describe tools such as a shrink ray and gravity cannon, alongside horse upgrades and cosmetic customisation options.
The announcement adds Ranchonauts to the selection of cooperative PC games planned for 2027. Other upcoming multiplayer projects include Mann Versus Zombies, a Team Fortress 2 survival mod featuring eight-player cooperative gameplay, enemy waves and weapon upgrades.
GoldFire Studios has confirmed a 2027 release window for Ranchonauts, although an exact launch date and pricing have not been announced. The game already has a Steam listing, where players can wishlist it ahead of release.
