Poppy Playtime 3 ARG explains Smiling Critters, confirms CatNap as antagonsit

Fariha Bhatti Published 11/11/2023

A new Poppy Playtime ARG is here, revealing more about the creepy Smiling Critters. 

Wild theories have been brewing since Mob Entertainment’s teased new plushies called Smiling Critters. Who are they, and why do they have unique charms as necklaces? Most importantly, where is the eighth purple critter in the second image? 

The latest ARG answers many questions and confirms one theory regarding our new antagonist, CatNap. 

Poppy Playtime ARG explains who CatNap is

Mob Entertainment has an interactive ARG dedicated to Chapter 3, where it often uploads VHS images, letters, and clues regarding the game lore. 

This time, players have discovered a new tape featuring all eight Smiling Critters. The video shows Smiling Critters as children with regular human emotions who are scared of the dark. The seven critters find it difficult to sleep but are relieved when they spot the eighth missing critter, CatNap. That’s what they call him.

As theorized by many, CatNap breathes out red smoke, instantly putting the children to sleep. The dark images explain that the cat monster is likely a vessel to make the kids unconscious to carry out Playtime CO’s evil plans. The video also suggests that these children are more than willing to be sedated. Furthermore, the beast is called CatNap, which likely means he doesn’t kill the critters but makes them unconscious briefly. Not that it’s better. 

On their social media, Mob Entertainment uploaded a corrupt file of the same video. Whatever that means.

This also confirms the main antagonist for Chapter 3. But it’s still unknown what the unique emblems on their necks are for. This shall also be revealed soon as the Poppy Playtime Chapter 3 release date draws closer.

Fariha Bhatti

About Fariha Bhatti

Fariha Bhatti is a long-time gaming writer who loves competitive FPS games and slots with particularly fun themes. She got her start playing classic games developed by SNK, from legendary fighting game series The King of Fighters to challenging platform franchise Metal Slug. She now spends most of her time playing Valorant and Counter-Strike 2 while working her way through new slot releases to find her next favorite. Fariha has been published at PCGamesN, TalkEsport and ONE Esports.

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