Little Nightmares 3 is an intriguing new addition to the series. It marks the first time the game has been developed by a different studio, Supermassive Games, and also the first time co-op gameplay has been introduced. These two major changes make it a bold experiment, raising the question: Is it worth the leap?
The Little Nightmares series takes place in a dark, eerie world known as The Nowhere. The first game unfolded in a location called The Maw and introduced players to Six, the now-iconic protagonist known for her insatiable hunger. The sequel served as more of a prequel, expanding on the lore and setting up Six’s backstory. Little Nightmares 3, however, takes a different approach. It stars two new characters, Low and Alone, who embark on their own terrifying journey. Although it remains set within The Nowhere and connects to previous entries, it explores a new perspective on this unsettling universe while retaining familiar themes of fear, survival, and mystery.
The series is best known for its haunting atmosphere, clever environmental puzzles, and the grotesque yet fascinating creatures that pursue players throughout. It also shines in its ability to tell stories without words. There are no traditional cutscenes or spoken dialogue, yet the game communicates emotion and narrative depth through its environments and small details, sparking endless fan theories. Little Nightmares 3 continues this tradition successfully, as Supermassive Games has managed to preserve the eerie tone, visual storytelling, and sense of dread that define the franchise.
The first major change in this new game is the addition of multiplayer. The idea of playing the story with someone else lessens the sense of isolation and dread the earlier entries were known for, but somehow it works. However, in my experience, AI-controlled companions don’t feel the same as playing with a friend or someone you know. That made my decision to play solo feel a little backwards. The AI also tends to die in sections you didn’t cause, which can be frustrating.
Now, one major drawback really surprised me. There is no offline co-op support. When I first learned this, I was shocked. It seems strange to build the game as a co-op experience, release it on platforms like the Switch 2, and yet limit it to online multiplayer only. Having played it, I can’t see why the developers couldn’t include offline co-op. Maybe they will add it later, but honestly, I expected both offline and online co-op to be available. Another drawback is the absence of cross-play support. For a multiplayer-focused game, cross-play should have been included, but it is missing at least at launch.
Little Nightmares 3 begins in the same ambiguous way as its predecessors — we are dropped into the world with no explanation of what is happening. Why is my character holding a wrench? Who is the mysterious companion with a bow and arrow wearing a plague mask? And why is a giant robot baby chasing me? None of these questions are directly answered, and the deeper we go, the stranger things become. But that is exactly the charm of this franchise, and I am glad to say the developers have captured that unsettling mystery perfectly.
The story takes place once again in The Nowhere, with the two main protagonists navigating an area known as the Spiral. The game relies heavily on environmental storytelling, often presenting the world through a child’s eyes and showing how they perceive and are affected by adults. It offers a fascinating look at fear and vulnerability from a child’s perspective, as if we are witnessing a nightmare shaped by their imagination. Themes of adolescence and trauma are subtly woven into the experience, often revealed through haunting imagery and brief, unsettling flashbacks.
Gameplay focuses mainly on environmental puzzles that require cooperation between the two protagonists, Low and Alone. Low wields a bow and arrow, useful for hitting switches, cutting ropes, or fending off flying enemies. Alone uses a wrench to break barriers, destroy objects, or activate certain machines. Both characters must rely on each other’s abilities to solve puzzles and move forward through The Nowhere. The AI companion usually performs well enough to understand what needs to be done, but players can use a dedicated call button to prompt it when necessary. Of course, the experience is much more engaging when played with another person, which makes the lack of offline co-op support even more disappointing.
Another new gameplay feature is the addition of a Parasol, which allows players to glide and sail through different areas. This mechanic is cleverly integrated into the environmental puzzles and feels natural in the overall design. Even though this is the third entry in the series, the game never feels repetitive or like it is reusing old ideas. The developers have crafted some truly unsettling encounters this time around, which I will not spoil, but rest assured, they maintain the same level of tension and unease the series is known for—even with the new co-op element.
The soundtrack is also worth mentioning, as the quality remains exceptional. It complements the eerie atmosphere perfectly and enhances the emotional tone of the story. Little Nightmares 3 offers solid replay value, not just for its collectibles but also for players interested in uncovering more about the story’s themes and character backgrounds. While the main story can be completed in under ten hours, the experience encourages multiple playthroughs to understand the world and its hidden meanings better. The co-op mode further adds to this, giving players a reason to revisit the game and experience it differently.
Little Nightmares 3 Game Information
- Price: $39.99
- Publisher: Bandai Namco
- Developer: Supermassive Games
- Platform: PS5, PC (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
