Little Nightmares III is setting up to be the most ambitious entry in the Little Nightmares franchise yet, inviting us back into the twisted world of childhood fears. Now, with a fresh pair of eyes—Low and Alone—we're set to navigate the eerie landscapes of the Nowhere. With Supermassive Games taking over from Tarsier Studios, this installment introduces co-op play, fresh locations, and a uniquely haunting storyline. Let’s unpack everything that makes Little Nightmares III one of the most anticipated horror games of 2025.
When Little Nightmares first emerged, it immediately grabbed attention with its atmospheric style, surreal visuals, and storytelling that spoke to the quiet, hidden fears of childhood. The sequel expanded on these themes with new protagonists and darker horrors, solidifying Little Nightmares as one of the best indie horror video game series out there. But Little Nightmares III changes the formula in some significant ways. For one, it’s no longer being developed by Tarsier Studios, the creators of the first two games. Instead, Supermassive Games—known for Until Dawn and The Dark Pictures Anthology—has taken the reins, bringing a new but fitting approach to the game’s cinematic horror.
Supermassive Games seems committed to honoring the franchise’s legacy while exploring new storytelling and gameplay possibilities. This shift has led to Little Nightmares III becoming the first entry in the series to feature online co-op, letting players share the horror together. But don’t worry, if you prefer the solitude of facing your nightmares alone, the game has a robust AI companion system to keep the experience rich and immersive even in solo mode. In fact, you can choose to work together to solve puzzles with another player or go solo with an AI companion.
In Little Nightmares III, you’ll guide Low and Alone—two friends trapped in the Nowhere, a realm filled with places born out of delusion and despair. Low carries a bow, while Alone wields a wrench, each with unique tools to overcome obstacles and unravel the mystery of their surroundings. As you traverse the Spiral, you'll face your childhood fears together with a friend or solo. The journey is not just about survival; it's about searching for a path that could lead them out of this nightmarish world.
The Nowhere is more unsettling than ever, comprising various locations within the Spiral, each with a distinct atmosphere and a terrifying history. Here’s a look at some of the main areas we’ll encounter:
The Candy Factory is where all your creepy Willy Wonka fears come to life. This enormous, grimy space is filled with lollipops, twisted sweets, and inhuman factory workers dangling from the ceiling as if they’re part of the machinery. Here, players face off against the Supervisor, a Resident with multiple arms who lurks around, always searching for intruders. The Candy Weevils—tiny creatures that fear the light—swarm throughout the factory, ready to ambush you if you stray into the shadows.
The level design plays with your sense of scale and perspective, reminding you of just how small and vulnerable Low and Alone are in this giant, grotesque world. It’s a surreal environment that combines the horrors of machinery with twisted candy imagery, making it one of the most memorable locations in the Little Nightmares universe.
The Necropolis is a stark contrast to the chaotic factory. It’s an abandoned ruin set in a sprawling desert, where silence reigns and eerie, stone-carved statues loom. The place is haunted by the shadow of Monster Baby, a doll-like giant who has the power to turn anything in her sight to stone. Navigating the sands of the Necropolis brings new challenges, like avoiding quicksand pits and hiding from swarms of oversized beetles that scavenge the area.
Monster Baby herself is a terrifying sight; her massive, lifeless eyes scan the ruins, always on the hunt for intruders. She embodies the primal fear of being watched and hunted, forcing you to stay vigilant and quiet. The stark emptiness of the Necropolis contrasts with the cramped, bustling halls of the Candy Factory, showing just how diverse the world of the Nowhere can be.
For the first time, Little Nightmares 3 features online co-op, allowing two players to take on the roles of Low and Alone. Each character brings a unique set of tools to the table: Low’s bow allows him to hit far-off switches, distract enemies, and break ropes, while Alone’s wrench lets her break down walls, activate machinery, and smash through obstacles.
This difference in abilities makes puzzle-solving a collaborative effort. You’ll often need to hoist each other up, carry a light to unnerve the creatures of the dark, or combine your tools to clear paths. This co-op mechanic creates a genuine sense of teamwork and dependency, where each player feels crucial to progressing through the game. And for solo players, the AI companion does a solid job, assisting with puzzles and offering hints when needed.
The puzzles in Little Nightmares III range from simple to challenging, requiring players to think critically about their surroundings. Whether it’s sneaking past a creature, unlocking a hidden passage, or figuring out the correct sequence to disable a trap, there’s a satisfying mix of trial and error that keeps you engaged. While some puzzles are straightforward, others may take a few tries, especially in areas where stealth is required. The game’s design encourages players to experiment and adapt, making each new area feel fresh and unpredictable.
Like its predecessors, Little Nightmares III incorporates platforming elements that require precise timing and coordination. Using her wrench, Alone can break through obstacles and access new areas, while Low's bow can interact with distant objects. The combination of their unique tools adds depth to the gameplay, making the platforming sections more engaging than ever.
Little Nightmares III is a masterclass in atmospheric horror, blending visual and audio elements to keep players on edge. The game uses shadow and light in clever ways, creating contrasts that draw your eye to important details—or hide lurking dangers. From flickering lights to the soft glow of factory machinery, the lighting sets the mood and directs your path.
The audio design is equally crucial. From the creaking boards in the Necropolis to the hum of the machines in the Candy Factory, every sound is designed to unnerve and immerse you. The game even uses DualSense haptic feedback on the PS5, syncing with tense moments—like the Supervisor approaching or Monster Baby’s gaze sweeping over you—to give you a real sense of dread.
Low and Alone are two protagonists with contrasting personalities and backstories. They’ve only known each other since becoming trapped in the Nowhere, yet their bond is palpable. Low, with his raven mask and bow, is the more reserved of the two, while Alone, with her pigtails and wrench, exudes a bit more grit and determination. Their friendship feels genuine, with small gestures like helping each other up or standing close for comfort adding layers to their characters.
As you follow the journey of Low, the game’s story reveals more about the Nowhere as you progress, hinting at past traumas and fears that both are working through. Each location reflects these fears, from the towering machinery in the Candy Factory to the desolate sands of the Necropolis. By the end of their journey, players will understand what brought them to the Nowhere and what it might take for them to finally escape.
Little Nightmares III is set to release in 2024 on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Bandai Namco Entertainment has confirmed that the game will support both local co-op and online co-op modes. The availability on older consoles like Xbox One and Nintendo Switch ensures that fans of the first two Little Nightmares games can continue their journey regardless of their hardware.
The first trailer for Little Nightmares III was unveiled at Gamescom 2023, offering a cinematic glimpse into the eerie world of the Nowhere. The atmospheric visuals and haunting soundtrack immediately captured the attention of fans and newcomers alike. Hands-on previews have praised the game for its innovative co-op mechanics and the seamless integration of horror and adventure game elements.
Little Nightmares III is shaping up to be a standout horror adventure that both honors its roots and pushes the series forward. The inclusion of online co-op adds a unique layer, letting players face your childhood fears together, while the beautifully eerie environments and unsettling story promise a rich experience for solo players as well. With Supermassive’s expertise in horror and Bandai Namco’s backing, this installment might just surpass its predecessors, delivering a horror game that’s both familiar and refreshingly new.
So, if you’re ready to step back into the world of Little Nightmares and face your childhood fears together with a friend (or on your own), Little Nightmares III is set to offer a dark, memorable journey when it releases in 2024. Stay tuned to SAVEGAME for more updates, trailers, and gameplay previews as we creep closer to launch!
